Hike in fishing lakes currently open?

[Andrew]

Hello all,

I have a friend from Denmark and his girlfriend visiting Canada this week, and on Thursday I plan to take them out for a day in the AB rockies. My friend wants to fish, but also wants to make sure there is a nice hike involved as his girlfriend is not so interested in fishing. Was thinking something along the lines of Rawson or picklejar, But sadly neither are open quite yet. Does anyone have any suggestions of some nice, relatively easy hikes to a fishable lake that is currently open? Not looking for honey holes, I don't think size is a factor just catching some fish would likely make him very happy.

Very appreciative of any suggestions, and happy fishing to you all. Cheers!

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[Andrew]

Should probably also add that I'm in Calgary, So spots relatively close to cowtown.

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[millsboy79]

Do you have a belly boat?

[millsboy79]

Or wait till Saturday

[JReed]

Try elbow lake, short hike maybe half hour up. Lots of brookies, beautiful scenery

[Andrew]

Was thinking elbow lake might be a good call. I guess there's also edworthy falls behind it too so an extra bit of hiking to do if we get bored of the fishing. He spin fishes but i flyfish. Should I bother bringing him little spinners or just outfit him with flies and a casting bubble?

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[JReed]

Try both spin and fly and see what works. Those trout are usually pretty willing, especially if the ice just came off.

If elbow is a bust, could always hike the trail around upper kananaskis lake and look for fish cruising the shoreline. Have fun!

[spinerfisher]

mepps, panther martins work good, size #1, or I have used bumblebee fly pattern or bright colored flies and that catches lots of brookies, awesome scenery as mentioned.

[commieboy]

Galatea, Headwall and Ribbon lakes are all open and involve a hike.

You could also do the hike around Upper Kananaskis and stop along the way for some fishing.

[millsboy79]

Galatea, Headwall and Ribbon lakes are all open and involve a hike.

You could also do the hike around Upper Kananaskis and stop along the way for some fishing.
Be sure to check the trail reports reports before you decide ... Galatea Creek trail is closed due to trail damage.

[Bushleague]

Was thinking elbow lake might be a good call. I guess there's also edworthy falls behind it too so an extra bit of hiking to do if we get bored of the fishing. He spin fishes but i flyfish. Should I bother bringing him little spinners or just outfit him with flies and a casting bubble?

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I usually take Len Thompsons in orange/ white, yellow/ red, and blue silver. Especially when fishing a lake I find the excellent casting properties of a spoon can be invaluable. I also take some Panther Martins and some nymphs. Last time I was at elbow lake I did well fishing nymphs under a casting bubble, retrieved at a snails pace so the nymph slowly cruised about 2-6" under the surface.

[fish_e_o]

try grassi lakes.

very civilization oriented lake but it's nice and it has a nice little hike too.

[chucklesthe3rd]

try chester lake by spray lakes, great hike and the lake has cutts and dollys. bring bear spray because there are a lot of bears in that area