First lakes to thaw in spring
 

Just curious about approximate dates of spring lake thaws in Southern AB. I got a new boat this winter and have been doing some engine work on it. I'm ready to test it but obviously everything is frozen.



What lakes (that allow powered boats) are the first to thaw in the spring that are within driving distance of Calgary (2 hours)? And when approximately? I know it varies based on the weather, but I am just looking for generalizations here...



Thanks guys!

I usually make an annual April trip down to the south to fish Payne Lake and a few of the others in the Crownest

Spring Thaw
 

Most likely a lot of lakes will be clear first part of April if not sooner, given the current ice conditions, so you may be able to get out real early for boating.😎

if the weather stays this warm - you might be fishing open water next week down there !!!!

Open Water
 

Maybe I'm a month but not next week😉, even you know better than that
😎. Let's not give false hope to those that wish it were so.

I think frank lake will thaw as mostly windy and shallow

First lakes to thaw in spring
 

You can't boat at Frank Lake.

Saw a picture of a guy with a fly caught Pike on open water this weekend

Smaller area of Crowsnest lake are open now.

Any idea where?

What part? Is the east end boat ramp melted? I just need a small patch of water to test some things.

South shore beside highway where the water runs between Crowsnest and Emerald and also west end of Emerald. I am sure there are other areas at both lakes that are open but that is what I noticed driving by.

Can't you run motor test with a muff?

Long story but the short of it is the engine was replaced and want to test for vibrations under load.

Earliest water I've found within 2 hours of Calgary was at Lake McGregor. It tends to melt off around the north side boat launch, enough to get a smallish boat in if you just need to test for float etc. (just looked back, I was on the water there March 26, 2015)