Minnewanka Lakers

[Fishslayer99]

Just looking for some feedback on lake Minnewanka. Thinking about getting my parks fishing license this spring just for that lake, would love to get a few lakers. want to know what the average size that comes out is and how hard it may be to get a few. anyone who has fished this lake or has any info to share, I would appreciate some comments. I know there are some lunkers in there, but would imagine they are few and far between.

[The Fisherman Guy]

There are a lot of nice lakers in Minne, catching them is a challenge. Best bet is to fish the shallows in the early season.

[Fishslayer99]

Originally Posted by The Fisherman Guy

There are a lot of nice lakers in Minne, catching them is a challenge. Best bet is to fish the shallows in the early season.

Yea I figured that would likely be the case, thanks for the reply.

[wildcat111]

super easy lake to fish , especially in June and july, average laker is around 5lbs, have caught them as big as 25lbs, bring a fly rod with you, fish 10-50 ft of water, later in the season move out to 80-120 ft. tube jigs work great, bring a large assortment of colors

[TROLLER]

I fish Minny at least 2 or 3 days a week in mid May to June and I do not think it is a super easy lake to fish.

Have had many a day where I caught a limit of skunks as well as some spectacular days with the lakers.

Stay shallow as long as water temp is below 52 F. then they go deep. Most then switch to down riggers but a few of the guides still stick with the jig, a white tube remember no lead, must be lead free hooks. Hard to find but the fishn hole usually has a few on hand.

Early on I have had good luck with larger fish at the far end on the lake in 18 to 25 FOW but be mindful if the wind comes up It can be an exciting boat ride back to the docks.

[thumper]

Minnewanka is a unique fishery, in that we are very fortunate to have an excellent lake trout fishery in such close proximity to a major city (1 1/2 hr from Calgary). Factor in the good parking, boat launch, guide services, rental boat opportunities and the outstanding scenery there, and it makes for an outstanding day excursion.

It's also unique in that Canada's national parks still make an exception in permitting people to fish at all! You are not permitted to pick berries or take home a stick, stone or antler you find in the park - yet you're able to catch and kill native fish. Many, including some park biologists, would like to see fishing totally banned in our parks, and the current park ban on motorized watercraft extended to include Minnewanka. If Minnewanka's laker population was under stress in any way, Parks Canada would shut down the fishery in a heartbeat.

Minnewanka's lakers can definitely be vulnerable to over harvest at times, particularly in the spring when in shallow water. Please come out and take advantage of the fishery and fully enjoy the entire day experience - perhaps include a hike, other area attractions or Banff or Canmore's shopping and museums. But once you figure out Minnewanka's lakers, please don't treat this fishery like a grocery store - hitting it hard and repeatedly to fill a freezer. Appreciate and pursue the experience of all this backyard gem has to offer, and you'll help perpetuate both the lakers, and parks permission to pursue them!