Help w/Cold lake trip Please

[Kook68]

I am traveling to cold lake the week of Sept. 13 from the US for a day or two of work at 4 wing and I was looking for some help on how to get some good fishing in the rest of the week. I will have 2 -2.5 days to make the most of it in that area. I found some lodges and guide services in the area but they seem a little pricey for my budget. Not that they don't need to make a living too, just a little out my range at $500/day. I know a guide is probably the way to go, but it will spend my entire budget for 1 day....

I would just like to catch some Pike or perch that week and don't mind renting a small boat, just wondering if I should utilize cold lake or one of the many smaller lakes in the area. Also looking for a place to stay near the water that I may be able to fish after work???

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. There is so much to research when you travle to an unknown area. Thanks for any help!

Kook68