First Lakes to open for Canoe/Kayak fishing

johnnymacrds · #1 03-02-2016, 11:09 AM

I am looking for some info regarding the first lakes to open up where I could put a Canoe / Kayak in and do some fishing or just tour around. Also any easy river canoe spots would be greatly apprecaited. With this warm weather I am hoping to get a trial run or 2 in.. I bought a new 15.6 ft and would like to take it out for a spin ASAP.

I live in Calgary so I am looking for something within 2 hours or so?

Thanks for the help in advance...

Elchinodiablo · #2 03-20-2016, 08:45 PM

Im following too. Some fishing along the way would be nice.

Okotokian · #3 03-21-2016, 09:42 AM

It's a nice and easy paddle downstream on the Bow if you put in under the Glenmore Trail bridge. Can leave your vehicle there. I'd plan to take out at or soon after the deerfoot bridge by Douglasdale. I got exhausted trying to go against the wind all the way to Policeman's flats.

Foot Stomper · #4 03-21-2016, 11:24 PM

Seriously considering a drive out to Winchell Lake to see if it's open... Not holding my breath but a coffee, with the dog and an hour or two in the truck on back roads needs a destination... sometimes...

CurtisV. · #5 03-22-2016, 09:29 PM

There is lots open here in the south end.
But also most fishing closed in PP1 I do believe.

Foot Stomper · #6 03-23-2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet

Winchell is completely covered with ice still, no open water.

Thanks for update Jet!

Damn! I was hoping to get my new kayak out for a spin there this weekend...

Ok, plan B... figure out a more southern destination.

cfricker · #7 03-23-2016, 09:49 PM

Will be looking for somewhere to try out my new pontoon in the Calgary area as well around middle of April.

Foot Stomper · #8 03-26-2016, 07:59 PM

Gap Lake today was very nice for my maiden voyage. Never paddled a fishing kayak before and am very happy with my purchase!!

weedhaul · #9 03-26-2016, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

Gap Lake today was very nice for my maiden voyage. Never paddled a fishing kayak before and am very happy with my purchase!!

Wow that was today? Was there any ice?

Red Bullets · #10 03-26-2016, 10:33 PM

So soon after ice off that water is going to be quite cold. Wear your PDF in case you get dumped. I remember a person dumping a kayak a week after ice off at a local lake and he let out a blood curdling scream as soon as he hit the water and was very lucky someone in a boat was a minute away or the cold water would have got him in 4 or 5 minutes.

Foot Stomper · #11 03-27-2016, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weedhaul

Wow that was today? Was there any ice?

No ice on it at all. It's in a pretty good spot for the sun to warm it up and a few springs I think help too.

Foot Stomper · #12 03-27-2016, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

So soon after ice off that water is going to be quite cold. Wear your PDF in case you get dumped. I remember a person dumping a kayak a week after ice off at a local lake and he let out a blood curdling scream as soon as he hit the water and was very lucky someone in a boat was a minute away or the cold water would have got him in 4 or 5 minutes.

That water was about the same temp I like my beer.

Good point on the Pfd. I was wearing the new auto inflate Pfd and forgot it was even on its so comfortable.

weedhaul · #13 03-27-2016, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

No ice on it at all. It's in a pretty good spot for the sun to warm it up and a few springs I think help too.

Think I'll head out there with the kayak this week! Thanks!