Lower/Upper Kananaskis in Early May?

[mikep]

Hi Everyone,

Moved back to Alberta a few months ago and came back with a fishing boat.

I’m not a fan of down-riggers, so I’m really looking forward to some very early spring fishing, so I can do some hands-on trolling for good size trout.

I live I Calgary so figure my best option is Lower or Upper Kananaskis lakes.

How deep do you think they’ll be sitting right after ice-out?

The campground opens mid-may, is the ice usually out by then?

And, if you have any other advice, I’m listening…. Other lakes maybe? Was also considering Waterton and from what I can tell, ice should be out by mid-may there (according to the cruise company).

Thanks,
mike

[fish99]

launching a trailered is almost imposible until the 2nd weekend in june asthe water is to low

[mikep]

thanks fish99.... i have a 17.5' princecraft so early june it is... can you still get to the trout without a down rigger at that time?

can you suggest other trout lakes that might be open mid-may?

thanks,
mike

[fish99]

we do good for bulls right up until mid july, then they are staging up the smith-dorreen creek. rainbows and cuts all year. no need for down riggers

[mikep]

I’m really glad to hear that they can be fished without riggers… pleasantly surprised though as my only trout lake experience has been in Northern Ontario and they’re impossible without riggers in the heat of summer… Is this different in K lakes because of how cold the water is?.... would make sense.

Thanks again!
mike

[bowness]

I have not tried it but have heard that spray can be god for trolling??? I would like to try with my boat this summer.

[EZM]

Google Dipsy Diver ............

No riggers needed .............. fish down 100 feet if you want ....

[mikep]

Originally Posted by EZM

Google Dipsy Diver ............

No riggers needed .............. fish down 100 feet if you want ....

thanks, that's great stuff and i'll definitely be using that technique.

since k lakes won't be ready for may long, i'm wondering what other trout lake there is around that will be... i'd even go into south-eastern bc.

mike

[TROLLER]

Originally Posted by bowness

I have not tried it but have heard that spray can be god for trolling??? I would like to try with my boat this summer.

problem with Spray is the road in. It will no matte how slow you drive send rocks flying all over your bow. Almost need a paint job after the trip.

Unless you have a real good rock guard either on the bow or your truck stick to ice fishn spray.

[mikep]

Originally Posted by TROLLER

problem with Spray is the road in. It will no matte how slow you drive send rocks flying all over your bow. Almost need a paint job after the trip.

Unless you have a real good rock guard either on the bow or your truck stick to ice fishn spray.

aside from the rocks (i do have a rock guard) how's the integrity of the road?... safe?

And, can you leave your boat in the water if staying at the campground?

[bowness]

I have a friend who does well on Waterton lakes. Beautiful park but the wind can be tough.

[mikep]

Originally Posted by bowness

I have a friend who does well on Waterton lakes. Beautiful park but the wind can be tough.

would you mind asking him if one can dock (rest ashore) their boat if staying at the Bertha Bay backcountry site....?

[MtnGiant]

Originally Posted by TROLLER

problem with Spray is the road in. It will no matte how slow you drive send rocks flying all over your bow. Almost need a paint job after the trip.

Unless you have a real good rock guard either on the bow or your truck stick to ice fishn spray.

Never thought I'd see a comment like this on AOF!!!!!! Shocking!!!!!

Do you only fish where a paved road will take you???

Do you not drive the gritty paved winter roads either???

Man....your missin out!!!!