The Best Fishing Spots in Alberta
In Canada’s Alberta you can fish a wide range of waters from Rocky Mountain streams to prairie lakes and large reservoirs, with great opportunities for fly fishing, spin fishing, trolling and ice fishing. Mountain rivers and clear alpine lakes are known for rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout and arctic grayling, while deeper lakes produce lake trout and kokanee. Prairie and reservoir fisheries commonly hold walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake whitefish, and many anglers chase trophy fish on rivers like the Bow River. Seasonal fishing changes from spring runoff in mountain streams to warm‑water action on lakes in summer and reliable ice fishing in winter, giving anglers year‑round options.
Top Cities For Fishing
River Fishing
South Saskatchewan River
Beaver River
North Saskatchewan River
Athabasca River
Peace River
Lake Fishing
Lesser Slave Lake
Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Bow River
A world-class trout fishery flowing through Calgary , the Bow River is famed for trophy rainbow trout and brown trout, plus strong numbers of mountain whitefish; drift boats and walk-and-wade access both shine from Banff downstream, with peak action in late spring through fall and reliable mid-winter nymphing in urban reaches.
Calling Lake
North of Wabasca-Desmarais , Calling Lake is a classic boreal fishery for walleye, northern pike, and winter whitefish; boats probe expansive shoreline breaks and sand points in summer, while ice anglers see steady action on flats and drop-offs.
Cold Lake
Straddling the Alberta–Saskatchewan border near Cold Lake , this deep, clear basin is Alberta’s premier lake trout destination, also holding northern pike and whitefish; summer downrigging and winter ice fishing produce big lakers, while pike cruise weedy bays in spring.
Ghost Lake
This Bow River reservoir west of Cochrane offers convenient access to lake trout (stocked), rainbow trout, and aggressive pike; anglers troll along the old river channel, cast windward points, and set tip-ups during hardwater season.
Gull Lake
Near Lacombe and Rimbey , Gull Lake is a central Alberta favorite for walleye, pike, and winter whitefish; trolling weed edges and mid-lake humps produces in summer, while shacks on broad flats see steady hardwater action.
Lac la Biche
A sprawling lake near the community of Lac La Biche , it’s well known for walleye, northern pike, and lake whitefish; anglers troll weedlines and reefs in summer and set up over subtle breaks for steady winter bites.
Lake Athabasca
Immense and wild at Alberta’s far north, Lake Athabasca offers exceptional lake trout, northern pike, and Arctic grayling at river mouths; boats probe drop-offs and reefs near Fort Chipewyan , with prime action during the short, cool summer and early fall.
Lesser Slave Lake
One of Alberta’s largest lakes, this broad northern water is renowned for walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch; boat anglers troll expansive flats and reefs while shore casters work marinas and points near Slave Lake , with hot bites in late spring and again during cool fall weather.
Lower Kananaskis Lake
Below its upper twin in Kananaskis Country , Lower Kananaskis Lake features clear, cool water with bull trout, rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish; productive tactics include spoons along drop-offs, streamers at creek mouths, and trolling deep basins in midsummer.
Maligne Lake
Jasper’s iconic blue gem near Jasper is famed for quality lake trout and cruising brook trout near inlets; early-season shallow trolling, mid-summer deep presentations, and scenic shore casting around Spirit Island-area structure are highlights.
North Saskatchewan River
Rolling from the Rockies through Edmonton , this big prairie river holds walleye, northern pike, goldeye, burbot, and elusive lake sturgeon; anglers drift-jig current seams, cast crankbaits from parks and boat launches, and enjoy consistent summer–fall action.
Oldman River
Winding from the Rockies past Lethbridge , the Oldman offers diverse opportunities: cutthroat trout and bull trout in the upper reaches, with walleye, pike, and goldeye in the prairie stretches; floating and wading both excel around pools, seams, and canyon runs.
Pigeon Lake
A popular central Alberta lake southwest of Edmonton , Pigeon Lake is celebrated for abundant walleye, plus northern pike and burbot; trolling crankbaits, slip-float jigging, and ice fishing all produce across humps and weed edges from spring through winter.
Pyramid Lake
Minutes from Jasper , Pyramid Lake offers accessible fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, and occasional lake trout; canoe and kayak trollers work drop-offs while shore anglers cast spoons and flies from beaches and the island causeway from spring through fall.
Red Deer River
Flowing past Red Deer and badlands near Drumheller , this diverse river offers strong fishing for walleye, northern pike, goldeye, and seasonal brown trout in upper reaches; shore anglers work accessible bends and riffles while boaters drift long glides and back-eddies.
Spray Lakes Reservoir
A windswept mountain reservoir above Canmore , Spray Lakes holds lake trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish; summertime deep trolling and winter ice fishing over channels and points are consistent producers amid spectacular scenery.
Sylvan Lake
A family-friendly lake west of Red Deer , Sylvan Lake produces quality walleye, pike, and winter whitefish; trolling along drop-offs, jigging shoals, and ice huts on mid-lake flats are classic approaches from late spring through hardwater season.
Upper Kananaskis Lake
A turquoise alpine lake in Kananaskis Country , Upper K holds bull trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout; hikers and shore casters target steep banks and inflows while boaters work wind-blown points and deep contours through summer and early fall.
Upper Waterton Lake
Set in spectacular mountain scenery at Waterton Lakes National Park , Upper Waterton Lake offers cold, clear-water opportunities for lake trout and cruising pike; shore casting from rocky points and deep-water trolling both produce, with peak action in late spring and early summer.
Wabamun Lake
Close to Edmonton , Wabamun Lake is a favored destination for hefty northern pike and plentiful yellow perch; shore access at parks and docks complements boat casting along cabbage beds and points, with strong bites in spring and again under first ice.