Fishing in the Rockies
 

Looking to do some fishing in early September but find most companies' day trip very expensive. Any suggestions for other more economical options? TX

I'm interested, too. But I would like to fish from a dock or rent a boat.

Is the fishing license available along the Icefields Parkway and cost?

Glad you asked this question.

Maryann, looks like we`re on our own! I think our best bet is to check it out with the locals when we get there. I emailed the Banff/LL tourism bureau for some info. I`ll let you know if I learn anything.

Banff and Lake Louise are both in a National Park, therefore I don't think (however I'm not sure) that fishing is allowed there.

There are TONS of outfitters in and around Banff provinding fishing trips to the upper and lower Bow River and nearby lakes.

If we are driving along and see an interesting place, we like to stop and throw in a line. We will need a license-where to buy? in Alberta & BC.

Licenses are available at the Banff and LL Visitor Centre. Here is the information I got from www.discoveralberta.com. I don`t think you can just throw a line in any lake you see along the way though...There must be regulation.

"Fish the Bow River for cutthroat and bull trout (both catch and release) plus brown and brook trout. Trophy-sized lake trout are often caught in Lake Minnewanka, although the average is 1-2 kg (2-5 lbs). There is also good fishing at Spray Lakes, Mt Lorette and Barrier Lake ponds, Kananaskis River and Lakes, and Chief Hector Lake. Parks Canada fishing licenses ($6/wk; $13/yr), regulations and information are available from Banff Visitor Centre, 224 Banff Ave, 762-1550 Map 3, 7J; Lake Louise Visitor Centre, Samson Mall, 522-3833 Map 4, 10E; and Lake Minnewanka Boathouse, 762-3473 Map 3, 16I. Wilson Mountain Sports, Lake Louise Samson Mall, 522-3636 Map 4, 10E rents fishing equipment. Boats are also for rent (see Boat Rentals listings)."

Fishing is allowed in national parks with a National Park Fishing Licence. Go to http://www.parkscanada.ca/ and the specific park you will be visiting for more information and fishing regs (look under Activities).

This page (http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/fishing/laf.html) gives you the prices for fishing licences in Alberta and links to places to buy them and sportfishing regs. This page (http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/recreational.html) links to that information for British Columbia.

Thanks Cluny & Andree, all that typing,!, I appreciate it.

We are working hard for that elusive fish...! Hope we get to catch one and EAT it!! Mariann, when are you going? We might find ourselves in the same "boat" (heehee!)

Andree, we would love to meet up with you And the Fish.!.

Sept. 9- Golden BW
Sept 10- Canmore, Bow Valley Mote
11-The Crossing Resort
12-Golden-Same hotel.

We met people on our April cruise that we met online-and- had the best cruise.

Don't be shy.

Maryann

Hi Maryann, I emailed both Banff and LL Visitor Info Centre to find out about renting boats and where. LL says there`s nothing around them but in Banff. Banff is referring me to Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours as they have boats for rents, but I`m not sure we can fish on that lake past September 4. I emailed them and we`ll see what happens...Their charter trips are less expensive then most ($240 for 1 or 2 ppl and $65 for additional adult), but still too much $$ to stare at a lake hoping to MAYBE catch a fish worthy of that name...! I`d rather pay good $$ to have it on my plate, staring at me!! Don`t know if we will be able to connect as you will be travelling a bit more. We will be based at Paradise Lodge in LL and doing day trips all of the week of Sept. 8, leaving on the 12th. Maybe on the lake if things turn out positive with this boat company. I`ll let you know when they reply. Cheers!

Andree, I forgot about lake conditions being so cold (we're in Fla.).

Anyhow, I realize they have to make money in their season but that's pretty steep. We will check when we get there about the license and just poke around on our own. We could eat alot of fish dinners for that price.

We are moving around alot as we want to spend full days doing things between overnight stops, not backtracking to a hotel. That's worked out best for us. Of course, lugging suitcases in & out of hotels every night and AM gets old. That's what makes cruises great-no lugging but on & off, and they do it for you.

Have fun- if I see anyone fishing, I'll yell out 'Andree' (They'll probably think I'm nuts).

Maryann, I got the info back from Lake Minnewanka Boat tours. As I suspected, the fishing season on that lake is closed as of September 1. However, I found out that there are places where to can throw your line year round. Below is their message and check out the first website they suggested. You`ll find all the lakes in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay Nat'l Parks where you can fish. You only have to purchase a permit at either Banff or LL Visitor Centre (you don`t need a provincial permit). If you prefer, you can email me at this address: [email protected]. I`m in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada)

Message from LMBT:
"Regarding other fishing available try this address:
http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/a...4a_e.asp#banff and
it should take you directly to the fishing regulations for Banff National
Park (which is also surrounded by Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks -
all w/in a 3hr maximum driving area). If that doesn't work try
www.parkscanada.gc.ca and then do a search for fishing in the national
parks.Your other option is to do some
spin or fly fishing on the banks of the bow river which has portions that
are open all year around. You can also get a guide to do this with you so
you know where the best fishing is. The bow river is known to be some of
the best fishing in the world."

Andree, thanks to you, we now know everything about fishing there-now we have to actually catch one !

If, we don't need a provincial permit, I'll need a park permit, right?

If we are in Golden (BC) and Canmore (AB), out of the park, we would still need the prov. permits? Whew- what a tangled mess with permits!

I'll ask DH where he wants to fish and he'll prob. say 'wherever you want' then I'll have to decide. I think I'll pick the parks.

Thanks soooooo much for all the info, what are you going to do ?

If you plan on fishing outside the National Parks, you will need a fishing license for each province you want to fish in. Lots of gas stations sell them. Check the BC and Alberta tuorism websites for costs.

Hi Maryann, As Luna said, we would need a provincial permit if we fish outside the national parks, otherwise only one will do. The lady at Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours was a lot of help, more than the visitor bureaus...She said we can get a map of where to fish when we buy the permits at the visitor bureau. However, she recommends paying for a day trip with guide. She knows it`s expensive but they know where to go for a good catch an they provide everything...I don`t know what I`ll do yet. I`ll probably just swing it when I`m there. Have a great trip and maybe we`ll meet around the same fishing hole! If not, let me know how your trip went when you`re back! Cheers!

we'll be getting back mid-Oct. so it will be awhile for the report. I'll let you know.