There have been a few instances when we found ourselves staring at our fishing rod for hours, only to go home empty-handed. We thought the fish were just having a party we weren’t invited to (or perhaps working on Shark Tale Part 2).
Only later did we realize the real problem – we were just fishing in the wrong spots!
To spare you the same dilemma, we created this fishing handbook that has all the best spots in and around Calgary. How do we know? Because we’ve tried them ourselves, and they do seem to yield the best chance for angling.
Say goodbye to lackluster fishing tales and say hello to exciting adventures, reeling in the big ones in the fishiest spots!
Table of Contents
1. Carburn Park
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y7FVpj7cNj5J2Z8Z6
Address: 67 Riverview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2C 4H8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-268-2489
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Spanning 135 hectares, one of the most popular spots on this list is Carburn Park. It’s known for its abundance of wildlife and park features – including a lake, a lagoon, picnic tables, a pond, and such.
The most common fish in the pond are perch and pike. While fishing tends to be slow here, it still stands as an ideal location if you’re the type who likes fishing for the patience and tranquility that comes with it.
Other than fishing, it’s also an exciting location to go bird watching, canoeing, and walking.
2. Glenmore Reservoir
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/En5a1yKRsC1BbDZv5
Glenmore Reservoir is favored for fishing because of the variety of species you can catch here. We’ve caught fish like Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout fairly easily here ourselves.
Additionally, it’s in a pretty accessible location with plenty of exciting attractions surrounding it. And the best part? Here, you can also rent a canoe for the day to enhance your fishing experience!
3. Bow River
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oJJ6FUjgvFpiZzuR7
Bow River is an exciting fishing location open all year round. That said, we find that it’s best to go here from May to October when the weather is just right.
Many people come here for the abundance of Rainbow Trout. We’ve caught ones about 19 inches long here! Expect to see Bull Trout, Brown Trout, and Cuttlefish here too.
4. Mcgregor Lake Reservoir
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2tiJCQVntnSZkn6h9
Mcgregor Lake Reservoir provides a perfect landscape for a picturesque fishing adventure. There’s also an abundance of fish species including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Burbot.
Because of this, anglers are provided with a much more rewarding and varied catch, making this reservoir an ideal location for all skill levels.
5. Pine Coulee Reservoir
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pfCmUT4RGeviyUfH8
Address: Range Rd 283, Stavely, AB T0L 1Z0, Canada
Pine Coulee Reservoir is perhaps one of the most quiet fishing spots near Calgary. For the best experience, head to the south of the reservoir where many of the Northern pikes are, especially if you’re just shore fishing.
The only downside we can think of is that there’s no shade in the area. On that note, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!
6. Spray Lakes Reservoir
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EQ2UT1W5C1RH3qft7
Located in Kananaskis, a 1-hour and 50-minute drive from Calgary, is the Spray Lakes Reservoir – a great place for reeling in Lake Trout. We were also able to spot Lake Whitefish, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and other species.
It’s also an ideal and safe location for ice fishing in winter, so this is the perfect spot if you want to try it out!
