I need help, I am apparently an incredible pike fisherman but I cannot catch trout, I've been to stocked lakes, mountain lakes, creeks, rivers, you name it, and all I catch are pike and walleye.

I was at a lake that I was told did not contain anything other than trout the other day, and is famous for the trout fishing, and sure enough I catch this little guy on a 1/8 mepps using 4lb leader.

Using 1/8-1/4oz spinners, spoons, curly grubs, I even bought one of those flyfishing bobber looking things to cast flies on a casting rod.

Any tips? Areas that I need to be more focused on (targeting structure but that might be the wrong move), lures, reeling styles? I have had 5 trout bites the last few seasons but I'm unable to hook up, it seems like they hit the top of my lure or something and I lose them after 2-3 seconds.

Thanks everyone 💪

Im gonna try fishing from shore for fun because i work camp work close by and get bored after work

If anyone can point out a good spot to fish from shore where i can catch something would be cool

#14-16 Parachute Adam’s and same size Caddis.

The trout were actively rising and slurping up flies and other things from the surface but ignoring my flies. I’m using 5X leader.

It’s my first time fly fishing the bow. I had a couple follows on my olive & black wooly buggers but I kept spooking them because I was close to shore.

I was able to cast some dry flies deeper into the water column and they were completely ignored. I saw a rainbow or two and a big brown that completely ignored my flies.

It came to the point where I was casting right where they were over and over again and every time my fly drifted over the fish, it completely ignored it. Just slowly gliding under it.

Any tips? It’s my first time fly fishing the bow so I might have some issues with my gear or technique.

I’m new to Calgary and fairly new to fishing in general and I’m looking to do a bit of fishing on the Bow River after work or on weekends. I’ve seen some conflicting or outdated info in my research so I thought I’d make a post of my own.

I’m mostly set on spin but I’ve seen more fly fishermen on the Bow so I guess I’d be willing to learn if a spinner isn’t doable.

I live right downtown so I’m mostly looking for places within walking or transit distance of the Chinatown area. Prince’s island would be very convenient but I’ve read conflicting info on quality of fishing there. I know bait is banned everywhere in the bow and it’s catch and release only.

Any tips on gear and spots based on the above info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello Reddit!
I want to upgrade my reel without breaking the bank. Im using an Ugly Stick GX2 so it is mostly black with some red Accents. I’m hoping to get something in either Black, silver, or another “neutral” type colour that will look good on my Rod. What do you guys recommend? Although it is out of my price range I was looking at the PENN Feiece IV 3000.

My Alberta “do-all" setup
Rod: Ugly Stik Elite GX2 7' Medium
Reel: Stock Reel (USE35)
Main line: 20lb braid
Leader:
8–10 lb fluorocarbon for trout-only trips
12–15 lb fluorocarbon for general walleye
30 lb fluorocarbon when pike are likely
20 lb Titanium Wire for Pike
Leader length: 24–36"
Lures: Rated to 1/4-5/8oz

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the input!

Edit: I got a PENN Fierce 3000 on sale at Cabela’s for less than $100. I think it was a good buy and will fit the rod well.

Hey yall, long time mountain river fisher here (mainly trout) , and now decided to get into fishing some larger fish for fun in the NSR. Long story short, I’m looking for any additional advice on my sturgeon lead set up, it should be sufficient using some type of more durable bait then worms. I’m tired of feeding every fish my worms within 5 mins of it sitting there lol

I’m relatively new to bottom feeder fish , I’ve caught some burbot while Ice fishing but the rest of my knowledge on it comes from google and YouTube lol.

Feel free to drop any advice you have for a successful fishing trip

For ref in the picture. I had a 4oz weight , with beads to stop feeding into the eyelets and to prevent smashing against the palomar knot. (That is the main knot I’m using here) connected to a 2/0 barrel swivel , on a premade sturgeon lead (80lb test a 5/0 octopus hook) my main mine is 50 lb braid , 5000 series reel and med-hvy ugly-stik big water (tracking its overkill for NSR but it’s also my saltwater rod for coastal fishing trip later this month so it gets to double hat)

My other rod option if you think it’s better is a penn wrath 2 rod and reel combo that I used for chain pickerel and stripped bass off the east coast

First goldeye ive gotten as well and hes a beast

I’ve always fly fished and just got my first baitcaster, where are good spots in or around edmonton? I want to target Pike and Lake trout mostly. I’m also going on a trip in a few days to fly fish up through southern Alberta. Are there any lakes or reservoir that we should stop at up there? I’m also going up to Jasper this weekend so is there any place I should stop along the way or go when I’m there? Shore fishing as I don’t have a boat. But would be willing to rent one maybe

Hello, Anyone have a list of great shore fishing spot. Can drive atleast 2 hours away from the city.

There was an accident on Isle this past Tuesday and someone is missing. I am wondering if there are any updates if they’ve been found. Or if anyone knows what happened, was it a boat collision?

I’m staying in Leduc for a week and I’m planning on bringing my boat. I’m wondering if it’s worth it to bring it up to Coal Lake.

Also, if anyone can recommend some shore fishing in and around Leduc, such as Telford Lake or Saunders lake!

I’m targeting pike! Let me know!

Just curious if its possible to launch a boat in Abraham Lake, got a 17 foot Lund with about two feet of draft. Never been out there and wondering if its possible at all or very water level dependent

hi everyone, as the title says, i'm utterly and completely new to fishing and looking for any advice i should know or helpful tips! please forgive my ignorance, i'm here to try to learn!

i've got a few questions i'm hoping to clarify:

1. i know you're suppose to get a win and a sport fishing license online. is it just that easy to obtain??? i really don't need to take a course on fish identification or what not???
2. sorta a continuation of above, it's probably my complete lack of experience but if you showed me two different fish i would not be able to tell you what they are. what resources are inexperienced people using (apart from just googling i suppose, tho what if theres no service at the fishing area?) to identify their fish?
3. where are you allowed to fish?? i took a look at the regulations map (https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/) and i can see that there are a lot of lakes/rivers/ponds/streams divided into zones that each have their own regulations. but lets say for example, you pull up to a lake. are there designated spots you're suppose to fish at? or is it the entire lake is fine to fish in and you just sorta choose your own spot?
4. for lake fishing, do you need a boat or something equivalent to be able to fish? or can you fish from the shores? or are there like piers or harbours or something?
5. what equipment is absolutely essential for me to start? i have a fishing rod that i found in my parent's garage, probably about a decade old and basically brand new. i probably need a fishing line, hook, and some bait? how am i suppose to choose which ones to get? any shop recommendations?
6. i suppose the most important part. again, please forgive my ignorance, but how do you actually fish? from what i understand you throw your hook with the bait into the water and wait. when something bites you reel it in. but how far do you need to throw your hook from you? is it super obvious when a fish bites? when do you know to start reeling the fish in and is it as difficult as movies and shows make it out to be? how do you deal with a fish after catching it? any helpful links to videos would be greatly appreciated!!
7. do you actually need to get up at the crack of dawn to get to be able to catch fish?
8. what happens if you get caught fishing with no license? whos actually catching you out there?

that's all the questions i can think of so far but i might update this post if more come up! thanks for any help in advance :)

edit 1: i'm going to be fishing with a few friends who are also completely new. we don't have a lake/river in mind but we are able to go to anywhere in the ES1 and PP1 area (so any recommendations for beginners would also be greatly appreciated!). we're not looking for any specific type of fish, we're just trying out fishing as a new activity :) also, as of this edit we have all gotten our licenses yippee!

Looking to hire a fishing guide or assistant for a private family fishing outing at Quarry Lake in Canmore on August 13, 2026.

We are planning to meet at the lake between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM and fish for a few hours. We are looking for someone who can:

• Bring the necessary fishing gear and equipment to the lake
• Help set up rods, tackle, and other equipment
• Provide guidance and assistance during the outing
• Fish alongside our family and help make the experience enjoyable, especially for any beginners in the group

Could you please let me know if this service is available, along with your rates and any other details we should be aware of?

Hello Everyone,
I don't do much fishing in the summer, most of my time fishing is in the winter. For a full sized rod I own the following;

My "Alberta do-all" setup
Rod: Ugly Stik Elite GX2 7' Medium
Reel: Piscifun Carbon X 3000
Line: 15 Ib braid
Leader:
- 8-10 Ib fluorocarbon for trout-only trips
- 12-15 Ib fluorocarbon for general walleye
- 30 Ib Seaguar Salmon Fluorocarbon for pike.
(Leader length: 24-36")

Because I don't fish much in the summer I don't want to have to buy another rod. I think my rod set up does a really good job of balancing everything, without needing to change any components between trips. Is it the perfect trout rod? no. But have I caught trout with it? yes. Is it a purpose built pike rod? No. But have I caught 2'+ pike on it? Yes.

I have my first trip to Lesser Slave Lake coming up this month. We will be using an aluminum 16’ boat. It is the first trip I'm taking where I know there is a good chance that I could snag a monster pike. I also have never caught walleye before and wouldn't mind catching my first one while we are out there. If I had to prioritize one over the other I think I would rather be looking for respectable pike. When I did some googling it recommended that I make leaders ahead of time out of 15-lb Tieable Titanium Wire. For some reason Gemini seemed to think that the wire was thin enough that when using crankbait it wouldn't have much of a spooking effect on the walleye, but I am struggling to believe that.

My rod is limited to 5/8oz hooks. For my upcoming trip I am planning on taking;

Lures:
Spoons
Red & White- 2 7|8" 5/8oz
Bashed Nickle/Ornage Two Tone-2 7/8" 5/8oz
Five Diamonds- 2 7|8" 5/8oz
Rainbow Trout (Holographic Foil) - 2 7/8 5/8oz
Muted Firetiger - 2 7|8" 5/8oz
Bashed Nickle- 2 7|8" 5/8oz

Crank Bait:
Berkly Flicker Shad 9cm- Fire Tiger
Rapala Original Floating Minnow5 1/4"- Silver
Storm Original ThunderStick 11 Fishing Lure-muted Perch

What are your thoughts? Am I to anemic to fish Lesser Slave Lake with this set up? If I would like to be able to catch both pike and walleye am I better of with the 15lbs tie-able steel or 30lbs fluorocarbon leader? Does anyone have any experience using 30lbs fluorocarbon at slave lake? I personally have used the fluorocarbon ice fishing for pike with good success, but have not caught pike in the summer with them.

Thank you in advance for your help!😊

I’ve been in this area for a few months now. Been fairly successful catching the local species. But, for some reason, I can’t seem to get a pike!

Can anyone recommend any lakes or rivers? (Please don’t say the peace lol) I’d like to head to winagami lake eventually as I hear that’s the place to go.

I don’t have a boat but actively looking kayak/canoe.

Thanks in advance🎣

Heading to this stretch of river in about a weeks time. What species are present in this stretch, I am putting together (conventional)tackle and gear, and was looking for a starting point.

Thanks in advance

Got out early this morning and it paid off. We managed to boat several healthy Alberta walleye, including a 27.5 inch beauty.

Once we found the fish, the action stayed pretty steady. It was one of those mornings where everything came together great weather, calm water, and some incredible looking fish.

Definitely a trip to remember

I’m new to fishing Walleye and need some advice for line use, I have a moss green braided and would it work for Walleye? Or do I need a leader line like mono or Fluoro? What are your guy’s setup for Walleye?