Best Places to Go Fishing in Edmonton

Western Canada is home to some of the best fishing in North America. With an incredible amount of wilderness to explore, there is really something for everyone, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to escape the city and head into the wild. In this article we highlight some of the more convenient spots to fish in Alberta, specifically in and around the Edmonton area, which will hopefully allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle while still landing some beautiful trophies!

Remember you can also try ice fishing in the winter at locations like Wabamun Lake, Lac Ste. Anne, Gull Lake, and Pigeon Lake, just make sure you check ice conditions, safety regulations, and come prepared with the proper gear!

Wabamun Lake is a nice balance between escape and convenience. This lake is located about 65km west of Edmonton and it shouldn’t take more than an hour to reach. The main draw of this lake is the abundant Northern Pike with plenty of trophies swimming around. These pike can grow to more than 40 inches, and while they can be caught year-round, the best chance of catching a trophy is during the ice season.

Muir Lake is located about 40km northwest of Edmonton and is reachable in about 40 minutes by car, depending on where you’re coming from. This lake is dominated by brown and rainbow trout, many of which can grow to trophy status. The best time to fish here is spring and fall, but you can certainly have a good day in the summer as well. Fish are stocked annually in May.

Arguably the most popular fishing spot in Edmonton, the North Saskatchewan River cuts through the city and offers an incredible amount of different fishing spots that play host to trout, walleye, sturgeon, and pike.

Many prefer to take a drive and head fairly far from the city centre to cast a line, but there are also some great local spots as well. These include, but are not limited to, the Hermitage Ponds for some nice rainbow trout, Dawson Park, near the Strathcona Science Park, and near the Dawson Bridge.

About an hour and a half drive north west of Edmonton, this lake is an excellent spot to get out on the water. As you walk through some of the trails you will find no shortage of spots to fish right from the shore, or if you have a boat, get set up on the accessible boat launch. If you get the urge to extend your stay, Long Lake Provincial Park is a great place to stretch that day trip into a weekend camping trip with full service RV hookups, and all the amenities, including a great concession right on the beach.

Located south, just off the Queen Elizabeth II highway, this lake makes for a quick and easy drive from Edmonton. Adjacent to the popular Ma-Me-O Beach, Pigeon Lake is an easy spot to spend your entire day. And, if you want to test your luck at ice fishing, stay in one of their winter camp sites. That's right, if you can fish in the winter, you can camp in the winter too.

Another lake that's worth the trip, and the largest lake on this list, Calling Lake Provincial Park is often the setting of those “biggest fish” stories. About two and half hours north of Edmonton, plan for a full day of fishing. With camp sites right next to the lake, this is another opportunity to stretch that day-trip into two. With a lake this size, you will have your work cut out for you, but once you’ve netted one, get those hooks back in the water ASAP.

Getting a touch farther from Edmonton at around a two and half hour drive, you won't regret making your way Pinehurst Lake. Relatively isolated, this is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and focus on what really matters - catching some of the best Walleye you can imagine. Home to the WillVil Walleye Tournament, this lake is an anglers dream.