Best Places to Go Ice Fishing in Edmonton
Jason fell in love with fishing around 10 years ago when his dad bought him a rod and reel and he felt that very first tug of the line. Since then, fishing has become his connection with nature in every season, and a chance to escape the noise for a while. Read on for tips, tricks and a guide to some of the best spots to drop a line in and around Edmonton this winter. Pigeon Lake, Long Lake, Wabamun Lake, Hermitage Pond and Spring Lake are just the beginning!
Always check the ice report and weather conditions before heading out to fish!
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Get your Gear
It might seem strange to want to gear up and go spend a morning on a sheet of ice, but once you step out onto a frozen lake for the first time, you'll understand why ice fishing is such a popular winter activity! Ice fishing is not all that different from fishing in the warmer months - you still need the basic fishing equipment like a rod, reel and tackle or bait. You can buy specific tackle for ice fishing if you wish, but just about anything in your arsenal will work just fine - the biggest difference will be your rod. You may not want to bring out the six-footer you would normally use in the summer, because you are standing directly over the hole in the ice. You can buy ice fishing rods that are much shorter (around a foot and a half) or you can even make your own with a small plank of wood and some fishing line!
The most important bit of equipment you will need is an ice auger. This is how you will drill down through the ice to get to the water. There are two types – manual ones are more budget-friendly but need more effort, while gas or electric ones are faster, but pricier. You can rent these for a day or weekend instead of buying. A 6-8 inch auger is big enough for the job.
The last thing you want to make sure you have is a scoop. Once you drill down, there will be some leftover snow and ice that needs to be taken out of the hole before you can drop in a line, so you don't want to forget this! The water will also freeze over gradually while you fish and will need to be broken up again, and the last thing you want to be using is your hand to get the ice out. There are a few optional items you might want to consider adding to your arsenal that can help with the experience, like an ice fishing tent or fish camera, but these aren't needed to have a great day out on the ice!
Go Fish!
First things first, make sure you have a current fishing license. Always check the weather conditions and the forecast, just like you would in the summer. Most importantly, always check the ice report for the body of water you are travelling to. If the ice is less than 10 cm (4 inches) deep, you shouldn’t be walking out. Lastly, never go ice fishing on a river. The current makes the ice unpredictable, so stick to static bodies of water.
Fishponds are ideal for ice fishing in Edmonton! Try Hermitage Pond near the North Saskatchewan River, just 10 minutes from downtown. Fort Saskatchewan, about 40 minutes north, offers another great pond with rainbow trout and scenic walking trails. For a family day trip, consider Pigeon Lake, Long Lake and Wabamun Lake, all about an hour from Edmonton. These popular lakes provide easy access for fishing Pike, Walleye, and Perch. Look for holes drilled by others to start your fishing adventure.
Spring Lake, near the city, is a good option for catching rainbow trout. Be prepared to trek on foot from your car, and consider bringing a small sled for your gear. Despite the challenge, the peaceful and less crowded atmosphere makes it worthwhile. There are various lakes and ponds around Edmonton perfect for ice fishing—don't limit yourself to summer fishing spots. Get out there and enjoy the winter fishing experience! Tight lines!