Where I live in Alberta there is limited fishing for lakers. Simply said, there's a lot of prairie parkland and not a lot of quality lake trout habitat. But then I got to thinking and realized that for those willing to set aside a weekend, there's a lake trout experience nearby. Look at the map. To the south there's Spray Lakes, Waterton Lakes and of course Lake Minnewanka. Further north along the Rockies lies Pyramid Lake near Jasper and Rock Lake north of Hinton. Then jaunt on over to the East side of the province to hit Cold Lake. Surprise, there are a number of drive to lake trout destinations. That's not even considering the multitude of fly in destinations
The same can be said for BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Do some investigating and you'll likely find some lake trout opportunities. Especially if you look north. All of the northern parts of our provinces are Canadian Shield country and they are a haven for deep clear lakes. And where there are deep clear lakes, there are bound to be lake trout opportunities.
With spring upon us and the lakes about to open up, some of the best lake trout fishing is around the corner. Typically late May through June will provide spectacular fishing for shallow water lakers. After the heat of the summer starts to warm up the water, expect lakers to head deeper in search of their cooler water. Fishing for lakers during summer, however, is a different story altogether.
This upcoming spring consider shallow water fishing the target and if you want to catch a bunch and have a load of fun doing it, consider bringing the flyrod. Fish a big streamer or other fish imitation on a flyrod loaded with sinking line and get ready for the strike. Just be prepared for a long fight if the big one strikes. A fifteen to twenty pound laker will hit those flies and when hooked, they dig in deep and make you work to earn every inch of line. It's a power against power and sometimes a half-hour will pass by in a blink.
