Spearfishing Alberta

[abid]

Hi guys,

I live in Cold Lake (3hrs north of Edmonton) in the summer and Edmonton from fall to spring (school). I was wondering where you Albertan lot usually go spearfishing. I've tried Cold Lake, but its too murky and I always get hypothermia. I also tried Ethel lake, but the same murkiness problem arose.

I was thinking about heading out East to the dreaded land of Saskatchewan, to the Lac des Isles. Nice area and few limitations, but what say some of you guys and we meet up somewhere close? I can't drive more than like 1.5hrs, but i could probs do an overnighter if required.

What say you guys?

 

[madprops]

do you have a wetsuit??

 

[abid]

Hey ya I have a 2mil shorty. I'm looking to get a 6mil steamer though bbut I have just been going in what I have.
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[Erik]

Really you'll need a suit to hunt the lakes here. The odd little one warms up at the surface but a suit will make all the difference.
Cold Lake's got better vis than most lakes, but it's too damn big ie: swim for days and never see a fish. Although I have got fish out of there.

 

[prime8]

Here you go Albertans... Perhaps if enough people read this and phone/ask about it, we can make a difference. This was sent to me from Ken Bodden from Sustainable resources Alberta, when I inquired to the regulations pertaining to the "no size limit" on some lakes, and why we are not allowed to spear them... I hope we can have some luck in swaying their decisions there.




The restriction on spear or bow fishing for pike was implemented when we introduced minimum size limits on the species. Until then pike, perch, lake whitefish and suckers were actively pursued on a limited number of lakes. Perch, whitefish and perch are still allowed to be taken with spears or arrows. ​

The discussions at the public consultation sessions for the pike management plan did focus on the two issues you raise; the need for minimum sizes and the possibility of fish being injured and subsequently dying from their injuries. The need for the regulation was apparent for the size issue but comments were also collected on the injury issue. Based on all the comments received the regulations were changed to remove pike from species eligible for the gear. ​

Since the regulations were introduced a number of lakes have had the size restrictions reduced to allow for harvest on lakes subject to winterkill or where environmental conditions are thought to be limiting growth. A number of lakes in the northeast will be monitored over the next few years to see if smaller fish in these lakes are the result of minimum size regulations and harvest activities or environmental conditions. The results of this study may affect a large number of waters in the northeast portion of the province.​

Your email is the first I am aware of requesting a review of the regulation. At the time the gear restriction was imposed it had to be applied to all waters. Administratively we have introduced some flexibility into the regulation schedules so that the gear restriction can be applied to individual waters. The next round of consultation for regulation changes has started with the goal of introducing changes for the 2012 season. If you have particular lakes where you would like to see the change made please contact the area fisheries biologist about your concerns. I will raise the issue at the next round of regulation discussions at the provincial level scheduled for September. ​

Thank you for your comments. If you have other comments or need some help contacting the area fisheries biologist please contact me at this email or at 780-427-7791
Ken Bodden
Provincial Fisheries Specialist
Fisheries Management Branch
9920 108 St.
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
780 427-7791 Fax 780 422-9559

 

[abid]

Really you'll need a suit to hunt the lakes here. The odd little one warms up at the surface but a suit will make all the difference.
Cold Lake's got better vis than most lakes, but it's too damn big ie: swim for days and never see a fish. Although I have got fish out of there.

Cold Lake is way too cold for me. with my current wetsuit i freeze, also the fish are really hard to catch. I prefer the smaller lakes around.

 

[abid]

Useless to go in Alberta clearly. Can't take anything.
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[Hunting_Perch]

heyy man as a reply the fishing in alberta is tough but possibly the main problem is that there are only a few species that you are able to spear

 

[edik110]

Hi! I live in Camrose and would like to start to free dive and spearfish again. Is somebody from the area here?

 

[abid]

There are a few of us around Edmonton.

 

[edik110]

I would very appreciate if somebody could take me with him/her. Vehicle and equipment are available. Where do you guys praxis in the winter time?

 

[abid]

Practice? Pool generally, just swimming. Summer I usually go to sask. I usually post a topic to invite people before I go. Keep in touch.

 

[edik110]

Thnx abid.

 

[abid]

Yup. See you in the summer.

 

[FreshyPoleSpear]

If you do come to Saskatchewan I would sugest Candle lake, Lake Deifenbaker, or Lac Laronge The problem with the Lac is its too damn big and all I have found there have been lake trout (cant hit any with my pole spear) suckers (shot to many) and pike (not enough fish)

 

[kirillca]

Just moved to Edmonton,Alberta.:duh:head

Can anyone recommend some spearfishing spots within 4 hours drive around the city?

Would be happy to meet local spearos. Have a car, time and a great desire to go spearfishing.

Kyle. :wave

 

[abid]

If you read the boards you will see that it's not worth it to go anywhere in Alberta, but there are a few lakes in sask that are great. Within 4hrs not so so much, but there are a few

 

[kirillca]

Tried Lake Ste Anne - zero visibility, spearfishing is impossible.((( Seems that it was true that there is no spots in Alberta.

Went to Sask for a weekend - unbelievable! Great spearfishing, lots of whitefish, walleye, huge pikes!

Here is a video url :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eE2dDMOTSNA#!

 

[abid]

WOOOW. great catch man! We will have to get together and go next time you go!

 

[slingshaft]

Sweet! When did you spear those fish?
Is camping allowed at that lake?
Cheers, Kerry.