Bearspaw Reservoir Fishing Reports & Feedback
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Latest Comments:
by ajja72 on Sep. 1, 2018
New to Calgary looking to clean some hooks and catch fish any chance we can “shore fish” at Bearspaw Reservoir? I’ve heard of teens being able to jump from a bridge or train tracks is that an access point? Thanks Al





by EthanAW on Feb. 19, 2017
are there any good access points during the winter besides that cliff that you have to climb down?





by Tron on Jan. 28, 2017
Slow





by Monsterlander on Jan. 23, 2017
There isn't any public access. It's the only public lake that is basically private. There are multi million dollar houses and properties surrounding the whole resivoir. There is a boat launch in the community of emerald bay but it is locked and for residence only. I have spent some time driving around looking for access but I just keep running into private property. When I was a kid we used to park below the dam where the river is and walk up but that access has since been blocked. I did however find public access to the river above the resivoir. It is clearly marked. You could possibly carry a small boat in and access the resivoir that way. I worked in house for 3 weeks in the fall that was on the resivoir and I only saw 1 boat fishing. The point is that people are not wanted there! it's for the filthy rich and there making sure that it stays that way.





by t90 on Jan. 21, 2017
How do you access this reservoir? it's a shame that there is no real public access for it, and if there is, no one shares it on this forum. I drove there today but kept running into private properties. Can someone please put a marker for public access if? thank you in advance





by Nviro on Jan. 16, 2017
I asked once and was also told where it doesn't look like it's flowing anymore is where the reservoir begins. Use common sense. If you wouldn't fish in a spot if the fish cop was watching then you shouldn't be doing it any time.
by Cph on Jan. 16, 2017
Can anyone tell me where the bow wives ends and bearspaw reservoir begins? I would really appreciate feedback. Fish cop says the river begins where it's obvious. Sounds like a trap





by T1dan on Jan. 4, 2017
Hey Cadeschaine, im looking for a place to access the reservoir near the dam, can you tell me where you parked and where you were on the reservoir with 17 inches of ice
by Cadeschaine on Jan. 1, 2017
Ice Report: 17 in
Ice is solid! Watch for Ice heaves though.
Tight lines!





by EthanAW on Oct. 1, 2016
Were you fishing by boat or shore?





by mammoth1254 on Sep. 26, 2016
2 lake trout and 2 rainbow trout and 1 brook trout great week September 20 to 27 in 2 days of fishing





by Jbryant02 on Sep. 26, 2016
Went here on the weekend. Really hard spot to get to because the main road is blocked. Have to climb down a hill and cross a train track just to get to a decent spot near the dam. Fished for a few hours and didnt catch anything. A couple of bites. Not much action out there. Would rather fish in the Glenmore or Bowness park.
by Greenfisher on Aug. 19, 2016
There is a boat launch





by WilliamBigBull on Jul. 18, 2016
How would I get here? tryed a month back and there gate was closed





by Jason Valley on Jun. 12, 2016
Hey mammoth1254....were you catching trout?_
by CaptSumTingWong on Apr. 24, 2016
I've looked around a bit. CP rail closed a crossing so basically no access.





by CrossTmay on Apr. 24, 2016
Curious to know if this can be accessed easily upstream of the dam for a single seater pontoon or no ? I have only heard of many ahole owners in the area. But that's it.





by EthanAW on Mar. 24, 2016
any lakers caught out here? Seems like mostly bows and whities are being caught





by ProFisher on Mar. 15, 2016
Hey, I tried a few weeks ago, but only managed 2 whitefish at the dam, where were you and your buddy fishing?





by Fry guy on Mar. 10, 2016
Yes there is quite a bit of ice but you just have to find little pockets and go for it





by EthanAW on Mar. 9, 2016
is it still frozen over?





by Fry guy on Mar. 8, 2016
Went fishing should have been working caught one rainbow made me happy. My buddy caught 2 rainbow 1 brown & 1white fish it was his birthday as well





by Toddboyd on Feb. 20, 2016
Do you need special access to get on or is there a spot to park?
by Rtopo on Jan. 17, 2016
Ice Report: 1 ft
I've is thick water a bit murky





by John B on Jul. 13, 2015
Can I get close enough to park and get my kayak in the water or is it to far to carry it
by fishinmagician on Jul. 2, 2015
Hey just wondering if the reservoir is worth going to. Any good sized fish?





by JimmyD on Jun. 4, 2015
Is there any good places to fish the reservoir from shore?





by fearnofish on May. 24, 2015
That is incorrect, That's the reservoir.
by ZombieSmurf on May. 23, 2015
This location is part of bow river, not bearspaw reservoir. Read the sign.
View on Map
by mitchyd on May. 2, 2015
Went there today with the boat and landed 8 rainbows, 1 bull and missed a couple others. All small though. Didn't even know there were bulls here. Biggest bow was 14" and the bull was around 17". Lost my boat launch connection though. Long story lol
by Rileydeece on Apr. 23, 2015
Is there a boat launch or some where to bring in my canoe
by mitchyd on Apr. 21, 2015
I brought my boat here on Sunday. Landed two small rainbows. Had a bunch of hits but couldn't hook them. My battery died in my boat so we had to paddle back from the dam lol. Wish we could've stayed longer cause we were getting a bit of action trolling spinners





by fearnofish on Apr. 15, 2015
Ice is all gone. Fished from shore a few times this year. Only a couple small rainbows. I agree though, if I could get my 14' aluminum in there I think I could find the big ones
by mitchyd on Apr. 14, 2015
Anyone know if the ice is off of here yet?? ... I got 3 rainbows there one day all in my boat. Nothing big just a couple of pounds but I swear there's gotta be big ones in there. I've seen big lakers at Ghost Dam (on the river side). Never caught them. That's attached to Bearspaw and I bet they go in the reservoir during the spring as soon as the ice is off!





by airnold88 on Apr. 6, 2015
A buddy and I went there a few times back in September. Each time we went, we actually saw pikes right at the shoreline within arms reach! But they NEVER touched our baits (and we tried everything). There were also a lot of jumps in the water, but not a single bit. That place is cursed!!! But of course we'll go there again as soon as it gets warm enough...
by Miked on Mar. 18, 2015
What about coming off woodland Rd for hw 1a, and then passing the railroad tracks and going down the dirt road? You would be on the north side?
by Highrockslayer on Feb. 5, 2015
Anyone been out here ice fishing this winter? Looking for some updates on conditions etc.... Thanks!





by andyman on Sep. 7, 2014
Took my son out there 930 this morning till 1230 and parked where Jakinator said. Walked across a field to the water. Private access on both sides so not a lot of room to move around but nice spot. Saw lots jump but no bites.





by Flank on Aug. 30, 2014
Went today with a buddy and parked where Jakinator on May. 23, 201 suggested. The place is beautifull! We fished from the shore and though we saw very very many fish surface (some big ones as well), we didn't catch anything. We used a little spoon with an orange stripe, brown jig, some fly draggers, live bait and nothing. Creeping suspicion that fly rod with the right flys would have worked great. We got there around 8:30 and left around 11 ish.
by Houston1 on Aug. 29, 2014
AL , check out the post on may 23rd. That will help you out.





by Captain Al on Aug. 29, 2014
Hey, I'd like to try this one but where can I get access to the lake? The south side is all blocked off





by jmbab on Aug. 25, 2014
It is a great spot! Too bad Asians are always poaching and not following the rules.





by justinl926 on Aug. 24, 2014
Tool about an hour to find where I can park my truck. Mage sure you park on the south side at the end of springbank. Great place nice and calm. Be sure to bring your licence. Fish and wildlife pass by a lot





by iFish Guest on Aug. 19, 2014
Yeah went yesterday and non stop action! Catch and release. Great spot to go to!





by iFish Guest on Aug. 11, 2014
Fishing is on! They bite every hook! 15lbs and bigger! Released two at 25lbs! Pictures to show. Recorded the release!
by Kingpike45 on Aug. 3, 2014
Is there a boat launch?





by Jayjayjay on Jul. 16, 2014
Where do you have to go to get browns?!





by iFish Guest on Jul. 13, 2014
Best spot ever!





by Rhom on Jul. 5, 2014
If anyone could let me know where to find this spot
by Houston1 on Jun. 28, 2014
Pat- it is closed off. Who knows when it will be open again.





by Patou on Jun. 28, 2014
Newbie Fisher dad here. Im a bit familiar with the Bearspaw dam. Hows the fishing below the dam? Can we still park at the east end on the south side of the tracks at the gate?
by Nolf38 on May. 30, 2014
Do what I do park at north side of river across bowness park and walk the river till you get there good spots for browns





by iFish Guest on May. 27, 2014
Read the sign at that location. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the Rockyview no. 44 property. Minimum fine is $500. We got burned bad for parking by the road there like everyone else.
by iFish Guest on May. 22, 2014
Can someone please pin some spots that are legal to the public to park. Thanks!
by Houston1 on May. 21, 2014
Good work Jak, thank you.
by Jakinator on May. 21, 2014
Do not park here. Buddy will take pics of your plates, send them to Rockyview By-Law, and you will be fined $500.
Park on the road.
View on Map
by Jakinator on May. 21, 2014
Do Not Park Here. Buddy will send license plate pics to by-law for $500 fine.
View on Map
by iFish Guest on May. 21, 2014
Give us a warning pin so we know where not to go.





by Jakinator on May. 21, 2014
There is a fellow with nothing better to do with his time walking his dog and patrolling for vehicles on the west entrance. He packs a camera and gets off on taking pics of your license plate for by-law. Parking on the road and trekking in is the only option here.





by Tron on May. 19, 2014
Got a $500 (which is the minimum) fine for parking at the west access. Some local photohtaphed my plates and sent it to Rockyview by-law.
by Smitty89 on May. 11, 2014
Anyone know if she's melted yet? Or a place to actually access it from?
by Houston1 on May. 9, 2014
I wish, access us nearly impossible.
by Best65 on May. 9, 2014
I'm thinking about trying here tomorrow (Saturday) if anyone wants to join
by Cavemansam on Apr. 25, 2014
What's the best way to access fishing





by iFish Guest on Apr. 15, 2014
There are no motorized vehicles permitted at the west access. This includes where people think it is ok to park. By-law loves to give out expensive tickets there on weekends. Save your pennies or park on the road. It's not fair, but it's the law.





by Fishing1012 on Mar. 22, 2014
It depends on the weather man but it should start to melt end of April but all depends on the weather man





by iFish Guest on Mar. 22, 2014
Good luck getting on the reservoir, no access.





by iFish Guest on Mar. 22, 2014
Got a ticket for motorized vehicle at the west end today. There goes $490. Ice is pretty dangerous. Be careful.





by Arash.Vatani on Mar. 22, 2014
I'm not an icefishing guy [yet ;)] so, I'm looking forward to see the ice is melting! Do you guys know when the ice will be gone? I really appreciate that if anybody lets me know! Regards, Arash





by iFish Guest on Feb. 28, 2014
Lol! Good luck!





by HoustonCowboy on Feb. 28, 2014
Can someone drop a pin where to park?





by iFish Guest on Feb. 28, 2014
Great fishing spot! Caught five rainbow in an hour! One broke off, 20 lb test!





by Boots2 on Feb. 4, 2014
Access is west end technically the river, park there legal and walk down river to lake to avoid likes of Tron and others that would like to keep it their private lake. It is long walk or could canoe in summer but it can be done, we didn't get more than one bite but don't know the lake well. Beautiful day on the lake Feb 2nd, and no parking tickets! About 2' ice. Have fun people and remember you can fish and park here legal if you don't mind some effort! -boots





by Thatguy585 on Jan. 10, 2014
Apparently some guys are driving on from a public access point...anyone have any info as to its whereabouts? Or is this just a roomer?





by iFish Guest on Nov. 30, 2013
Actually sent an email to Nenshi about the access situation...no reply...no one cares, it's really sad. I guess the aristocrats/cp rail win.
by iFish Guest on Nov. 25, 2013
Ice Report: 1 in
Very dangerous place to icefish. Water levels fluctuate several times a day creating hazardous and inconsistent ice conditions and there is a strong current from the river.
Wear a pfd, it'll save your life when you fall through so long as the current doesn't suck you under.
Not worth the risk IMO.





by iFish Guest on Nov. 12, 2013
Nice spot, but no access!





by iFish Guest on Nov. 8, 2013
theres lotts of fish in there, you just dont know how too catch them.





by HoustonCowboy on Nov. 8, 2013
I'm calling mla, no access, darn railroad has too much power.





by iFish Guest on Nov. 6, 2013
No access and no fish anyways. Too many poachers there aren't many fish left. Call report a poacher if you see people poaching.





by iFish Guest on Oct. 20, 2013
I am done with this place until there is safe legal foot access. Smelt on bottom off dam for an hour and then fished all along dam with whip tail and not a bite. You have to cross cp property or go up the river or dangerous sw side to get in, cp cops patrolling looking to fine for trespassing and parking is really far away. Not worth the risk. -boots





by iFish Guest on Sep. 15, 2013
No fish!





by iFish Guest on Sep. 12, 2013
There is access from the SW...foot access. Very steep & dangerous...if you want to do something about the situation...contact your MLA/ Fish & Wildlife. Many voices make a difference. There's also a Facebook protest group "Save access to bearspaw".





by iFish Guest on Sep. 10, 2013
Only river access!





by iFish Guest on Sep. 3, 2013
Need to try my luck here! What is best way to gain access other than up stream via boat or around the fence?





by iFish Guest on Sep. 1, 2013
Went twice in two days and got lots of fish. Great spot! Catch and release.





by Wildjon on Aug. 26, 2013
What's the best place to go?





by Tron on Aug. 26, 2013
For anyone looking for real info be aware that most of these posts are spam. Train police, CO's, property owners and local police are happy to give fines and press charges for trespassing and poaching. Access is very poor. Be careful where you go and park.





by iFish Guest on Aug. 20, 2013
Please respect this spot. There is a way in, one way, down the river.





by iFish Guest on Aug. 19, 2013
my wife is pregnant and we would like to go fishing is there any shore fishing here





by Audiofire12 on Aug. 19, 2013
Is there anywhere legal to fish and cross over into the dam?





by Joker138 on Aug. 18, 2013
Went here today but I was deterred by the parking tickets on people's windows so I headed east a ways. Didn't get any bites but still a good day. Does anybody know where parking is legal?





by iFish Guest on Aug. 16, 2013
I cleared the portage myself today. Hope every one can enjoy! Adam Wright.





by iFish Guest on Aug. 15, 2013
Wow crazy fishing! I was about to let my line out when the tip of my rod touched the water and fish were going after it! In half an hour I stopped fishing because I caught enough. Before the line was out I had another fish.





by iFish Guest on Aug. 13, 2013
The fence ends half way up the hill to the gravel pit, so you can walk around it, but there doesn't seem to be anywhere to park. Unless someone knows if its ok to park along the road???





by iFish Guest on Aug. 12, 2013
How did everyone get past the fence or is there an alternate route?





by iFish Guest on Aug. 8, 2013
Does anyone know where there is a good place to park on the east side near the train tracks?





by iFish Guest on Aug. 7, 2013
No public access. Look post below see what can happen if you park on the side of the road.





by iFish Guest on Aug. 5, 2013
Thanks! Tried it out this weekend and had a great time! Lots of fish! Wow!





by iFish Guest on Jul. 28, 2013
Best spot to go to. Everything else is destroyed by the flood! Great fishing! Over 20 big fish in 2 hours!





by iFish Guest on Jul. 27, 2013
Not only great fishing but lots of fun! Lots to see and do! I feal sorry for those who can't! Nature and fish! Love it!





by iFish Guest on Jul. 27, 2013
Was out after the storm and the fishing was great! Thanks for the tips!





by iFish Guest on Jul. 25, 2013
The best spot ever! Great fishing and very quiet.





by iFish Guest on Jul. 21, 2013
Just went through. Portage is covered in logs but walkable. Lake was calm and fish were jumping every where! Great to be back!





by Goingfishig on Jun. 18, 2013
I heard only Adam Wright knows these waters. I seen him pull a 36" burbot out of here. If I was you I'd ask him.





by Goingfishig on Jun. 18, 2013
I love this spot!





by iFish Guest on Jun. 7, 2013
Sandra Janen 403-826-1619 Calgary.Northwest@assembly.ab.ca Call this MLA if you're angry about the current state of access to bearspaw reservoir.





by Thatguy585 on Jun. 7, 2013
Anybody have any info on public lake access? Or should we write this one off for good? I'm sure the residents would be happy...how many city officials own property around the lake?





by iFish Guest on May. 16, 2013
got a $500 ticket today for parking at the west access and skunked for the kicker





by iFish Guest on May. 8, 2013
Ice is gone. Went out last weekend and got a 13 pound laker! Plus 6 good size pike and a couple of rainbow. Great day and great fishing!





by iFish Guest on Apr. 28, 2013
Hey, I was hoping to head out there, but from what I'm reading seems it's privatized? Anyway to access this place? Looking on Google Map seems like there is a fence on that road...





by Thatguy585 on Feb. 3, 2013
Goingfishing, could you provide us with some direction as to where you get on the lake from?





by Goingfishig on Feb. 2, 2013
Take a dog sled. In the summer take a boat! Use a leach!





by Evv on Feb. 1, 2013
Bearspaw dam road that is





by Evv on Feb. 1, 2013
Is there access from bearspaw Dan road?





by Goingfishig on Jan. 31, 2013
Keep trying. It's great fishing!





by That guy on Jan. 28, 2013
Autocorrect : *access*





by That guy on Jan. 28, 2013
Went for a drive. Turns out there's no accidents from lynx ridge. I'm really surprised that our government would allow the natural resource like this to become privatized. It's very sad.





by That guy on Jan. 27, 2013
Also just looked at google maps a little closer. There may be access at 80th ave NW by Linx ridge. Can anyone confirm?





by That guy on Jan. 27, 2013
Does anyone know where I'd be able to bring a quad onto the lake? I was out today, & found foot access from the far SW side of the reservoir (basically the bow). The access was fairly steep (it would be tough to haul a sled down by yourself) but does anyone have any pointers for quad access?





by TheFK2013 on Jan. 26, 2013
How would you get to the dam part of the lake? where do you access? close enough to walk to the dam from shore?





by Burbot on Jan. 25, 2013
Any one catching burbot?





by TFK2013 on Jan. 22, 2013
WHat do you use in bearspaw? for bait? and where?





by Chan man on Jan. 21, 2013
Hey guys I'm from the bc coast and have never ice fished before...anybody going out this week ? Was wondering about tagging along and learning what it takes!!





by Fish nut on Jan. 21, 2013
I drive on it with a dog sled. Too many dirt bikes riding on it. Great fishing and wild life!





by That Guy on Jan. 19, 2013
Great fishing! Went out today and in 3 hrs me and a buddy got over 14 rainbow, 5 brown's, and 5 burbot. Lots of people driving on the ice was the only problem.





by Fishingnut on Dec. 28, 2012
Ice fishing is on. It's fun driving on to the lake and fishing! Not to many get here with a car! Ha ha!





by Fred on Dec. 16, 2012
Go down the river. Or ask Adam. He knows the best spots! Great fishing!!





by NC on Dec. 14, 2012
How do you get to this lake? I would like to know for the Spring/Summer so I can do some fishing there, I used to go up all the time the way over the train tracks and walk a bit, but can't anymore since they closed it off





by Lb on Dec. 9, 2012
Sorry guys wrong lake





by Lb on Dec. 9, 2012
10 in of ice at Edmonton yacht club on n/w side of lake





by Bass man on Dec. 9, 2012
How much ice is there ?





by Jackass on Oct. 23, 2012
This spot is the best!





by Swiss on Oct. 23, 2012
Bring a bigger worm! Ha ha





by Jack on Oct. 23, 2012
You need a boat! Fishing is on! My only problem is my net has many holes! I bring anet for nothing!





by Tezma on Oct. 21, 2012
I fish here all the time and only catch a little worm and no fish :( What can I do???





by Sam on Oct. 19, 2012
Best ever





by Ben on Oct. 18, 2012
Never caught anything. Lake is dead. Nice place though!





by Zack on Oct. 18, 2012
Caught nothing but it is a great spot!





by Ramsy on Oct. 18, 2012
Best fishing ever!





by Fish coffee on Oct. 18, 2012
Fishing nut how do you get there? I have tried and tried!





by Horse trader on Oct. 18, 2012
Not bad. Went back again and got lots! Too many too count!





by Johnny Ray on Oct. 17, 2012
Like ii said rainbow u use to be able to drive to it.he he





by Fishing nut on Oct. 17, 2012
If you really want to get there call Adam Wright. If your lucky he will show you the spots!





by Bass master on Oct. 17, 2012
Thanks! Your right! Best spot ever!





by Fishing nut on Oct. 17, 2012
No. You can't drive up to it. That's the fun part! Have fun! He he.





by JohnnyRay on Oct. 16, 2012
Rainbow Never launched a boat on bearspaw but remember the days when you could drive right to it?





by Fishing nut on Oct. 16, 2012
Best spot ever! On an average day I can catch over 20 rainbows in 4 hours. Go down the river to get there. Have fun!





by Rainbow on Sep. 4, 2012
Hey Jonny Ray where is it open to the public to put your boat in





by Johnny Ray on Aug. 12, 2012
The Rez is open to the public although some,not all of the residence would like to see it private.WE access from bearspaw rd on the east side.A bit of a walk but worth it as the place is beautiful? A boat is no different than a car or truck.if it is being operated in a way that is dangerous to the general public there are serious consequencies.Please report. Good to hear there has been some success.Enjoy and know there are better people out there to help make your day.





by Jarvis on Aug. 11, 2012
Been a few years since i was there, but caught some nice rainbows. Almost got capsized on purpose by locals in a ski boat. Real Friendly.





by fish coffee on Jul. 29, 2012
gone there about 8 times. never caught anything. Now they have fense and you have to go around it. long walk and not worse it...





by Seb on Jun. 17, 2012
How do you get into the bearspaw reservoir? It seems like it is locked with privately owned ground.





by BIG_MIKE on Jun. 15, 2012
did you expect anything else during run off ?





by Chizzubdizzarter on Jun. 15, 2012
Fished bearspaw a couple times. Super muddy with trees floating around for the last couple weeks. Caught 2 suckers on worms.





by Swizzlestick on May. 27, 2012
Fished here are couple weekends in a row and caught only a couple mountain whitefish. Not even a sucker. Saw a couple small trout jump. Won't be back. There's way better fishing at ghost res.





by Lunker hunter on Apr. 29, 2012
April 30/2012 I got skunked! Tons of fishing jumping nothing biting:(





by Disgruntled on Apr. 19, 2012
There is no longer any access to this lake unless u live there. Somebody at srd should intervene.





by Horsetrader on Feb. 17, 2012
Spent 2 weekends fishing clear water and saw only a couple mountain whitefish. Got skunked. You need private access to fish here. Big waste of time ugh.
by G-Dog on Jan. 30, 2012
Fast running water means there are a few fish here. Large rock about 10' from shore is a good spot.
View on Map





by Beeguy on Sep. 26, 2011
Anyone having any luck?





by Beeguy on Aug. 21, 2011
Emerald bay launch is clearly posted. Community of $&$$&@!!!





by Wilverine on Jul. 21, 2011
Are the lake trout biting and on what, same for the white fish





by Jethro on Jul. 10, 2011
Just a couple questions for Bernie, where exactly did you catch the fish, and what lure did you use?





by Bernie on Mar. 20, 2011
Caught two white fish nice keepers Caught them infront of the houses about 40 feet from shore perfectly clear water and was able to watch the fish hit the line





by Bernie on Jan. 30, 2011
Ice thickness on January 30 2011 is approximate 18"





by Bernie on Jan. 29, 2011
The only problem with this lake are the people that live there they are not very friendly to anyone outside their community
by joyprince on Feb. 6, 2019
is it ok to parking on the emerald bay road (near boat launch) ? If so, ice fishing is possible.