is it ok to parking on the emerald bay road (near boat launch) ? If so, ice fishing is possible.

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

whitefish
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small rainbows and browns
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small rainbows and browns
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A HotSpot Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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are there any good access points during the winter besides that cliff that you have to climb down?

Slow

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.

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

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.

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

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

Ice Report: 17 in
Ice is solid! Watch for Ice heaves though. Tight lines!

Were you fishing by boat or shore?

2 lake trout and 2 rainbow trout and 1 brook trout great week September 20 to 27 in 2 days of fishing

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.

A Boat Launch Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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Boat launch
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There is a boat launch

How would I get here? tryed a month back and there gate was closed

A HotSpot Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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Hey mammoth1254....were you catching trout?_

A HotSpot Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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I've looked around a bit. CP rail closed a crossing so basically no access.

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.

any lakers caught out here? Seems like mostly bows and whities are being caught

Hey, I tried a few weeks ago, but only managed 2 whitefish at the dam, where were you and your buddy fishing?

Yes there is quite a bit of ice but you just have to find little pockets and go for it

is it still frozen over?

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

Do you need special access to get on or is there a spot to park?

Ice Report: 1 ft
I've is thick water a bit murky

A HotSpot Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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Can I get close enough to park and get my kayak in the water or is it to far to carry it

Hey just wondering if the reservoir is worth going to. Any good sized fish?

Is there any good places to fish the reservoir from shore?

That is incorrect, That's the reservoir.

This location is part of bow river, not bearspaw reservoir. Read the sign.
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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

Is there a boat launch or some where to bring in my canoe

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

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

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!

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...

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?

Anyone been out here ice fishing this winter? Looking for some updates on conditions etc.... Thanks!

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.

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.

AL , check out the post on may 23rd. That will help you out.

Hey, I'd like to try this one but where can I get access to the lake? The south side is all blocked off

It is a great spot! Too bad Asians are always poaching and not following the rules.

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

Was told here is good! Testing today! Will update
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Yeah went yesterday and non stop action! Catch and release. Great spot to go to!

Fishing is on! They bite every hook! 15lbs and bigger! Released two at 25lbs! Pictures to show. Recorded the release!

Is there a boat launch?

Where do you have to go to get browns?!

Best spot ever!

If anyone could let me know where to find this spot

Pat- it is closed off. Who knows when it will be open again.

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?

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

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.

Park Here - Walk to water.
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Can someone please pin some spots that are legal to the public to park. Thanks!

Good work Jak, thank you.

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.
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Do Not Park Here. Buddy will send license plate pics to by-law for $500 fine.
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Give us a warning pin so we know where not to go.

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.

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.

Anyone know if she's melted yet? Or a place to actually access it from?

I wish, access us nearly impossible.

I'm thinking about trying here tomorrow (Saturday) if anyone wants to join

What's the best way to access fishing

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.

It depends on the weather man but it should start to melt end of April but all depends on the weather man

Good luck getting on the reservoir, no access.

Got a ticket for motorized vehicle at the west end today. There goes $490. Ice is pretty dangerous. Be careful.

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

Lol! Good luck!

Can someone drop a pin where to park?

Great fishing spot! Caught five rainbow in an hour! One broke off, 20 lb test!

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

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?

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.

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.

Nice spot, but no access!

theres lotts of fish in there, you just dont know how too catch them.

I'm calling mla, no access, darn railroad has too much power.

No access and no fish anyways. Too many poachers there aren't many fish left. Call report a poacher if you see people poaching.

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

No fish!

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".

Only river access!

Need to try my luck here! What is best way to gain access other than up stream via boat or around the fence?

Went twice in two days and got lots of fish. Great spot! Catch and release.

What's the best place to go?

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.

Please respect this spot. There is a way in, one way, down the river.

my wife is pregnant and we would like to go fishing is there any shore fishing here

Is there anywhere legal to fish and cross over into the dam?

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?

I cleared the portage myself today. Hope every one can enjoy! Adam Wright.

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.

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???

How did everyone get past the fence or is there an alternate route?

Does anyone know where there is a good place to park on the east side near the train tracks?

No public access. Look post below see what can happen if you park on the side of the road.

Thanks! Tried it out this weekend and had a great time! Lots of fish! Wow!

A HotSpot Marker was added for Bearspaw Reservoir
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Fish
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Best spot to go to. Everything else is destroyed by the flood! Great fishing! Over 20 big fish in 2 hours!

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!

Was out after the storm and the fishing was great! Thanks for the tips!

The best spot ever! Great fishing and very quiet.

Just went through. Portage is covered in logs but walkable. Lake was calm and fish were jumping every where! Great to be back!

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.

I love this spot!

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.

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?

got a $500 ticket today for parking at the west access and skunked for the kicker

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!

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...

Goingfishing, could you provide us with some direction as to where you get on the lake from?

Take a dog sled. In the summer take a boat! Use a leach!

Bearspaw dam road that is

Is there access from bearspaw Dan road?

Keep trying. It's great fishing!

Autocorrect : *access*

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.

Also just looked at google maps a little closer. There may be access at 80th ave NW by Linx ridge. Can anyone confirm?

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?

How would you get to the dam part of the lake? where do you access? close enough to walk to the dam from shore?

Any one catching burbot?

Best fishing
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WHat do you use in bearspaw? for bait? and where?

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!!

I drive on it with a dog sled. Too many dirt bikes riding on it. Great fishing and wild life!

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.

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

Go down the river. Or ask Adam. He knows the best spots! Great fishing!!

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

Sorry guys wrong lake

10 in of ice at Edmonton yacht club on n/w side of lake

How much ice is there ?

This spot is the best!

Bring a bigger worm! Ha ha

You need a boat! Fishing is on! My only problem is my net has many holes! I bring anet for nothing!

I fish here all the time and only catch a little worm and no fish :( What can I do???

Best ever

Never caught anything. Lake is dead. Nice place though!

Caught nothing but it is a great spot!

Best fishing ever!

Fishing nut how do you get there? I have tried and tried!

Not bad. Went back again and got lots! Too many too count!

Like ii said rainbow u use to be able to drive to it.he he

If you really want to get there call Adam Wright. If your lucky he will show you the spots!

Thanks! Your right! Best spot ever!

No. You can't drive up to it. That's the fun part! Have fun! He he.

Rainbow Never launched a boat on bearspaw but remember the days when you could drive right to it?

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!

Hey Jonny Ray where is it open to the public to put your boat in

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.

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.

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...

How do you get into the bearspaw reservoir? It seems like it is locked with privately owned ground.

did you expect anything else during run off ?

Fished bearspaw a couple times. Super muddy with trees floating around for the last couple weeks. Caught 2 suckers on worms.

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.

April 30/2012 I got skunked! Tons of fishing jumping nothing biting:(

There is no longer any access to this lake unless u live there. Somebody at srd should intervene.

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.

Fast running water means there are a few fish here. Large rock about 10' from shore is a good spot.
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It's possible to catch small rainbows here.
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Anyone having any luck?

Emerald bay launch is clearly posted. Community of $&$$&@!!!

Are the lake trout biting and on what, same for the white fish

Just a couple questions for Bernie, where exactly did you catch the fish, and what lure did you use?

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

Ice thickness on January 30 2011 is approximate 18"

The only problem with this lake are the people that live there they are not very friendly to anyone outside their community