Brett Walker – Page 6 – Western Canadian Fishing

Pike Fishing In Dalemead Lake Dalemead lake (Langdon Reservoir) is a little known Pike fishing venue. I have fished there several times and usually catch several fish ranging from 18 inches up to my personal best there at 35 inches. Unless it is extremely warm the fish bite well late into the morning. The Lake is Located just South East of Langdon (Approximately 20 minutes east of Calgary) on the 22X Highway. There is an access on the South end (22x) and also the north end of the lake via Range road 270. There is no boat launch here and no motorized boats allowed (Paddle boats only). The Best Fishing Spots Are Accessed From A Boat Although I have fished from shore my best results were using an inflatable boat to get out past the ample weed banks along the north shore. At the edge of those weed banks the depth is about 6-8 feet and drops off to 15 or so feet. Further out the deepest area I measured was over 30 feet. Trolling across this area is where I landed my largest pike. I used my fish finder to locate drop offs and other structure. The transition to deeper water gave consistent strikes with mid size pike. Shore Fishing Dalemead There are two popular fishing spots on Dalemead. The north end access has a rocky bank this is where I launch my inflatable boat from. This area has a very thick growth of weeds with a few channels heading out into the lake. You can fish here but, be sure to use a weedless set up or be prepared for a lot of snags. There are plenty of smaller pike in this area. About 100 feet from shore is where it drops off from 6 to 8 feet to 15 feet. So If you can get a cast out there you can pick up larger fish hunting the drop off structure. Your other option is the 22x access on the south side. I have only fished there once and found it to be muddy and a more gradual drop off. Waders would probably be an asset on that side. Fishing Tackle and Techniques The vast majority of pike from Dalemead I have caught were with yellow curly tail grub jigs. Simply jigged of the edge of the weed beds or in open water. A close second is a perch imitation swim bait trolled or jigged. I noticed on a fishing forum someone had also mentioned using 5 of diamonds with some success. Again yellow seems to be the color for this venue. Dalemead falls under general lakes for PP1 and bait being allowed I would imagine a pickerel rig with smelt or minnows would work fine also. If you are looking for something other than pike Crawling valley also has Walleye, Whitefish and Burbot available. Eagle lake Walleye are fairly plentiful also and, a quick trip from Calgary. Dalemead Lake Regulations Fishing regulations as per standard lake in PP1 prairie parkland as of March, 2018 page 54 as Dalemead isn't specifically listed (subject to change always check the regulations). Alberta Fishing Regulations Recommended Products