Crawling Valley Fishing, Good Family Fun
Crawling Valley fishing has always been rewarding for me. Out of a dozen or so trips I think I have been skunked only once. Not too far from the city it’s a great spot to take the kids to land some walleye and pike.
Crawling Valley Reservoir Aka Barkenhouse Lake is located about one and a half hours east of Calgary, AB just off the Trans-Canada highway near Bassano, AB. The lake is a decent size (approximately 25 sq. km ) with a maximum depth of 45-50 feet . It is fed by the Eastern Irrigation District canal system.
Shore Fishing for Walleye and Pike
The Walleye fishing is very good here in the summer shore fishing up by the inlet from the canal system. This area has very easy access and parking right there. In the summer months there will be a dozen or so people fishing in this area all reeling in walleye and pike.
Most of the Walleye and northern pike in this area average a few pounds, with the odd larger size pike. Pickerel rigs baited with minnows or smelt ( regular or green) work very well for both species.
There is a shelf or drop off in this area which seems to be where most of the fish are. This area also has a heavy weed bed and the occasional snag. Although I have never caught a white fish here I did see a large Pelican catch and try to eat a white fish. The fish was so large the bird wasn’t able to swallow it I would estimate around 5 or 6 lb.
Burbot are also fairly plentiful in the lake. They are much easier to catch during the fall/winter months, don’t forget your tent and tip ups!
Stay at the Campground and Fish
CVR has a great campground right on the lake with tent and RV spots available. Amenities include a boat launch, marina and a small store that has bait (frozen minnows). This campground opens May 1 and closes September 30th.
Ice Fishing
This lake is also popular for ice fishing pike, walleye and burbot. The burbot will be found closer to shore during the winter months. This is great as during the warm weather they can be out in 30+ feet of water.
If you are driving on the lake later in the season once it is thick enough the boat launch is great for access. I found a good place to get ice thickness reports before heading out is at http://www.ifishalberta.com.
You will want to stay back from the canal inlet as the faster moving water will make the ice thinner there. There is usually an ice jam where this faster water meets the main reservoir.
Just outside the small bay by the inlet is a very popular spot. Last time I was there I saw 10-15 people set up in a row. It didnt take long til I landed my first walleye for the day there. This area attracts a lot of predator fish looking to get the smaller fish coming out of the canal.
Know the Fishing Regulations
Currently all pike and Walleye are catch and release only. Lake Whitefish have a retention limit of 10. Burbot are also 10. Yellow Perch are listed as 15 keep limit. You can use Bait here.
There is a time of day restriction when fishing May 8th until November 30 (sunrise til sunset) please always check the regulations prior to fishing. This fishing hours restriction if lifted for ice fishing during the winter months. Crawling Valley is located in the Prairie Parkland 1 Zone. CVR fishing regulations