Glenmore Reservoir Fishing in the Heart of Calgary
The Glenmore Reservoir offers some great fishing opportunities in the heart of Calgary, Alberta. The Elbow River meanders into Glenmore Reservoir several kilometers upstream from where it finally joins the Bow River. This Reservoir is home to a varied collection of game fish. Over the years some extremely large rainbow trout (10 lbs+)have been caught out of here.
What Fish can you catch in Glenmore Reservoir?
There are a number of good fishing spots on Glenmore Reservoir. The Elbow river feeding in offers a number of islands carved by the river. Bends and deeper pools, eventually heading out into the deeper part of the lake.
There are plenty of Northern pike usually on the smaller side (less than 60 cm). If you are looking for larger pike and, don’t mind driving out from Calgary I wrote an article on Eagle Lake . The pike are consistently larger out here. Trout will consist of Browns and, the rainbow trout can get to a very respectable size here. There are plenty of reports of fish in the 10 lb+ range.
Burbot are also in Glenmore although they aren’t listed as something you can keep. Yellow Perch on the smaller size can be found but, this isn’t a very common species here. Lastly you can try your hand at catching some mountain whitefish.
Fishing Techniques and Lures
The style of fishing you use on Glenmore reservoir is as much preference as anything else. Due to the variety of species and ability to use bait you have lots of options.
Fly fishing is a popular option due to the potential for larger brown and rainbow trout, not to mention whitefish. I would opt for streamers but, thats just because I seem to have the most luck with them. I am very partial to olive woolly buggers. Heavier streamer patterns are probably a good option here also.
Spin casting lures such as five of diamonds or Rapala type minnow imitations for pike should work well. I like the rattling Rapalas for brown trout.
Lastly you have the option to bait fish. Using a pickerel rig bottom fishing to target burbot as they are always in deeper water. The pickerel rig gives you the option of trying to different baits at a time (ie shrimp and worm).
Boats, Launches and Boating Restrictions.
There are no powered boats allowed on the reservoir. Paddle boats (kayak, Canoes row boats are fine). Fishing is fine from your boat and certainly offers lots more opportunity than fishing from shore. Rental canoes are available from the club, I am not sure of their policy on fishing though. I have noticed in the summer it can be quite hectic here during peak hours.
The city of Calgary lists 4 boat launches here.
-Heritage park
-Calgary Canoe Club
-Crowchild Trail
-Glenmore Sailing school
These launches are at various points around the lake to make accessing your preferred fishing spot easier. One restriction is no fishing from the ramps or the docks. There are a number of public parking/ day use spots. With plenty of paths leading to the water.
Can you Ice Fish at Glenmore Reservoir?
While the reservoir would arguably be a great place to go ice fishing unfortunately, the season is closed from November 1st until April the 30th. So this venue is only available for open water fishing.
Fishing Regulations
Glenmore Reservoir is located in the ES1 watershed zone, Eastern Slopes. Bait is allowed except bait fish. Open season is May 1st to October 31st. Catch limits(as of may, 2019) Northern Pike 3, Yellow Perch 15, Mountain whitefish 5 (over 30 cm), Total Trout 5 .
I am not really sure if there are bull trout in the Elbow but, this species of trout is catch and release throughout the province of Alberta. It’s a good idea to take along a fishing guide if you are new to trout as the booklet has a good trout identification section.
Note: If you end up downstream or upstream on the Elbow river from the reservoir there are two sets of regulations with different retention limits and open seasons. Always check for the latest regulations before you set out. The regulations for ES1 lakes can be found here at the official Alberta fishing regulations site.
