Gull Lake Alberta Fishing for Walleye and Other Species

 

This article will focus on Gull Lake in Alberta, Canada. Let’s discuss the lake’s location, available fish species, fishing techniques and fishing regulations. Armed with this knowledge you’ll be ready to get fishing in this picturesque location. This lake is available pretty much all year round there are few short closures at the beginning of winter and the end.

 

Location Size and Depth 

 

Gull lake is located in central Alberta it’s close to Rimbey, Red Deer and Edmonton and is part of Aspen Beach Provincial Park. The town has a small, friendly population and is more active in the summer months. The lake covers an area of 80 square kilometers with a maximum depth of eight meters or 26 feet. 

 

What Kind of Fish are in Gull Lake?

• Walleye

•  Lake Whitefish

•  Northern Pike

•  Perch

•  Burbot

 

 

The lake has a wide range of species to catch. This is a good Lake for keeping walleye if you won some special harvest license tags in the draw.  

 

Walleye

 

There seems to be a pretty heavy population of walleye. This species is starting to crowd out some of the other species available in Gull Lake . There are some decent sized walleye you can catch here.

 

Burbot

 

Burbot are present in the lake. Try a jig head with minnow attached. Pound the bottom with the jig and then raise rod several inches.

 

Lake Whitefish

 

Lake Whitefish are also found in the lake. Although they aren’t found in the abundance they used to be. Preferred baits and tackle for Whitefish include wireworm set with maggots or mealworms .

 

Yellow Perch

 Perch are also present here. This lake is probably not the best spot to get lots of consistent perch.

 

Northern Pike

 

There are a decent amount off pike in gull lake. With hammer handle up to 2 foot size being most common. If you are looking for monster pike try south at Sylvan Lake.

 

Gull Lake Alberta Ice Fishing

 

When winter sets in and the lake freezes over, it’s the perfect time for Gull Lake ice fishing. Like with most lakes ice fishing your more productive times will be towards evening just around sunset. The time is a great time to catch Pike and the walleye bite is starting to turn on .

 

Shore fishing

 

The Aspen Beach Provincial Park dock right next to the boat launch is a good access spot for shore fishing. You may be able to find other spots along the shore.  bear in mind towards mid or late summer you’re going to have very heavy weed growth.

 

Ice Shack Rentals and Fishing Charters

There are a couple of companies that offer ice fishing shack rentals on Gull Lake. Typically these ice hut or cabin rentals include a heated Shack, pre-drilled holes, underwater camera, and Tackle. Power is also included with these Luxury Rentals you can charge your devices, throw something on the TV for the kids to keep them out of your hair etc.

 

A great advantage to going with one of these rental companies is they know where the fish are and, they know their lake. They will steer you towards what techniques and lures work best. If it’s your first time at this lake this could be a very good option so you don’t get skunked. 

 

Gull Lake Fishing Charters also offers open water guided boat fishing. This is not an endorsement of either of these companies but, feel free to check out there links here.

 

http://adventureicefishing.com/

https://gulllakefishingcharters.com/

 

Boat Launch

 

There are several boat launches spread around gull lake. Taking a look at the catch map on fishbrain there seems to be a very large concentration of fish caught along the southwest area of the lake. They’re also good concentrations of fish caught in the North Bend. If this is your first time to go  fishing at Gull Lake you may want to try these two areas. 

 

• Aspen Beach Provincial Park  (south end of lake)
• Sandy point (South West side of lake)
• Birch bay boat launch (west side shallow launch)
• Stoner’s Landing (north west )
• Sunnyside Marina (North end)
• RV Heaven and Marina (North side)
• Wilson’s Beach Campground (East side)

 

Fish limits And Regulations

 

As of the 2019 Alberta fishing regulations the fish limits for Gull Lake are the following. 

 

• 0 walleye unless you have walleye tags from the draw ( special harvest license SHL)
• 0 northern pike
•  5 yellow perch
•  3 lake whitefish
•  2 burbot ,the exception is 0 burbot from February 1st to March 31st this is their spawning season. 

The Open Season is May 15th to October 31st. and then it reopens December 11th to March 31st for ice fishing. As of 2019 date is allowed In this Lake. Please note these regulations are current  time of writing but regulations can change be sure and check the official Alberta Fisheries website. 

Gull lake is classified under parkland prairie 2 (PP2) in the regulations.

2020 Alberta Fishing Regulation Update

As of the 2020 fishing regulations coming out this spring you are now able to keep a single walleye between 45-50 cm. It will be interesting to see if they offer special walleye draw tags for the other slot sizes in the 2021 season.