Chain Lakes Reservoir is a very popular fishing spot both for open water and ice fishing.
This is a great lake for anyone new to fishing or families with kids because it is well stocked a few times per year with the Rainbow Trout and it is not hard to catch it.
Chain Lakes Reservoir Directions
Chain Lakes Reservoir is located 128 km south of Calgary.
There is also a campground which is open in the summer and might be a good choice if you want to spend a few days on the lake.
Chain Lakes Fishing Spots
Most people fish on the south side of the lake at Chain Lakes Provincial Park day-use area.
If you want to escape the crowds, park on the last parking lot and walk 50-100 m north.
Fish usually bites not far from the shore. Some people also fish on the northern side of Chain Lakes Reservoir, however, there is no convenient parking there.
Chain Lakes Fishing Tips
The most common fish species in Chain Lakes are Rainbow Trout and Suckers.
There are also other trout species that get into the lake from Willow Creek but they are not as common.
Most people are not interested in taking Suckers home and release them back into the lake however if you prepare them the right way they can make a pretty good meal. Most trout you catch will be in the 7″-12″ range.
Powerbait usually works fine in most stocked lakes because fish is used to eating food that looks exactly like Powerbait at the farm.
However, Velvetta cheese and even corn can work great as well. Finally, worms are usually very effective if you don’t mind a live bait.
Chain Lakes can get quite windy and it is not uncommon to encounter 100 km per hour wind gusts so don’t forget to check the weather forecast before going fishing there.
Chain Lakes Reservoir Fishing Regulations
Limits for stocked lakes:
- 5 trout of any size
- 3 Northern Pike of any size
- 15 Yellow Perch of any size
Check Alberta Fishing Regulations for up-to date rules.
Chain Lakes Reservoir Fish Stocking Report 2024
Fish | Size (cm) | Number Stocked | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Rainbow Trout | 20.6 | 990 | April 22 |
Rainbow Trout | 20.7 | 3304 | April 26 |
Rainbow Trout | 20.1 | 6768 | April 26 |
Rainbow Trout | 20.1 | 4428 | April 26 |
Rainbow Trout | 21 | 4510 | April 26 |
Rainbow Trout | 14.1 | 35210 | May 21 |