The Red Deer River anchors recreational fishing in the Red Deer County and features quite a diversity of game fish: brown trout, goldeye, mountain whitefish, northern pike, sauger and walleye, with the occasional lake sturgeon as a bonus.
The massive replica of the Len Thompson Five of Diamonds lure marks company’s 90th anniversary.
Read the CBC Story >Extend your fishing trip by turning your weekend into something resembling greatness.
Keep the Fun Going >With the exception of brown trout, which are a species that originated in Europe, all these species are native to the Red Deer River. The brown trout were stocked in the Red Deer River below Gleniffer Reservoir by the provincial government dating back to 1932, with supplemental plantings of wild brown trout transplanted from the Bow River in 1992. They suffered a set back from devastating floods in 1995 and 2005 and are slowly recovering in numbers but are still a major draw because of their large 22 inch+ size. Trophy size brown trout of this size are rare in western Canada.
Generally, float trips take place above the City of Red Deer and below the Dickson Dam on the Gleniffer Reservoir, in what’s called a “tailwater” section noted for its stable flows. This section of the Red Deer River is a beautiful stretch of water in a very scenic, pastoral setting.
The Red Deer River has two major tributaries below Gleniffer Reservoir: the Little Red Deer River and the Medicine River.
The Little Red Deer River is a popular destination for brown trout fishing, as well as brook trout and mountain whitefish, with the odd bull trout.
The mouth of the Medicine River at its confluence with the Red Deer River is popular for pike, walleye, sauger, brown trout and mountain whitefish. Gleniffer Reservoir doesn’t boast great fishing but offers up pike, walleye, mountain whitefish and the odd brown trout.
The Mitchell Pond (formerly Waskasoo Park Pond) at Heritage Ranch is home to a number of different species of trout and was last stocked in 2019. Although no longer stocked, Bower Ponds is still a favourite of some local anglers and has even had 20 pound pikes fished out of it!
There are a couple of key lakes in the area, Gull Lake and Sylvan Lake, both of which are popular destinations of provincial significance.
Gull Lake features excellent fishing for northern pike and walleye during the open water season while Lake Whitefish are the main draw during the ice fishing season and attract thousands of anglers annually; burbot and northern pike are also very popular hard-water target species, as well as yellow perch.
Pike, walleye, yellow perch and Lake Whitefish are the main drawing cards for Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake has grown in popularity in Alberta’s fishing circles during the last decade as a go-to lake for both walleye and Lake Whitefish.
Pine Lake is another popular local lake, featuring a yellow perch fishery.
The Dickson Trout Pond in Spruce View is stocked yearly with large amounts of rainbow trout and is even home to some northern pike. Bennett’s Pond in Red Deer County was last stocked with rainbow trout in 2017, Crooked Creek last stocked with brown trout in 2002, and Schrader Creek last stocked with brown trout in 2004. Stocked lakes are popular with locals during all season of the year, and they provide a stable recreational base for locals in particular.
Red Lodge Provincial Park, about 120 km (75 mi) north of Calgary, offers riverside camping in a mature spruce forest. Set up camp and swim, paddle or fish for trout, burbot and white fish in the Little Red Deer River. On this site on the shore of Little Red Deer River an English settler named Mr. Crichley had a craftsman build him a large log home. The logs were painted red, thus Red Lodge became the name of his ranch and later, the name of this park. 67 unserviced campsites and 39 powered (15/3
Red Lodge Provincial Park
4032242547
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Red Deer’s year-round home for natural history and environmental education. Exhibits, demonstrations, events, programs and Alberta’s first nature playground, the Nova Chemicals Imagination Grove ensures something for everyone. Since 1924, the Sanctuary has been protected as a federal migratory bird sanctuary. 5 km of trails, a bird blind and viewing decks leads you to a variety of habitats.
6330 45 Ave
4033462010
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Heritage Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. Our fully licensed restaurant, the Westlake Grill, combined with the central location (easily accessible from both the QE2 and the city of Red Deer) makes us the ideal meeting place. PACKAGES Try some romance at the Ranch. We’ve created intimate Date Packages designed to help you reconnect with that someone special. Our Chef’s Table Package offers the ultimate dining experience for you and your special someone, complete with wine
6300 Cronquist Drive
4033474977
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Located in Innisfail. Discovery Wildlife Park is a refuge for orphaned and unwanted wildlife. We provide “forever” homes for animals who are not able to be returned to the wild. Located on 90 acres of parkland and offering educational opportunities for schools and the general public about wildlife, conservation and our role as animal caretakers. Daily animal presentations are included with your admission, so everyone can take part and learn more about these issues. Many amenities are
5400 42 Ave
4032273211
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We are a family friendly recreation centre serving the public park of Bower Ponds. From paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking and water balls, to ice skating, board games and hot chocolate, we offer a wide selection of family fun! For more details visit our website.
4715 Fountain Drive
4033186298
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