Fishing at Algar Lake, Wood Buffalo, Alberta

• Overview

  Algar Lake belongs to Wood Buffalo, Alberta. The country here is boreal forest. At some 8.02 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. At about 14 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. The closest town, Fort McMurray, is 72 km away. Further out sit Wabasca-Desmarais (104 km) and Lac La Biche (173 km). Also within reach: Horse Lake after 28 km, 44 km away is Mariana Lake, Crow Lake after 58 km and 58 km away is Agnes Lake. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Algar Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Wood Buffalo: longnose sucker, Arctic grayling, white sucker and mountain whitefish. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Algar Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 16°C; by January the average is down near -20°C. The window is narrow, and fish feed hard while it lasts. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about early November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on Algar Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Horse Lake at 28 km is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Algar Lake.