Fishing at Brazeau Lake, Clearwater County, Alberta

• Overview

  Set in Clearwater County, Brazeau Lake is an Alberta water. Elevation runs to 1,797 metres. The water covers around 2.74 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs about 14 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Size puts it in the front rank of our Clearwater County list. Some 84 km away sits Jasper Park Lodge, the nearest settlement. The big place round here is Red Deer, 223 km distant. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Brazeau Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Fish documented in Clearwater County include bull trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, longnose sucker and cutthroat trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Brazeau Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 9°C, while January sits near -13°C. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late May. On average, late May opens the water and late October closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Brazeau Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Aztec Lake is 6.6 km off. Confirm access to Brazeau Lake locally before you travel.