Crossing Lake Fishing in Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, Alberta

• Overview

  Alberta holds Crossing Lake, in Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61. The surface lies 660 metres up. Surface area is around 53 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The whole outline is near 3.3 km, and most of it is walkable. You are 9 km from Wainwright. The nearest city of size is Edmonton, 185 km away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Crossing Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish documented in Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 include Iowa darter, rainbow trout, walleye and fathead minnow. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Crossing Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 17°C and January about -15°C. Everything is compressed into the middle of the year. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Crossing Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Sandy Lake, 1.5 km away. Signs at Crossing Lake carry more weight than any list.