Running Lake Fishing in Municipal District of Clear Hills No. 21, Alberta

• Overview

  Running Lake sits in Municipal District of Clear Hills No. 21, out in Alberta. Elevation runs to 1,017 metres. With some 29 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. A shoreline of some 2.3 km keeps the choices simple. Supplies mean a trip to Fairview, 78 km off. Edmonton is the closest city, 495 km away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Running Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Municipal District of Clear Hills No. 21 records list longnose sucker, white sucker and pearl dace among the fish reported. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Running Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 13°C, with January the cold end at about -15°C. This is a two-season water: locked, then wide open. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near early November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Running Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Overnight stays are possible about 370 m out, where camping is mapped. A light spinning outfit with a small box of lures and some bait covers most of what swims here. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Deep Lake sits 3.8 km off and takes the overflow. Signs at Running Lake carry more weight than any list.