Shallow Lake Fishing Guide, County of Barrhead No. 11, Alberta

• Overview

  The County of Barrhead No. 11 end of Alberta holds Shallow Lake. The surroundings are northern bush. It measures about 46 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 4.8 km of margin, front to back. Start from Barrhead, 42 km down the road. After that come Westlock at 51 km and Swan Hills at 71 km. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Shallow Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Reported across County of Barrhead No. 11: northern pike, white sucker and brook trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Work Shallow Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -16°C in January to roughly 16°C in July. A short, intense season is the rule this far north. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Shallow Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Records show it does not hold water year-round. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Nelson Lake at 6.6 km is the sensible second choice. For Shallow Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.