Lake Minnewanka

Considered to be one of the top ten Lake Trout fisheries in Canada, Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff National Park and is less than 5 miles ( 9 km) from Banff town site. Originally named Devil's Lake or Spirit Lake by native peoples, the lake was renamed Minnewanka (Lake of the Water Spirit) by early explorers. This 18 mile ( 25 km) long, one mile ( 2 km) wide lake, and with depths of up to 400 feet ( 130 m), may or may not be home to spirits, but it is certainly home to trophy size Lake Trout.

Our guided excursions on the lake provide the novice and expert alike the chance to land one of these monster fish. We'll take you where the fish are. A day out on the water surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains in Banff National Park will make this an unforgettable experience.

Boasting 24 years of Guiding excellence at this Lake with a staff having a combined knowledge in excess of 70 years of Guiding experience, we are confident we can provide you with a world class experience.

Lake Minnewanka is open seasonally, generally starting from May 22nd, and closes on September 4. Our service is available as soon as the lake is open, until the end of the season.

Our boats are Transport Canada approved and are exceedingly well-equipped with required safety equipment. The guides are all trained in First Aid and have completed a Marine Emergency Duties course. The boats are fully outfitted with sophisticated fish finding equipment, and carry all the fishing gear you need to jig, spin cast, fly-fish or troll.

We offer private charters with professional guides, in comfortable, well-appointed boats (19.5 - 23.5 ft).

Departures for excursions include mornings, mid-day, or evening trips, or we can customize to suit your
schedule, size of group, and needs. Catering to groups up to 16 anglers.

Lake Minnewanka provides excellent fishing for wild fish, and our clients have caught lake trout (up to 45 lbs/20 kg), Rocky Mountain whitefish (to 5lbs/2.2 kg), and occasional bull, cutthroat and brown trout.

We actively promote "CPR"- catch, photograph, and release. However, anglers are allowed a limit of 2 fish per license.

We have unrivalled knowledge of this large lake, and say with some pride that our success rate is phenomenal: our clients catch fish. Wildlife abounds in the area. There may be opportunities to view bears, bighorn sheep, elk, wolf, coyote, deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, diving ducks, and many other animals. Don't forget your camera!

We welcome novice anglers or family groups: we'll make this an easy, fun trip for you, so you can enjoy alpine lake fishing at it's finest in magnificent mountain surroundings.

Typical trips are 4.5 or 6.5 hours in length.

Transportation to and from your lodgings in Banff can be provided.

Email Us