Where We Fish
Exploring Lake Minnewanka
Our fishing adventures take place on Lake Minnewanka, one of the most iconic bodies of water in Banff National Park. The lake stretches over 21 kilometers long and is 142 meters deep, making it a prime location for anglers looking to catch a variety of species. Whether you're fishing from a boat or along the shores, the setting is unparalleled, offering both tranquility and the thrill of the chase. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, the lake offers more than just fishing—it’s a connection to nature and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Fishing above a ghost town in Banff National Park
For more than 100 centuries, people hunted and camped along the original shores of Lake Minnewanka. The Stoney people called it “Minn-waki” or “Lake of the Spirits”. In the 1890s, Minnewanka Landing was a bustling, lakeside resort town. The lake was damned three times to increase the water level. The most recent of which was in 1941 when the War Measures Act superseded the National Parks Act, which excluded industrial development within national park boundaries. As a result of the dams the only visitors to Minnewanka Landing today are scuba divers. When the latest dam was installed the townsite was flooded, leaving foundations, fireplaces, sidewalks, and the remains of the second dam forever entombed in the lake’s murky depths.
Today, Lake Minnewanka is a popular destination within Banff National Park, attracting visitors for boat tours, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and scuba diving. We are proud to be one of the two licensed fishing companies allowed to guide tours on Lake Minnewanka. This allows us to offer an exclusive and unforgettable fishing experience in one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful locations.
As a top notch Canadian fishing company, we know what you are looking for, and we’re here to make it happen. We have the perfect boats, equipment, and service – all you need is to find the fish.
What We Catch
What We Catch
Lake Minnewanka is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and holds
many species of fish including Cutthroat & Brown Trout, Bull & Lake trout,
Whitefish Cisco and Bottom feeders. We target mostly Lake Trout who is the
apex predator and can grow up to 50+lbs! All these beauties don’t guarantee
easy fishing, which is why an expert guide is a must.
Lake Minnewanka is a popular spot in Banff, and the parking lot fills up quickly. To ensure you find a spot and have time to explore the area, please arrive at least 60 minutes earlier.
Fishing in Banff
To fish in Banff, you'll need an Alberta fishing license, which is easy to get either online or through local vendors. At Banff Fishing, we provide all the necessary licenses so you can focus on the thrill of the catch while we take care of the details.
Lake Minnewanka Directions
Lake Minnewanka just a 15-minute drive away from Banff Avenue, making it easily accessible for visitors. Roam Transit offers a convenient bus service during the summer months. The service operates seven days a week, with the first bus leaving at 8 AM. This service runs from late May to late September, with fares priced at $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and youth.
Lake Minnewanka Weather
In mid-May, Lake Minnewanka sees mild temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with snow still lingering on the mountains. By mid-September, temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), with cooler mornings and evenings, along with stunning fall colors. Be prepared for unpredictable weather! Trips will only get canceled if it’s too unsafe to head out.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout is usually found in deep, cool lakes across North America. The population in Lake Minnewanka is one of largest populations of native Lake Trout in Alberta. Lake Trout are one of the largest lake dwelling fish in the Rockies, growing up to 45lbs! Lake Trout’s diet consists of smaller fish, insects, and occasionally crustaceans.
Features
Deeply forked tail. Worm-like mottling. White leading edge, often present on fins. Irregular white sports, no red or orange.
Rocky Mountain Whitefish
Rocky Mountain whitefish feed primarily on bottom-dwelling aquatic insects, but will also feed on terrestrial insects on the surface, or even on other smaller fish and fish eggs. Mountain whitefish have large scales, no spots and small mouths with no teeth are native to most of the waters of western Alberta.
Features
Deeply forked tail. Large scales. Small mouth below pointed snout.
Cisco (Lake Herring)
Cisco, sometimes referred to as lake herring, is the most widespread of the cisco-type fishes in North America. Their diet is predominantly zooplankton and insect larvae! This species can grow as large as 40 cm and 2.3 kg (five pounds), but is more commonly 28 to 38 cm long and 170 to 907 grams (six ounces to two pounds) in weight.
Features
Slender-bodied and silvery with pinkish iridescence on its sides.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout reside in cold, clear streams and lakes of the Banff area. Where the water quality is high and a diverse environment of aquatic life, you will find the Cutthroat Trout. They typically feed on insects that reside in the cold water ecosystem.
Features
Olive green to grey body with black spots which are more numerous towards tail. Red slash under lower jaw.
