LESSER SLAVE LAKE REGIONAL TOURISM
 

Explore Lesser Slave Lake in 2010

Lesser Slave Map

Your winter wonderland awaits at Lesser Slave Lake. The ice fishing is simply spectacular, and there is no better time to plan a winter getaway.

Lesser Slave Lake is one of the best walleye fisheries in Alberta, and the action is just heating up when the water freezes.

There are numerous access points in the winter, and while some are accessible only by quad or sled, many are easily accessible by vehicle.

Wally Garrick of Reel-In Resort / Southshore Fishing Adventures, says that ice fishing is a big deal in the area. Typically, there are tournaments around Free Fishing Weekend in February, and if the ice is ready to go, there are fireworks and celebrations in Joussard on New Year's Eve.

Garrick advises that when you're going after walleye, your primary focus should be structure. "Typically, fishing near underwater structure is most effective, so right to the middle or bottom of a drop-off." That is where the fish will hold for the winter.

Once you locate the structure, your setup can be as simple as a jig head and minnow. Try jigging a smaller Cleo, Len Thompson or Swedish Pimple. Use an 8 lb. test line with the spoon or jig tied on directly and your minnow out behind the jig. Head for the deep water, again right down to the bottom. Keep in mind that regulations prohibit the use of live bait.

In most cases, walleye are caught during low light conditions such as dawn, dusk or cloudy days. However, Garrick notes that on Lesser Slave Lake, many people are fishing productively right through the night.

Lesser Slave PikeHere a hut is a welcome above-water structure. Businesses all around the lake will rent ice huts from the simple shelter to the elaborate setup with beds and stoves. Outfitters have these huts located all over the ice, available for rent all winter long.

Walleye are the most popular game fish in Lesser Slave Lake, though certainly not the only ones. Whitefish, burbot, yellow perch and pike also provide ample opportunity for a catch.

For perch, much the same method can be used as when targetting walleye. Tony Gellings of Adventure Alberta says that maggots and mealworms are also good for perch.

For pike, however, you want to go big. Garrick suggests a tip up rig with a big herring or a Norwegian Sardine.

Gellings adds, "The pike will bite on anything," he says. "If they're out there, you'll catch them." He also notes that more people are becoming interested in fishing for burbot. The limits are higher -- 10 -- and they're tasty, despite their appearance.

The Lesser Slave Lake region caters to all winter enthusiasts. The sparkling snow is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and there are ample skating opportunities. Bring your gear, or rent from one of the many outfitters in the area.

LAKE ACCESS

Lesser Slave CabinNumerous access points exist around Lesser Slave Lake. From Edmonton, head north on Hwy 2 for about 56 km. Turn left at Highway 18; at Westlock turn right (north) onto Highway 44 (104th Street). Continue on Highway 44 for about 104 km, and then for approximately 100 km after Highway 44 merges with Highway 2. Follow the signs for various access points along the lake.

Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park can be accessed north of the town of Slave Lake, and there are winter camping options available. Whitewater, Joussard, Faust, Kinuso and Hilliard's Bay Provincial Park are other locations along the lake.

These are all good locations for outfitting, hiring a guide, and accomodations along Lesser Slave Lake. As Garrick and Gellings note, it's also a very good idea to talk to locals before heading out onto the lake, particularly to get information about spots to avoid.

Keep these locations in mind for the spring and summer fishing seasons, too, and head out for the fishing, bird-watching and sandcastle building.

As always, please consult the Alberta Fishing Regulations before heading out. Free Fishing Weekend, February 13-15, 2010, is a time when licenses are not required, however, a valid license is required at all other times.

NEARBY LAKES

FAWCETT LAKE

Fawcett Lake Map Fawcett Lake can be an angler's dream. There are so many opportunities, the question will be how to keep up with them all.

Ray Kohlruss from Reel Angling Adventures, says that Fawcett is a big lake, and the best locations will depend on such things as weather and time of day. It also depends on the species you target...

Download map to read the story, or visit the Fawcett Lake home page.
 

SNIPE LAKE

Snipe Lake MapSnipe Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing, and the action continues consistently all year.

Gerry Williscroft of Snipe Lake South Shore Resort, says that the pike and perch are the big draws. Both species are plentiful, and "you can almost get them as soon as you drop your line." ...

Download map to read the story, or visit the Snipe Lake home page.