Many, many, many years ago my buddy and I took our brides ice fishing. Even the antique film type camera captures the anticipation of fried rainbow at a campsite.

Early Risers

One of my favorite BC-like? BC-ish? BC-esque? lakes in Alberta is Beaver Mines. Not only is this easily accessible Rainbow Trout stocked lake full of scrappy fish, the backdrop is gorgeous. There are also some great lakeside vehicle campsites, where, if you’re prepared for the mighty lake winds (Brrr…she says), you can keep your boat within easy reach your entire stay. Early mornings and evenings are great here, as it’s usually flat as glass. The abundant rising trout can easily be caught with light spinning gear, or on the fly, both in the middle of the lake and from shore. Bait fishers also frequent this lake. We arrived late Tuesday night and were lucky to get a choice spot. After setting up camp and a quick bite over the fire, I couldn’t resist throwing a tiny 22 Brown Flying Ant at ‘em from shore. Sure enough, 3 quick catch’n releases, all over 12”. I knew I was in for some fun the next two days! While the strong wind was a bear, the fishing sure wasn’t. I had to take advantage of early mornings and late evenings when the lake was calm, but released 6-10 scrappy Rainbows in a couple of hours each day. My best was 18”, with most between 14-16”. The second bite Thursday morning on the Woolly Bugger was a serious fish; I knew it as soon as I hooked up. I actually stood up and shouted at him, “Ok, I’ll get serious now”. I regretted it immediately! First, the feisty 'lil bow forced my rod tip into the water, then it took me way down into the weeds, which by the way, are far too plentiful in this lake, and broke me off. I think I woke up a few late sleepers after that one. (Grrrr!!). Anyway, Beaver Mines is still a fun little lake, with some good sized leapers if you can find them. It’s not going to produce big numbers the way it did 20 years ago, but the trout fight hard and are great eaters on the campfire. I’ll definitely continue to go back every year. Funny thing about this lake; somewhere in the north middle portion, my cell phone always kicks in! On a side note, thanks to the two young Watercraft Inspectors who checked my boat on the way out. They were pleasant, knowledgeable, and efficient, and I’m a firm believer in stopping the dreaded spread… Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015 Time: 6:47 a.m. Weather: 12C, Sunny, 6km W Winds GPS: 49.371632, - 114.297471 Boat: Lund WC12 Motor: Minn Kota Endura Max / Speed 2 Rods: Templefork 4 Piece, 5 Wt; Shimano Compre Graphite 6’ Reels: Amundson Trend 5/6; Shimano Sidestab 1000RE Lines: SA Supra Floating Line quick sinking tip; Stren Magnathin 4lb. Tippet: Berkley 2 lb. Fly/Lure: Green Woolly Bugger 8-10; Flatfish Frog pattern No 4

So close you can touch them.

Great Canadian Rockies, Eh!

My Happy Place.

Picture perfect.

What a view.

Epic day of fishing with a view.

Beaver Mines Lake

A Day at the lake Spring 2009

Spring 2009 May 16. A day at the Lake

Spring 2009 May 16. A day at the Lake

Table Top

This Mountain is south east if the lake and is a beautiful site from anywhere around the lake

Beaver Mines at Sunset

Beaver Mines at Sunset

Old-Man-Of-The-Mountain is watching

This lingering snow patch was "watching" over us as we enjoyed a great week of relaxation in the early part of June, 2006.

Site visitors

You will see many kinds of wildlife during your visit. Geese, hummingbirds, eagles, beaver(very rarely), muskrat, moose, and deer to name but a few. It is not uncommon to have a moose wander thru your site on his way to a cross-lake swim.

Beaver Mines access route

West from Pincher Creek, AB or south from Hwy #3, converging on the townsite of Beaver Mines. Follow the road south and west as it wanders deeper thru the mountain valley. The turn off the paved road is clearly signed. Follow the good-grade gravel road south past the Scout camp entrance (pay phone located here) to the lake. Note the pay phone... cell phone service is virtually non-existent west of the townsite! Excellent trout fishing from the shores, and belly-boating is usually rewarding, as is drifting or trolling from smaller boats. Watch the north-east end of the lake for near-surface tree stumps - they could ruin your weekend (and your boat).