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. When going after perch, Kohlruss suggests a Marmish hook tipped with maggots, meal worms or minnows. Head down between 15 and 30 feet, and try to stay near the steep drop-offs. The rocks around the islands are also good locations, as the rocks will act as cover. Try the east end of the lake near the boat launch, too, for a good starting point. If walleye are more your thing, Kohlruss emphasises that smaller is better. “With walleye, less is more,” he says. Try small pink ladies, jigs tipped with minnows, or small perch hooks with maggots. “Pike will go after just about anything,” says Kohlruss, but a starting point is a small jig head and minnow. Head about 100 feet out from the boat launch, down up to 30 feet deep. The pike in Fawcett Lake are in about the 6 lb range, though some as big as 25 lbs have been known to come out. Burbot are an excellent ice-fishing target. Kohlruss says that in warmer weather they’re more river fish than lake fish. In winter, however, they are feeding heavily in the lakes and are growing more than they do in warmer weather. They spawn in February, he says, and that is the perfect time to head out for a day of ice fishing. Please make sure you consult the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations before heading out. Fawcett Lake has several different regulations in place, and there is a closure in effect on the northeast side for part of the spring. A guided trip is also a great idea. Ray Kohlruss of Reel Angling Adventures, guides in many north-central area lakes, including Fawcett. Check out his website at reelangling.com. LAKE ACCESS To reach Fawcett Lake, start from the town of Smith, 123 km north of Westlock or 73 km east of Slave Lake. Once in Smith, cross the river and follow the signs east and north for 27 km to Fawcett Lake. Fawcett Lake Provincial Recreation Area is located on the west side of the lake and includes 58 campsites, though they are unserviced. The park also includes a day use area and boat launches.

Fished at Fawcett Lake for 50+ yrs.

Had a cabin at Fawcett for 25 years. Caught to many walleye to even guess, left 5 years ago and now Fawcett Lake is a special tag lake.

Launch within campground

Opening week

Fished for about 3 hours the first week open this year. Two of us caught about a dozen pike and a 50cm Walleye. Nice lake with some pretty cool little islands.

No keepers.

Theres alot of fish in this lake..but all small...there is a size limit for pike(63cm) and walleye(50cm) Be very careful of logs in the water ..there just at the surface ... major weeds all around. Troll with a night crawler ..you will catch walleye and pike.