Muriel Lake fish populations struggled for years because the lake level was gradually but significantly falling. Then came a double whammy --a winter fish kill in 2010-2011. Despite having lost half of its depth and most of its fish, the lake can still give up the occasional pike. According to the Muriel Lake Management Society, the level of the lake has dropped four metres from 1975 levels. At its deepest, Muriel is only five metres deep, about half of what it was when the lake supported thriving sport, domestic, and commercial fisheries. All began to decline in the 1970s along with the lake levels. Authorities tend to blame this situation on dry climate conditions since the 1980s but local residents believe there is more behind the problem, citing industry and development. The fish kill was linked to the shallowness of the lake and may have extirpated the perch, walleye and whitefish. After years of rehabilitationa nd grant funding Muriel Lake is now on the upswing the first increase in water levels in recent meomory. Residents are hoping a stocking program can be implemented here if this trend continues. LAKE ACCESS: Muriel Lake is 13 km south of the town of Bonnyville and 200 km northeast of Edmonton. From Edmonton, follow Hwys. 28 and 28A north and east to Bonnyville. At the junction of Hwys. 28 and 41, at 55th Street in Bonnyville, turn south onto the Gurneyville Road. This road joins Secondary Road 657 south of the locality of Gurneyville on the western side of the lake. This is also the access to Muriel Lake Provincial Recreation Area. The recreation area has 22 unserviced sites.