Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is the big reservoir 5 km northeast of Banff, 21 km long and 142 m (466 ft) deep. A power dam at the west end raised it 30 m in 1941 and drowned the old resort village of Minnewanka Landing. It is a lake trout lake first, with mountain whitefish and cisco too. It is also the one water in Banff National Park where you may keep a fish: 2 lake trout a day. Every other fish in the park goes back.

Think of Minnewanka as deep, cold boat water. The guide service on the lake fishes from boats with sonar, trolling and jigging. A fly angler can still find lake trout. Fish a fast-sinking line and a big streamer along the drop-offs, or work the shore near the Cascade River inlet below Stewart Canyon, early and late in the day. You may not use waders here, so shore anglers cast from dry ground. The season runs May 16 to September 7, and the early weeks, when the surface is still cold, are the best chance at a lake trout near the top.

Plan around Parks Canada's watercraft rules, which are stricter here than anywhere else in Banff. Lake Minnewanka is a Special Tactics Zone. You may not bring a canoe, kayak, float tube or paddleboard, and you may not wear waders or wading boots. The only boats allowed are motorboats that pass a Parks Canada inspection, booked at least 48 hours ahead, and the rental boats at the lakeshore. You need a national park fishing permit and a park pass. An Alberta licence is not valid. One fly on the line, no bait, and no lead under 50 g. The parking lot fills on summer days, so come early or take Roam transit from Banff. The reservoir rises and falls through the year, and the level tile shows where it sits now.