Swan Lake (Alberta)

Swan Lake is the most publicized lake in the Peace Country. The reason w hy will be most evident after you enjoy a fishing experience at this lake. From Grande Prairie, travel east approximately 72 km on highway 43 to the small hamlet of Ridgevalley. From Ridgevalley south 16 km on a well maintained gravel road will direct you to the largest Rainbow Trout fishing in the region.

Presently the recreation area is unsupervised and maintenance is minimal. A few rustic campsites exist amongst the trees next to the lake. Service does not exist, but you will find a washroom, fish cleaning stand, and ocasionally some wood. Access to the lake is a steep ramp and a muddy shoreline. Electric motors are requested as a power source.

Acquiring the name Swan lake in 1952 would suggest you may view some of these prestigious birds; regretably, the increasing amount of boats and fishing activity prohibits that. However, there is a bald headed eagle family usually raising its young at the east end of the lake.

The lake is shallow, but aeration allows the fish to thrive all year. The abundance of natural feed in this lake produces Rainbow Trout from an average of two pounds up to 8 or 9 pounds.

Early spring fishing can produce results with leeches, shrimp, bright olive nymphs, and a sinking tip line produces better success. May and June are your best months for clear water, as the lake produces a hevy algae bloom July through September. During this time brightly coloured flies, streamers, and Wooly Worms are successful.

September and October can provide excellent sized Rainbow Trout with careful presentation of back swimmers, Doc Spratley, and Marabou Muddlers.

The Popularity of this lake is a direct reflection of the size of Rainbow. Some days it may appear congested to a fly fisherman in a belly boat due to the number of aluminum boats cruising the lake. With proper courtesy there is space for everyone to enjoy a rewarding day of fishing.