ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 548

well a variety of other trout and whitefish. This lake, along with Maligne Lake in Jasper
National Park, are major fishing centers, with boats and tackle for rent and guides offering
their services.
Fish Species
Rainbow trout are the fighting fish of the Canadian Rockies; they are to western Canada
what bass are to the United States. Although not native, through stocking they are found
in lakes and streams throughout the mountains. The Bow River is considered one of the
world's great trout rivers, but most of the action happens downstream of Calgary. Wet flies
and small spinners are preferred methods of catching these fish. The largest fish found in
the region is the lake trout, which grows to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). It feeds near the
surface after winter breakup and then moves to deeper, colder water in summer. Long lines
and heavy lures are needed to hook these giants. Brown trout, introduced from Europe,
are found in the Upper Bow River (downstream from Banff) and slow-flowing streams
in the foothills of Kananaskis Country. They are most often caught on dry flies, but they
are finicky feeders and therefore difficult to hook. Brook trout are widespread throughout
lower-elevation lakes and streams. Cutthroat trout inhabit the cold and clear waters of
the highest lakes, which generally require a hike to access. Fishing for cutthroat requires
using the lightest of tackle because the water is generally very clear; fly casting is most
productive on the still water of lakes, while spinning is the preferred river-fishing method.
Arctic grayling, easily identified by their large dorsal fins, are common in cool, clear
streams throughout the far north, but they are not native to the Canadian Rockies; Wedge
Pond (Kananaskis Country) is stocked with these delicious fish. Dolly Varden can be
caught in many high-elevation lakes on the British Columbia side of the mountains;
Whiteswan Lake is a local favorite. Whitefish are a commonly caught fish in lower-elev-
ation lakes and rivers (many anglers in Alberta call whitefish “arctic grayling,” but they
are in fact two distinct species-and grayling aren't native to the mountains). Hydroelectric
dams, such as those east of Canmore and in the Spray Valley Provincial Park, are popular
with anglers chasing whitefish.
Note: The bull trout is an endangered species and is a catch-and-release fish. Posses-
sion of bull trout—a dark-colored fish with light spots—is illegal. The defining difference
between the bull trout and the brook trout, with which it is often confused, is that the bull
trout has no black spots on its dorsal fin; due to its status, correct identification of this spe-
cies is especially important.