Fishing in Banff & Jasper Rockies
Alpine trout fishing in Canada's most famous mountain parks. Bow headwaters, Maligne Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
1. Bow River (Headwaters)
Banff National ParkThe Bow River in Banff National Park offers cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout fishing in stunning mountain scenery.
2. Maligne Lake (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Jasper National ParkMaligne Lake offers rainbow trout and brook trout fishing in one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
3. Pyramid Lake (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
JasperPyramid Lake offers rainbow trout and brook trout fishing near Jasper townsite with a stunning mountain backdrop.
4. Athabasca River (Jasper)
Jasper National ParkThe Athabasca River in Jasper offers rainbow trout, bull trout, and Arctic grayling fishing in the heart of the Rockies.
5. Sunwapta River (Rainbow Trout)
Icefields ParkwayThe Sunwapta River offers rainbow trout and bull trout fishing along the Icefields Parkway.
6. Peyto Lake (Cutthroat Trout)
Icefields ParkwayPeyto Lake is a stunning turquoise lake offering cutthroat trout fishing at Bow Summit.
7. Lake Louise (Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Banff National ParkLake Louise offers lake trout and rainbow trout fishing in one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the world.
8. Moraine Lake (Cutthroat Trout)
Banff National ParkMoraine Lake offers cutthroat trout fishing in a stunning valley of the Ten Peaks.
9. Minnewanka Lake (Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout)
BanffLake Minnewanka offers lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout fishing in Banff National Park's largest lake.
10. Two Jack Lake (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout)
BanffTwo Jack Lake offers rainbow trout and brook trout fishing near Banff with beautiful mountain views.
11. Johnson Lake (Rainbow Trout)
BanffJohnson Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in a popular Banff-area lake.
12. Spray River (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Banff areaThe Spray River offers cutthroat trout and rainbow trout fishing near Banff.
13. Cascade River (Cutthroat Trout)
Banff areaThe Cascade River offers cutthroat trout and bull trout fishing north of Banff.
14. Sawback Lake (Cutthroat Trout)
Banff backcountrySawback Lake offers cutthroat trout fishing in the Banff backcountry.
15. Fish Lakes (Cutthroat Trout)
Banff backcountryThe Fish Lakes in Banff's backcountry offer cutthroat trout fishing for hikers.
16. Athabasca Falls (Rainbow Trout)
JasperThe Athabasca River below Athabasca Falls offers rainbow and bull trout fishing in a dramatic canyon setting.
17. Whistler Creek (Brook Trout)
JasperWhistler Creek offers brook trout fishing near the Jasper SkyTram.
18. Medicine Lake (Rainbow Trout)
JasperMedicine Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in Jasper National Park. The lake is known for its disappearing water phenomenon.
19. Beauvert Lake (Rainbow Trout)
JasperBeauvert Lake offers rainbow trout fishing near the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
20. Annette Lake (Rainbow Trout)
JasperAnnette Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in a popular Jasper-area lake with a beach.
Fishing Tips for the Banff & Jasper Rockies Region
- Get a licence -- A national park fishing permit is required in Banff and Jasper, available at park gates and visitor centres.
- Try Maligne Lake -- Maligne Lake offers stunning scenery and excellent trout fishing in Jasper National Park.
- Check park regulations -- National park fishing regulations differ from provincial. Some waters are catch-and-release only.
- Watch for wildlife -- Banff and Jasper have significant bear, elk, and wolf populations. Carry bear spray.
- Best time -- July through September offers the best fishing conditions in the Rockies. June runoff can make rivers high and murky.
- Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need an Ontario fishing licence. Buy online at ontario.ca/fishing.
- Watch Great Lakes weather — Lake Erie is notorious for sudden, dangerous storms. Check marine forecasts before heading out.
- Hire a charter — For Lake Ontario salmon and Lake Erie walleye, chartered trips are the most productive option.
- Fish the Bay of Quinte in fall — September through November offers the best trophy walleye fishing in the bay.
- Try the Niagara River — The Niagara River offers year-round fishing opportunities unmatched in Ontario.
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