A person fishes on a blue lake in Canmore in the summer.

Canmore Fishing Spots: Where the Locals Go

10/07/2025

When anglers think about Canmore fishing, they always rave about the stunning scenery, pristine spots to cast your line and the one-of-a-kind challenge. There just aren’t many places on the planet that offer the brilliant thrills of Canmore fishing. 

The area around Canmore is defined by its sprawling mountain landscapes, and there are rules and regulations that will determine where and what you can fish. Getting a little advice from locals can help you make sure you make the most of your time fishing in Canmore, so we’ve put together a guide of some can’t-miss Canmore fishing spots to help you get started.

The Best Canmore Fishing Spots

Alberta has some of the world’s most picturesque fishing spots, and the area around Canmore may be the best of your many great options. It’s always worth reviewing Alberta’s fishing regulations to make sure you’re following the province’s rules, which can change depending on what area you’re looking to fish.

Either way, Canmore fishing offers some incredible opportunities to enjoy a day on a lake or a river surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Here are a few favourites that keep Canmore locals coming back again and again.

Grotto Mountain Pond

This stunning mountain lake is less than a 15-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre and is a popular Canmore fishing destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s stocked several times a year, so unless you’re visiting right at the end of summer, you’ll surely be able to catch a rainbow trout.

The pond itself is absolutely gorgeous and will make you understand why Canmore fishing attracts wranglers from all over the world. It’s easily accessible, with the popular Grotto Canyon Trail starting right at the lake, and you’ll be surrounded by mountains and a pristine alpine forest as you cast your line again and again.

A person fishes in a river in Canmore on a sunny day.

Upper Bow River

The Upper Bow River is one of the best fly-fishing destinations on the planet, with glacial blue waters, breathtaking mountain scenery and secluded fishing spots where you’re sure to catch some brown trout. Canmore fishing doesn’t get much better than on the Upper Bow River.

The Bow River is glacial-fed, and it is strictly a catch-and-release fishing spot, but that shouldn’t turn anyone off. A day spent on the Bow River is never going to be a bad one, and the challenge of reeling in a brown trout while enjoying some peaceful mountain tranquility can’t be beat. 

Truly, the Upper Bow River is a can’t-miss highlight for anyone looking to visit the Bow Valley and do some Canmore fishing.

Spray Lakes Reservoir

You’ll need to drive up Highway 742 to get to the Spray Lakes Reservoir, also known as the Smith-Dorrien Trail, but the drive alone is worth it as you’ll traverse some stunning mountain scenery. The destination is even better, though, as the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Spray Lakes Reservoir are home to Lake Trout, Mountain Whitefish and Cutthroat Trout.

This is a true year-round Canmore fishing destination, as anglers flock to the Spray Lakes Reservoir during the summer when the days are long and the temperatures rise. Still, it’s also one of the more popular ice fishing spots in the province throughout the winter. 

Mount Lorette Ponds

One of the great things about staying in Canmore for fishing is the incredible access it offers to Kananaskis Country. Tourists who go straight to Banff National Park are missing out, as K-Country offers access to a sprawling network of provincial parks where you can avoid crowds and connect with nature.

For fishing, Mount Lorette Ponds is as good as it gets. Located right off Highway 40, there is a day-use area and walking trails around the ponds, which are stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and early summer. The scenery is truly awe-inspiring and this is a great option for anglers who want to bring their families along. 

There are numerous areas for kids to explore and play, as well as on-site washrooms. It can be a popular spot, though, so it’s best to try to arrive early.

Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake isn’t just an incredible Canmore fishing spot, it’s also less than 10 minutes away from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, making it easy for guests to get up early and be among the first on the lake.

Quarry Lake is a popular recreation area, so you’ll see lots of hikers and bikers around, but it is also stocked with trout. There are more remote Canmore fishing spots, but Quarry Lake is so easy to access that we couldn’t leave it off this list.

Your Perfect Home Base for Canmore Fishing

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre with the mountains in the backdrop.

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes planning your next Canmore fishing trip easy. Conveniently located just a few short blocks from downtown, our hotel also provides simple access to major highways that will take you right to the best Canmore fishing spots.

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre has an indoor pool and hot tub, is pet-friendly and with TABLE Food & Drink located inside the hotel, you can grab a great meal at one of Canmore’s best restaurants. 

Book your next stay in Canmore online or call us at (800)716-6199.

FAQ

Do I need a license to fish in Alberta?

Yes, it’s mandatory to have a fishing license in Alberta, unless you are under the age of 16 or over the age of 65. There are different fees for Alberta residents and visitors from out-of-province, and you can find all the information you need to purchase a fishing license on the Province of Alberta’s website.

Are there guided fishing options in Canmore?

Yes, there are several options for guided fishing in Canmore, including Canmore Fishing Adventures, Wapiti Sports and Fish On Adventures. Guided fishing expeditions can be a great way to get out and enjoy some Canmore fishing for newcomers and experts who don’t want to bring all their equipment on the trip.