Walleye Fishing in Athabasca Reel Angling Adventures
By: Ray Kohlruss
Alberta is home to some of the best walleye fishing anywhere, a fact guide Ray Kohlruss of Reel Angling Adventure knows first hand. Most of his fishing takes place near Edmonton, Alberta's gateway city to the North and
the province's capital. When it comes to fishing for walleye, Ray likes the Athabasca River. "There's always that good chance of catching the trophy walleye of a lifetime on the river," Ray says. Any walleye over nine pounds is considered a trophy, and the Athabasca produces lots that
are 10 pounds and larger. In fact, the record walleye in Alberta, at more than 15 pounds, was caught in the Athabasca/Pembina River.
Personalized Fishing Packages
Ray has a variety of fishing packages available, and also tailors outings to the client's schedule, whether they want a one-day, weekend or week-long fishing adventure. "There's a great quantity, and trophy-size walleye, plus we also have several others species in the Athabasca that you can catch as well, like golden eye, Rocky Mountain whitefish, trout
and more," Ray says. The scenic surrounds in the Athabasca region are also a draw - as is the wildlife in the area. If you're lucky, you just might spot a black bear, wolf, deer, moose, bald eagle, river otter or any of a
number of water fowl. Ray prefers fishing the lakes in the Spring to July, and then fishing the rivers after they've settled down in August, September and October. Favorite Walleye Hunts. Calling Lake is another of Ray's favorite locations. "It's one of the top lakes in Canada for fishing walleye," Ray says, noting a recommendation by Outdoor Canada magazine. Other favorite locations include Rock Island,
Fawcett, Pigeon and Baptiste lakes. The catch-and-release restrictions on walleye vary throughout the province, so it's important to check the rules before you go. "The walleye are a nice fish to catch," Ray says. "They are challenging at times. You have to be patient and have the right
presentation to catch them. They fight hard in a river, like a pike, and the table quality for walleye is really good."
Family Adventures On The Ice
You may not have thought of ice fishing as a family event, but Ray Kohlruss of Reel Angling Adventures says ice fishing can be a fun family adventure. "A few weeks ago I had a family from London, England," Ray says. "The guy had ice fished as a kid but his wife and two children had
never seen ice before. They absolutely loved it."
All of Ray's ice fishing packages are all inclusive. "We provide every piece of equipment you need, and a shore lunch right on the ice. There are as many hours of fishing as daylight permits, plus transportation to the lake," he says. "All you need is a fishing license and warm clothing - and
if you don't have the license, we'll get you one right there."
One of Ray's favorite ice fishing destinations is Calling Lake in the Athabasca Region, near his base in Legal. He also recommends Lac La Nonne, an hour north of Edmonton.
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