Camping/Fishing Around Edmonton - Newbie advise Needed

Lux604 · #1 05-23-2019, 09:51 AM

I am getting back into things I like to do after going through a wicked separation and ongoing divorce this last year! I now have an amazing gf who likes the outdoors and wants to learn to fish as much as I do! I bought a small bumper pull trailer, some new tackle (my gf scored as my ex wife left all the fishing stuff I bought her) and we are looking for some safe places for two females to go camping and fishing this summer around the Edmonton area.

Now I will be the first to admit I have literally no clue what I am doing when it comes to camping or fishing. backing up a trailer is horrible, and I wouldn't know what kind of tackle to use to catch different fish (hence how this is a learning thing)! I caught one perch and one trout 2 years ago and haven't been able to get out since.

We are both in our 30's, looking to make some memories and possibly friends that enjoy the outdoors as well.

My dad gave me a small aluminum boat... I have no idea how to use the motor he gave me and I do not row... that would need to be caught in video (insert clip of me going in circles and jumping ship)

we are enthusiastic about starting this new hobby... we just aren't certain where to start. Do we just fake it until we make it? Is that how everyone starts out? We went to Beaumont pond, got skunked so many minnows swimming around.

Does anyone have insights on campsites you can fish or places close to edmotnon we can get out and shore fish?! (we have used the google.. it just isn't very helpful) I have walleye tags for pigeon... wouldn't mind advise on finding a place to catch a fish bigger then 7"!

Also, if one wanted to learn how to fly fish... how would I go about that?

gordfishing · #2 05-23-2019, 09:58 AM

What about ELK island national park straight east of Edmonton

KGB · #3 05-23-2019, 10:39 AM

First advice: don’t buy fishing gear for your wife/gf again! Buy it for yourself and she can always borrow it. Buy her jewellers - she will appreciate you more!
Second thing is this- there are quite a few lakes/ponds around Edmonton where you can fish- like Hasse lake, Wabamun lake, elk island etc. Look at the provincial parks and campgrounds map. There are at least a dozen places in an hour drive.

Chuck_Wagon · #4 05-23-2019, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lux604

backing up a trailer is horrible,

Don't hold the steering wheel at the top, put your hand at the bottom of the wheel and simple turn your hand in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go.
move hand to the left, trailer goes left, and right goes right.

Lux604 · #5 05-23-2019, 11:46 AM

KGB : I was a great wife, who bought my ex everything she wanted but never wanted to use! so now I have the spare stuff for the gf! I wouldn't say money wasted at all, I was actually very happy when I found out she left it! The one before cared more about her video games and followers online. My gf now loves getting outside and actually being part of a life together! shes not a jewelry type gal, she's very practical!

and chuckwagon : I am going to have to try that! I dislike looking completely incompetent!

KGB · #6 05-23-2019, 12:13 PM

If you don’t mind a 2 hour drive- try Carson- Pegasus park a few miles past the Whitecourt. There is a beautiful lake and a campground, they have showers, convenience store and bathrooms that are kept really clean... the lake has a good rainbow trout population and you can fish off shore or use your boat. The area is very beautiful and I can even say romantic. Go there first just for the day to check it out. It’s an easy drive.
Take HWY 43 to Whitecourt, a few miles past the city you will see the Casino, turn right to hway 32 and follow the signs for maybe 10 more minutes.

ssyd · #7 05-23-2019, 01:28 PM

Pembina Provincial Park is about an hour drive NW. Right on the Pembina River. Decent fishing in the area, lots of creeks around. Also for something besides fishing head up to Entwistle to the tube ride place and go for a float down the river.

Lux604 · #8 05-23-2019, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssyd

Pembina Provincial Park is about an hour drive NW. Right on the Pembina River. Decent fishing in the area, lots of creeks around. Also for something besides fishing head up to Entwistle to the tube ride place and go for a float down the river.

that sounds like a lot of fun!

Cottus · #9 05-24-2019, 06:27 PM

I would second Carson-Pegasus for a weekend getaway. They have GIANT pull-thru sites that makes it easy for the first go. Most folks with trailers would be happy to help you when you arrive, just look around and bug the first friendly looking semi-sober person who makes eye contact!

I’d also say to give Rochon Sands or any other place on Buffalo Lake a try. Good camping, nice lake for fishing.

As for the boat and motor, you can watch the YouTube videos and figure out how to get the motor running right in your yard in a bucket of water. Taking the Pleasure Craft Operator’s course should get you familiar with the requirements for operating. Everything else you can figure out as you go.

Good luck!

freshtinov · #10 05-24-2019, 08:17 PM

-Best way to learn how to cast your fly rod is in an open field in clean grass. Tie something on your leader the same weight as a fly and practise casting it. Keep the rod between 10 and 2 on your back and forth casting once you learn the timing of letting the line straighten out it’ll start to feel natural.
-make sure you have your pleasure craft license and all the safety gear as you will eventually get checked on the water (life jackets, bailing bucket, sounding device, anchor and or oars, heaving line or rope, waterproof flashlight etc) I always keep a sponge in the boat for a quick clean especially if you have your flyline out casting you want to keep your floors clean for the fly line.
-long lake by Boyle is nice lots of pike easily caught nice campground and boat launch is pretty quiet.
-boat drain plug is something everyone forgets at one point and can make the start of your day crappy lol
PM me if you have any specific questions about the boat or motor

buckmaster · #11 05-25-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lux604

that sounds like a lot of fun!

July is the best time for Pembina for a float. The water will be much warmer then it is now. The campground is also very clean and well maintained .