Drumheller Red Deer River Fishing

[Bullfighter]

Hey- Looking to take out some boys (8-12 year olds) fishing on the Red Deer river for some steady Goldeneye (or walleye/pike/mooneye) action. Targeting Drumheller as i'm driving from Calgary and that looks like the closest driving spot (other than Red Deer).

What species of fish are found on RDR near Drumheller? Any natural parks or bridge access points to set up for the day?

Appreciate any tips/tricks or alternate locations on the RDR to target. Thanks!

[Brovacs]

Lots of spots to fish in that area. In the town of Drumheller by the big Dinosaur, can be good for goldeye. Other spots are better and you'll get more variety of species but you generally have to get there early if going on the weekend as they are very popular (Morrin bridge, East Coulee bridge and Rosedale Bridge). As for species you can catch in that area Goldeye, Mooneye, Walleye, Sauger, Burbot, Pike, Brown trout, Lake Sturgeon, Mountain Whitefish, Silver redhorse sucker, Shorthead redhorse sucker, Silver redhorse sucker quillback sucker, white suckers, Flathead chub, Prussian carp.

As for tips bring lots of worms and minnows as the bite is fast and with small kids there will be tons of missed fish. Check your bait often too as with river fishing sometimes you'll reel in and have nothing on your hooks but didn't even notice any bites. Experiment with weights so you use a little lead as possible to hold the line in place as this will increase the number of bites detected. Size 4 single hooks are the best as they work for all target-able species. Fish in the eddies and slow deep holes along outside bends of the river. Use lighter line to tie on the weights so when you get snagged you don't leave a bunch of baited hooks in the river that may kill fish. Bring rubber boots or a net as the banks can be soft and muddy so landing fish can be a bit of a challenge. Read the Regs, know your fish ID and good luck!

[Bullfighter]

Originally Posted by Brovacs

Lots of spots to fish in that area. In the town of Drumheller by the big Dinosaur, can be good for goldeye. Other spots are better and you'll get more variety of species but you generally have to get there early if going on the weekend as they are very popular (Morrin bridge, East Coulee bridge and Rosedale Bridge). As for species you can catch in that area Goldeye, Mooneye, Walleye, Sauger, Burbot, Pike, Brown trout, Lake Sturgeon, Mountain Whitefish, Silver redhorse sucker, Shorthead redhorse sucker, Silver redhorse sucker quillback sucker, white suckers, Flathead chub, Prussian carp.

As for tips bring lots of worms and minnows as the bite is fast and with small kids there will be tons of missed fish. Check your bait often too as with river fishing sometimes you'll reel in and have nothing on your hooks but didn't even notice any bites. Experiment with weights so you use a little lead as possible to hold the line in place as this will increase the number of bites detected. Size 4 single hooks are the best as they work for all target-able species. Fish in the eddies and slow deep holes along outside bends of the river. Use lighter line to tie on the weights so when you get snagged you don't leave a bunch of baited hooks in the river that may kill fish. Bring rubber boots or a net as the banks can be soft and muddy so landing fish can be a bit of a challenge. Read the Regs, know your fish ID and good luck!

Good point on trying to keep the weight at a minimum! appreciate the response!

[the local angler]

i do also suggest to keep an eye on what ever you bring, i had people walking by and didn't think much of it and they kept swiping some of my gear.

[RACKER]

Originally Posted by Brovacs

Lots of spots to fish in that area. In the town of Drumheller by the big Dinosaur, can be good for goldeye. Other spots are better and you'll get more variety of species but you generally have to get there early if going on the weekend as they are very popular (Morrin bridge, East Coulee bridge and Rosedale Bridge). As for species you can catch in that area Goldeye, Mooneye, Walleye, Sauger, Burbot, Pike, Brown trout, Lake Sturgeon, Mountain Whitefish, Silver redhorse sucker, Shorthead redhorse sucker, Silver redhorse sucker quillback sucker, white suckers, Flathead chub, Prussian carp.

As for tips bring lots of worms and minnows as the bite is fast and with small kids there will be tons of missed fish. Check your bait often too as with river fishing sometimes you'll reel in and have nothing on your hooks but didn't even notice any bites. Experiment with weights so you use a little lead as possible to hold the line in place as this will increase the number of bites detected. Size 4 single hooks are the best as they work for all target-able species. Fish in the eddies and slow deep holes along outside bends of the river. Use lighter line to tie on the weights so when you get snagged you don't leave a bunch of baited hooks in the river that may kill fish. Bring rubber boots or a net as the banks can be soft and muddy so landing fish can be a bit of a challenge. Read the Regs, know your fish ID and good luck!

That’s some great advice. It’s refreshing to see people trying to help with some tip /methods instead of blasting people to go and find out yourself. Keep up the positive responses and good luck to you on your next adventure.