Season:
June – Some very good sight fishing occurs in early - mid June, leeches and minnow patterns work amazing. By the second week of June, the chironomid fishing can get mind-blowing. Stillwater author Phil Rowley was blown away in his many visits as he has never seen as many chironomids in a stomach pump sample as he has at Fortress Lake. The peak of chironomid fishing is the third week of June.
July - Early July is awesome for chironomids, along with nymphing and streamers. Water is clear, and sight fishing can be phenomenal.
August - Sight-fishing begins to really take shape, and the fishing once again can be exceptional. Trout begin to get darker colors and show like pepper spots in the water. Dry-fly fishing can sometimes be had in the evenings with caddis, sedge, and mice patterns. Pods of fish and fishing along structure is exceptional.
September – The lake is usually very clear, and sight-fishing throughout the lake is at its peak in September. Pods of fish are strong, and spotting along structure can be amazing. Mousing continues in the evening through late Sept. Some of the largest trout of the year are caught during this time. Spectacular fall colors of brook trout are at their peak.
Species:
Genetically pure, world-record strain Nipigon coaster brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were originally stocked into Fortress Lake in the early 1930s. Brookies are the only fish in the lake!
Region/Terrain:
Fortress Lake is located in Hamber Provincial Park. Hamber Park is in a remote reach of the province of BC, and is butted against Jasper National Park. The region is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no roads, no industrial activity, and no motorized ground access. The valley is dominated by several mountain peaks. The lake is at 4,400 feet elevation and the mountains angle steeply to heights over 10,000 feet. The fly fishing and the scenery experiences at Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat are second to none—except, perhaps, the flight accessing our location. Getting here is half the fun. Described as “an IMAX movie come to life” by Fly Fisherman Magazine, we enjoy one of North America’s most scenic Rocky Mountain flights.
Typical Weather:
We are located at the Continental Divide, surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers with several of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies nearby. Our weather is influenced by the mountains and the weather can change often. During our season, late May through mid-October, our weather is generally pleasant with temperatures in the 20 to 30C range (70 – 85F). Precipitation is not generally heavy nor long-lasting during our year, but we do get rain. Guests should come prepared for rain and sun, with temperature extremes from freezing overnight (late in the season) to 35C (95F). While peak of summer temperatures can get to mid 30s C (90s F), the cool air of the glaciers drops overnight temperatures beautifully each night.
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403-899-8815
craig@fortresslake.com
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