Alberta Conservation Association

Lees Lake

What’s exciting for anglers who frequent Lees Lake is the possibility of catching rainbows that weigh in excess of five kilograms (more than 10 pounds)!

Nothing sets an angler’s heart aflutter like a well-stocked lake he or she can access easily. Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) manages a total of 38 fisheries access sites across Alberta. These sites provide a variety of angling opportunities on many rivers and lakes where access to fisheries is difficult or non-existent. In certain areas where angling opportunities have been limited, lakes have been created and stocked with a variety of different trout species. Most lakes where access sites have been developed are typically stocked with species such as rainbow trout. The majority of these sites are equipped with washroom facilities, garbage disposal, picnic areas and parking lots to provide a quality experience for anglers.

Located approximately 16 kilometres southeast of the Crowsnest Pass, Lees Lake is an example of a fisheries access site that ACA manages to enhance angling opportunities in the foothills of southwestern Alberta. The land surrounding Lees Lake is privately owned and 1.6 hectares (four acres) is leased by ACA to allow for public access. The lake is considered a high-use fisheries access site; it’s not uncommon to see 10 to 15 vehicles parked there at one time. The shoreline surrounding Lees Lake also provides valuable nesting habitat to a variety of waterfowl species during the spring.

Lees Lake is stocked annually with approximately 45,000 rainbow trout courtesy of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division. Stocking first began back in 1934 with 5,000 rainbow trout. Fish were not released again until 1951; stockings were then sporadic through the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1970s, stocking became more of an annual event. Stocking rates in past years were much higher, ranging anywhere from 10,000 to 79,000 with 10 to 15 centimetre rainbow trout. Since 2004, stocking rates have been gradually reduced in attempts at trialing whether reduced stocking will increase growth rates of stocked trout. Assessments will be required in the future to determine if reduced stocking rates are resulting in increased growth rates by balancing stocking with the available food source.

Fishing Lees Lake

• Size: 37 hectares (92 acres)
• Mean depth: 2.7 metres (8.8 feet)
• Maximum depth: 14.6 metres (48 feet)
• Fish stocked annually: 45,000 rainbow trout
• Average fish size: 30 to 35 centimetres (12 to 14 inches)
• The big one: in excess of five kilograms (more than 10 pounds)

Lees Lake is considered a “pothole” lake that is classed as eutrophic, meaning the lake has high primary productivity resulting in high nutrient content. The result of being eutrophic often causes deficiencies of oxygen that leads to winterkill. There have been sporadic reports of years where low levels of dissolved oxygen resulted in partial winterkills. In the past, other issues existed with increasing numbers of longnose suckers and illegal introduction of redside shiners. These species are considered to be competitors for food and space, resulting in poor growth rates of rainbow trout. Chemical rehabilitation was successfully used to reduce these competitors, positively impacting stocked rainbow trout and this fishery.

Currently, Lees Lake experiences a considerable amount of fishing pressure. The average size of fish caught is in the range of 30 to 35 centimetres (12 to 14 inches). What’s exciting for anglers who frequent Lees Lake is the possibility of catching rainbows that weigh in excess of five kilograms (more than 10 pounds). On occasion, older and larger brood stock from the Allison Creek Brood Trout Station is released in various water bodies in southern Alberta, and Lees Lake is one of them. Lucky anglers who manage to hook and land one of these lunkers are ecstatic, which makes Lees Lake one of their favorite fishing destinations.

Lees Lake is only one example of the many fisheries access sites that are available for anglers to enjoy. Before you plan your next outdoor adventure, click on the link below or pick up your copy of the 2009/2010 Discover Alberta’s Wild Side – Guide to Outdoor Adventure at most outlets that sell hunting and fishing licenses. Introduce your family, friends and others to Alberta’s abundant natural resources, and show them how to enjoy and respect the outdoors.