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FAQ's
We're sure that you will have a lot of questions. If you cannot find answers to your
questions through our entire site, please email or telephone.
What is the average size trout caught at Fortress Lake?
There is a healthy population of varying age classes. Fewer
small brookies are caught, however, due to techniques used. Typical
brookies are in the 3 - 5.5 pound range. The lake record is 11~1/2
pounds. Anglers can realistically hope for a few trout in the 6 - 7
pound range. The brookie at right is about 3.5 to 4 pounds and is a typical
trout.
Is it only lake fishing?
The Wood River - which flows out from Fortress Lake - provides river fishing with good structure to
work. There are light hatches and some dry fly fishing occurs. The
Wood provides some good fishing and some of the most gorgeous
scenery on the trip.
Our foundational fly fishing guide company - Fly
Fish Alberta - originated by hosting guided fly fishing trips on the
Ram,
Bow, and Red
Deer Rivers for anglers seeking larger river trout. We began
operations in 1996 and continue to host many trips on these rivers
annually. Click here to see what other
options are available to you.
Do you provide Fly Fishing Instruction?
Yes. Guides on site are efficient casting and technique
instructors. We will host you and help you understand how the rhythm
of casting works and where the fish are and how to catch them. As
above, we have hosted guided fly fishing since 1996 and are Central
Alberta's longest serving full time guide service, and come highly
recommended.
About the 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 open 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).
Mountain Sunshine?
Unlike most other mountain lakes, Fortress Lake is an east - west
oriented lake with open valleys at either end. This means that we
get the full range of sunshine through the day, we enjoy the full
sunrise to the east and the full sunset to the west. During the day
the sun lifts well above the peaks surrounding the lake. On sunny days we enjoy full sunshine from first to last light,
from opening week in May to early October.
Where are you located and how do I get there?
Guests fly to either Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta, Canada to the
international airport and rent a car to travel west to the town of
Hinton, just east of Jasper. Travel time is 3 hours from Edmonton
and 5 from Calgary. We can arrange a special landing close to
Calgary for those wishing to fly to Calgary directly. See our location
map on our location page. Renting a vehicle from at the Calgary
or Edmonton International Airports is the most economical and flexible option for
transportation to the float plane staging area.
Biting bugs?
Fortress Lake is surrounded by steep, rocky slopes and the shoreline
is gravel. This is not mosquito habitat and very few bother guests.
Black flies common to other brook trout lakes in Ontario &
Labrador/ Newfoundland do not exist
due to the well drained gravel shorelines. There are some horseflies
and smaller deer flies, but in light, comfortable moderation. We have repellant for
guests who are sensitive to light insect activity, please also bring
your own if you are not used to light insect activity.
What should I bring?
We have included a packing list for your convenience. Remember, we fly to Fortress Lake by
float plane, space and weight are
limited. Upon arrival, where do we check in?
Our host will greet you at the float plane base. From there, you will receive a welcome package and brief
orientation to the location where you will then be shown your cabin
accommodation. What are the daily fish limits?
Catch and release.
Replica mounts are available and good photos are available of your
catch. What is included in the
trips?
Our packages include everything. Just show
up with fishing gear, clothing, and personal effects. You will be able to
purchase a fishing license on site. The only additional expenses are
some minor fishing gear (where needed), licenses, flies (if needed), and
alcohol, and applicable taxes. Do you get many couples?
We consider couples a mainstay of our operations. Yes, we get many
couples.
Many honeymooners and anniversary celebrators
have joined us. We are very much a couple's kind of place
and the ladies
really appreciate our stylish and immaculate cabins!
 What is the best time to come?
Whenever you arrive! We are open for the business of fishing from
May 22 until October 10. You will want to time your
vacation to the other waters you join us on. Please consider
additional guided fly fishing trips or
fishing our other waters that are easily accessed from our
helicopter base.
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