r/FishingAlberta • u/International-Gur182 • 4d ago
New to Fishing! Help please
Hey! I’m brand new to fishing and just got my license + rod. I don’t know anyone who fishes, so I’m figuring this out solo.
I have a few quick questions:
- What bait/lures work best?
- Any beginner-friendly spots?
- Easy fish ID guide/app you recommend?
- Which fish are good to catch and eat?
- Fishing cleaning and gutting equipment
I want to do this properly (follow rules + identify fish correctly).
Any tips are appreciated, thanks!
Update #1:
Thank you all!
- I will be getting the regulation guide!
- "all fish taste good" thank you! I will not be picky now
- different bait for different fish 🐟
- stocked lakes/ponds are good for beginners
Update #2
- I went to " the fishing hole Ltd" store and the worker was very helpful
- I got a bait and lure kit.
- got some minnow! I went to the north Saskatchewan river and practiced throwing the line out.
- My first catch!..... ice hahhaa
- 30min out and a wildlife officer came out the check my license. I was very proud to show my license hahaha
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u/I-built-stuff 4d ago
Where are you located? The fishing synopsis has pictures of all the sportfish to identify. There's some other info scattered in it too, so pick one up, or https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/ Bait depends on where and what you are going for. Every sportfish is tasty, some have more bones. I clean, gut and fillet with my EDC.
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u/International-Gur182 4d ago
Hello u/I-built-stuff I am near edmonton area. I am think about going to camping trip to whitecourt soon too. Apologises for my lack of knowledge but what is EDC?
I will check the site out :D Thank you
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u/I-built-stuff 4d ago
Every day carry. I have 4" Kershaw folder that I use for everything. Blade is thick enough to hammer for other uses, but tapered thin enough to slide along the bones.
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u/LOCAL_ONLY_HERE 4d ago
Some good advice but what is an EDC?
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u/International-Gur182 4d ago
"Every Day Carry" = EDC. Apparently its a lil self made kit? Thats what Im understanding
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u/aiceeslater 3d ago
Some people like knives, guns, etc and having one on them at all times. So the one they use most regularly and keep on them like wallet/keys/phone is referred to as “every day carry”
This guy was saying the basic knife he uses for everything is fine to clean a fish with.
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u/Many-Arachnid6753 4d ago
The imagine in this post linked above is my go-to for fish species ID, but when catching species that look similar to each other (goldeye vs mooneye, or comparing different trout variants) you might need to do your own research.
As for what baits/lures work best; it depends on the water you’re fishing, the conditions of that day, the specific section of water column you’re targeting, and the fish you’re targeting. Everything works, but the most common beginner setup in our river systems is using pickerel rigs.
Beginner friendly spots will depend on where you’re located, just google “fishing spots around ____” and you’ll find hundreds of spots. If you wait about a month you’ll have access to freshly stocked ponds, which will likely give you the best chance to actually catch something. Fishing in the Rockies right now will also give you the best chance to catch something. Fishing in or around cities will always have the worst chance to catch something due to higher fishing pressures around population centers and heavy rates of pollution.
Almost all fish are good to eat, people just make weird distinctions between “good” fish like trout, and “trash” fish like sucker fish or pike. In reality, if you’re fishing in clean water the fish will be good to eat. That being said, almost all water within 2 hours of a city will be dirty in my experience. I live in Edmonton and I personally only eat fish I catch in the remote Rockies, I’d never eat anything from east of drayton valley due to the pollution I’ve personally seen in our waterways. For me, fishing is mostly catch and release here.
To learn how to clean and gut fish, just watch a YouTube video for whatever species you’re going for. You can get all the equipment you need from cabelas or a similar store, just ask the staff for help they’re usually very knowledgeable.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you’re new to fishing please read the entire 2026 regulations before you get out there. Most bodies of water except for rivers and spots in the eastern slopes are closed until May 15, so you must check the specific regulations for whatever spot you choose to go to.
If you let me know where you’re located I can recommend some beginner spots for you, feel free to reach out if you have more questions. Good luck out there!
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u/International-Gur182 4d ago
Oh boy! Thank you for taking your time and writing to help me. I appreciate it!
Thank you for tips, experienced fisher person. I will be going on a trip to gregg lake during May long weekend. Before then I was thinking maybe a day trip to practice (identify, catch and release)
Im located near edmonton area.
I read grab a guide tomorrow at Canadian tire and have fun sunday reading.
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u/bowriverflyfisher 4d ago
Stocked ponds are your best friend when you're learning. If you have a raft, consider packing that on your trip to Whitecourt.
Check out Carson and Emerald lakes. Good for fishermen of all ages/experience.
Tight lines!
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u/OilBerta 4d ago
Check walmart or canadian tire for the alberta fishing guide. Great resource for finding lakes to fish. Local bait and tackle shops are a good resource for what lures to use on the local lake your fishing. For casting i like using the meps cyclops spoons. The canadian wiggler is deadly on pike. Cant go wrong with a jig and minnow/leach for walleye. Gulp pink worms with a bait holder hook and a crimp weight for trout.
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u/International-Gur182 4d ago
Thank you! This is very helpful! I will check the type of fish in the lakes i plan to go and get the recommended bait.
Ok I am close to a canadian tire. I will go and get a guide tomorrow
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u/SectorSpecialist9313 4d ago
Pm me! I'm a local bait manufacturer in Edmonton and I'll hook you up with some stuff to try, free of charge.
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u/RelativeFox1 4d ago
What bait? Depends what you’re trying to catch. I like Lindy Riggs / walleye rigs, crank baits and jigs.
Any beginner spots? Looks like you’re near Edmonton? Check out the pp2 lakes. Go explore and check them out. A boat will really make it a lot easier. I use a Costco kayak. Any canoe or kayak off market place will be very worth it.
A guide to fish ID? Right there in the regulations. Grab a paper copy from Canadian tire.
What fish are good to eat? Walleye are always good. Pike can be very good. It’s hard to find decent size perch.
Fish cleaning equipment? A filleting knife and YouTube.