Welcome to Boulder Lake, a beautiful fishing destination just minutes southwest of Blackfalds, Alberta. As one of the province’s newest trout-stocked ponds, Boulder Lake has quickly become a favourite spot for anglers of all ages. Thanks to the generous donation by Leslie and Evelyn Wadey, this reclaimed gravel pit is now owned by the Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Fish and Game Association. The Lacombe Fish and Game Club manages the lake, which has added fishing platforms around the pond.
Boulder Lake Site Details
Nestled west of Blackfalds on Range Rd 27-5 south, Boulder Lake is easily accessible from Highway 2. Go west on Township Rd 394, then turn left onto Rd 27-5. The site boasts two parking lots, restroom facilities, and a road that passes through the first parking lot at the beginning of the entrance, leading you around the pond’s southwest end to the other parking lot.
Fishing at Boulder Lake
Boulder Lake is ideal for both experienced anglers and beginners. The trout ranges from 6 to 20 inches. The pond was first stocked with rainbow and tiger trout in 2021, and it has since become an excellent place to cast your line.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Alberta’s fishing regulations and respect the environment. Practice catch-and-release when possible, dispose of litter properly, and leave the area better than you found.
Restrictions at Boulder Lake
Please be aware of the following regulations at Boulder Lake:
- The area is open for daytime use only.
- Open fires are prohibited.
- Access is limited to pedestrians.
- Gas-powered motors are not allowed.
- Hunting is not permitted
Boulder Lake Fish Stocking Report
Fish stocking reports for Boulder Lake and other locations in Alberta are provided by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), the department responsible for managing the province’s natural resources, including fish populations. To find the fish stocking report for Boulder Lake, visit the AEP website at alberta.ca/environment-and-parks and search for “fish stocking report” or “stocked lakes.”
Alternatively, use a search engine like Google to find Boulder Lake’s most recent fish stocking report. The report should include:
- Information on the species of fish stocked.
- The number of fish released.
- The date of stocking.
5 Best Baits To Use For Boulder Lake Trout Fishing
Here are five highly effective baits for stock pond trout in Alberta, along with recommendations for each type of bait:
- PowerBait: Berkley PowerBait is a popular and proven choice for catching stocked trout. The dough-like consistency allows you to mould it onto your hook, and its strong scent attracts trout from a distance. PowerBait comes in various colours and flavours, making it versatile for different fishing conditions.
Recommendation: Berkley PowerBait Fresh Water Fishing Bait
- Salmon Eggs: Salmon eggs are a natural and effective bait for trout, as they’re a common food source in the wild. You can use a single or multiple eggs on a small hook to entice stocked trout.
Recommendation: Pautzke Bait Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs
- Spinners: Spinners are an excellent option for covering more water and attracting trout with their flashy appearance and vibration. Mepps and Panther Martin spinners are popular choices for trout fishing.
Recommendation: Panther Martin Classic All Silver Fishing Spinner PMAS
- Spoons: Spoons are another lure that works well for stocked trout. They mimic the movement of small baitfish and can be effective in various retrieval speeds. A popular spoon for trout fishing is the Acme Little Cleo.
Recommendation: Acme Little Cleo Fishing Lure
- Worms: Live worms, such as nightcrawlers or red wigglers, are an excellent natural bait for trout. You can use a small piece of worm or an entire worm on a hook, depending on the size of the trout you’re targeting.
Recommendation: Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm European Nightcrawlers
Before purchasing any fishing bait or tackle, check the local fishing regulations in Alberta, as some waters may have specific bait restrictions or requirements.
Product availability, prices, and links may change over time. Always check the most recent information before making a purchase.
Boulder Lake Alberta’s Newest Stocked Pond
Fly Fishing in Stocked Ponds: 10 Best Flies for Trout
Fly fishing in stocked ponds can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are ten highly effective flies for catching trout in Alberta’s stocked ponds, like Boulder Lake:
Woolly Bugger
A versatile and popular streamer fly, the Woolly Bugger imitates various prey, such as leeches, baitfish, and aquatic insects. It can be fished at different depths and retrieval speeds.
Elk Hair Caddis
This dry fly is a great choice when caddisflies are hatching, as it imitates the adult stage of the insect. It’s easy to see on the water and is effective in various colours and sizes.
Adams
A classic dry fly, the Adams is a versatile pattern that can mimic a variety of mayflies. It’s a reliable choice for different hatch situations and can be used in sizes 12 to 20.
Pheasant Tail Nymph
This nymph pattern greatly imitates mayfly nymphs, making it a practical choice for fishing subsurface. It’s a versatile and productive fly that can be tied in various sizes and bead-head variations.
Hare’s Ear Nymph
Another popular nymph pattern, the Hare’s Ear Nymph, mimics many aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. It’s effective in both beadhead and non-beadhead versions.
San Juan Worm
This fly imitates aquatic worms, a common food source for trout. The San Juan Worm can be tied in different colours, with red and pink being popular choices.
Parachute Adams
A variation of the classic Adams, it features a parachute-style hackle that helps it float and makes it more visible on the water. It’s an effective pattern for imitating various mayflies.
Copper John
A versatile and practical nymph pattern, it is weighted with a copper wire and bead, making it an excellent choice for getting down in the water column. It can imitate a variety of nymphs, including stoneflies and mayflies.
Muddler Minnow
This streamer fly is designed to imitate various baitfish and sculpins. It’s an effective pattern for targeting larger, aggressive trout in stocked ponds.
Griffith’s Gnat
A small and effective dry fly, the Griffith’s Gnat imitates a variety of midges and small insects. It’s an excellent choice for fishing during midge hatches or when trout feed on tiny insects.
Remember to adjust the size and colour of your flies based on local conditions and the preferences of the trout in the stocked pond. Always be sure to check and follow local fishing regulations.
10 Best Nymphs for Boulder Lake
Nymphs are crucial for a trout’s diet and can effectively catch trout in stocked ponds. Here are ten of the best nymph patterns to use in a stocked pond like Boulder Lake:
Pheasant Tail Nymph
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is a classic fly that mimics a variety of mayfly nymphs. It’s versatile and practical for Boulder Lake’s stocked rainbow and tiger trout. Its realistic movement and appearance make it an excellent choice for various fishing conditions.
Hare’s Ear Nymph
The Hare’s Ear Nymph is another versatile pattern that imitates various aquatic insects. Its lifelike texture and appearance attract the trout at Boulder Lake, making it perfect for deep and shallow waters.
Copper John
The Copper John is a weighted nymph fly that sinks quickly, making it ideal for reaching deeper areas of Boulder Lake where trout may be hiding. Its shiny body and natural movement are beautiful to rainbow and tiger trout.
Zebra Midge
The Zebra Midge is a small, simple fly particularly effective in clear waters. It imitates midge larvae and is excellent for the often selective trout in Boulder Lake, especially when other insects are less active.
Prince Nymph
The Prince Nymph is a reliable attractor pattern that imitates stonefly nymphs and other giant aquatic insects. Its distinctive look and bead head make it an excellent choice for attracting the attention of Boulder Lake’s trout.
Frenchie
The Frenchie is a modern, streamlined nymph highly effective in fast-moving waters. Its simplicity and flash make it a favourite among anglers targeting the aggressive trout at Boulder Lake.
Rainbow Warrior
The Rainbow Warrior is a flashy nymph that works well in murky or turbulent waters. Its bright colours and reflective materials are excellent for drawing strikes from the trout at Boulder Lake, especially on overcast days.
Lightning Bug
The Lightning Bug is a versatile, flashy nymph that works in various water conditions. Its iridescent body attracts trout’s attention at Boulder Lake, making it a good choice for bright and low-light conditions.
Squirmy Wormy
The Squirmy Wormy is an incredibly effective fly that mimics aquatic worms. Its lifelike movement and soft texture make it irresistible to the trout at Boulder Lake, particularly after a rain when worms are more likely to be washed into the water.
Pat’s Rubber Legs
Pat’s Rubber Legs is a larger nymph pattern that imitates stonefly nymphs and other giant aquatic insects. Its rubber legs create a lot of movement, making it an excellent attractor for the aggressive trout at Boulder Lake, especially in faster-moving lake sections.
When fishing with nymphs, it’s essential to present them at the right depth and drift them naturally through the water. Adjust your weight and indicator placement as needed to achieve the most effective presentation.
As always, be sure to follow local fishing regulations and adjust your fly selection based on the conditions and preferences of the trout in the stocked pond. Happy fishing!
Best Casting Rod Kit for Kids and Why
Reasons why: The PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole is designed specifically for children. It is shorter (3.9ft to 4.9ft options) and lighter, making it easier for kids to handle and cast. The kit includes a telescopic fishing rod, spinning reel, fishing line, and a tackle box with various fishing accessories, allowing young anglers to start fishing immediately. The comfortable grip and easy-to-use spinning reel make this an excellent option for introducing kids to fishing.
Best Fly Rod Kit for Kids and Why
Reasons why: While this Wild Water Fly Fishing Complete Starter Package is not specifically designed for kids, it is an excellent choice for beginners of all ages, including children. The package includes a 5/6 weight, 9-foot, 4-piece fly rod, which is a versatile and manageable size for young fly anglers. The kit also comes with a large arbor reel, pre-installed backing and fly line, leader, tippet, and a set of 9 flies, providing everything a young angler needs to start fly fishing. The included rod case and fly box make it easy for kids to store and transport their gear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boulder Lake in Blackfalds, Alberta, is a fishing paradise for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Managed by the Alberta Conservation Association, the lake offers a well-maintained location with abundant fish stocks and a variety of fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer using bait, flies, or nymphs, Boulder Lake has something for everyone.
Please always follow the local restrictions and guidelines when fishing at Boulder Lake to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all. The site details and fish stocking reports provide valuable information to help you plan your fishing trip.
We have provided recommendations for the 5 Best Baits For Stockpond Trout, Fly Fishing in Stocked Ponds: 10 Best Flies for Trout, and 10 Best Nymphs for Trout Stockponds. Introducing children to the pleasures of fishing can be an enriching experience. Consider investing in the best casting and fly rod kits for kids to help them learn and enjoy the sport.
With its beautiful surroundings, abundant fish stocks, and diverse fishing opportunities, Boulder Lake has everything you need for a fantastic fishing adventure in Blackfalds, Alberta.
Discover More About Fishing in Alberta
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