Swan Lake

Area 10: Swan Lake
Area Map	Overview
	Swan Lake Locator Map
Swan lake is small to medium sized lake with a naturally reproducing fish population. The lake is very busy for the first few weeks after fishing opens for the season.

Hydrologic Bathometry (huh?)	Lake Details
	This average depth and sized lake is equipped with a gravel boat launch, day use area, and campsites. Maximum boat speed is 12 km/hr. Consult the regulations for seasonal closures to promote successful spawning of Lake Trout. The lake has both an inlet and an outlet stream that provide a spawning habitat. Abundant weed beds provide ample cover for fingerlings and good forage area for hungry Pike and Browns.

Access Map	Getting There
	Travel 27 km west of Caroline (hwy. 591), turn right about 4 km past Tay River Campground, then head north on the forestry road for 11 km to the bridge over Swan Creek. Turn right after bridge and head east for 5 km. Alternative Route: From Rocky Mountain House, travel south on Hwy 752 and turn right 8 km past Prairie Creek Campsite onto Ram River Gas plant road (just before 752 turns to gravel). Head South ~ 20 km to lake.

Fishing
Swan lake has naturally reproducing populations of Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike. The Alberta record Brown Trout was caught in in the early 90s. Fishing is generally extremely slow with entire weekends where nobody catches a single trout.

The lake is extremely crowded just after angling season opens in June. Fishing at this time can be more productive than at other times; however, many anglers still come away empty handed.

Brown trout will take spoons such as Len Thompson, as will lake trout. Pike are primarily caught near shoreline weed beds; although they are skidish. Lake trout can be taken on almost any medium sized spoon. Try a varied trolling pattern and speed. No downriggers are required.

Lake trout can also be taken on medium sized flatfish. Try a frog pattern and lead core line.

Pike are wary in this lake.

Camping
24 sites that can fill early. The campsite area trees were infected a few years back and most of them had to be cut down. Do not expect privacy at this campsite. A limited number of "free" camping sites are scattered along the access road to the area.

Legends, rumors, and other unconfirmed information
On a full moon the fish's gums will swell up, perhaps from mouthing small stones on the lake bottom. During this time, the fish will not take any lures and feeding is at a minimum.

Nearby
No other campgrounds are located in the immediate area. Tay River to the south and Prairie Creek to the north are the closest. Swan creek can sometimes have excellent fishing, but consult fishing regulations. Tackle and supplies can be obtained from Boundary Service near Tay River.

Other Accommodations
Hotels/Motels are available in Rock Mountain House and Caroline.