Guided fishing trips will return to Lake Minnewanka in Banff, Alberta, this spring as Banff Fishing prepares for the 2026 season starting May 17. The service provides a way for visitors to fish for Lake Trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish while following local park rules.
The season is set to run until September 2, 2026, using a fleet of 2024 North River hardtop boats. These vessels are equipped with sonar technology to help both new and experienced anglers navigate the water and find fish.
According to Parks Canada, new rules are in place for 2026 to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Visitors are now banned from using waders or wading boots at the lake to protect the local environment and biodiversity.
While most fishing in Banff National Park requires releasing all catches, Lake Minnewanka has a specific exception for Lake Trout. Anglers are allowed to keep a limit of two Lake Trout, though the possession limit for all other fish species remains at zero.
