Spin-casting at Beaver Mines Lake.

Spin-casting at Beaver Mines Lake.
Photo © David Thomas

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My initial comments were a little harsh, I tried changing them when I thought about it but your system does not allow that. I was taking exception to the suggestion I should feel quilty for taking a wild fish. To be fully accurate the fish in this lake are not only stocked they are wild ones as well. There is also bull trout which are protected species. No one should assume just cause you caught it from the lake instead of a stream that was stocked and it's therefore ok. Catch and Release should be practiced everywhere stocked or otherwise.

Submitted by Bob O'Dory (07/15/2009)

The author comments about fishing are moronic and insulting. He should probably stick to something he knows about. Suggest removing them.

Submitted by Bob O'Dory (07/15/2009)

This is a beautiful lake. Very nice camping, small beach area, great fishing.

Submitted by Amanda Zimmer (07/15/2008)

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Around & About

Map Sites
West Castle River Valley
(5.2 miles / 8.4 km)
Castle Falls Recreation Area
(5.5 miles / 8.9 km)
Experiences
Oldman Rafting Company Inc.
(10.5 miles / 17 km)
Crowsnest River Flyfishing
(12.9 miles / 20.9 km)
Regional Perspectives
Rocky Mountain Front
(17.9 miles / 29 km)
Animals on the Move
(23 miles / 37.2 km)
Explorers and Pioneers
(23.9 miles / 38.7 km)
Local Topics
The Best Cheese Buns in the Crown
(18.1 miles / 29.3 km)
Make A Difference
Volunteering in the Castle
(4.3 miles / 7 km)
Blueweed Blitz
(13 miles / 21 km)
Beaver Mines Lake Recreation Area
LAT: 49.3691
LON: -114.3003
Elevation: 4770 FT (1454 M)
Description of Lake or River

Looming above the otherwise Adirondack-like landscape of Beaver Mines Lake is an errant piece of Wyoming. Table Mountain and its dramatic slope of multi-hued scree is a formation of eroded rock that might be familiar in the Western deserts, but seems out of place in the Canadian Rockies.

Beaver Mines Lake is a popular weekend and summer camping destination for regional residents. Visitors seeking quiet and solitude should be advised that motorized all-terrain vehicles are allowed. Fortunately, the first lakeside loop is off-limits to ATVs. Individual sites in the well-treed campground are large and widely spaced.

There are 97 semi-developed campsites, as well as pit toilets, fire pits, and well water. There are no electrical hookups or sewage disposal facilities.

The lakeside day use area is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits.

Access to Lake or River

Paved Road

Fishing Highlights

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. In the campground area, folding chairs are a popular platform for relaxed spincasting. This is a satisfying experience for camping anglers who enjoy catching their supper, without the guilt of extracting wild fish from their natural environment.

Rivers and streams are reserved for wild fish, and anglers who kill and keep their prey risk attracting frowns from catch-and-releasers. Not all fish survive release, however, and the piscivore who limits his take to the legal limit merits no more guilt than the angler who catches and releases from dawn to dusk.

Lakes in Alberta are stocked specifically for a put-and-take, qualm-free fishery.

Paddling Highlights

Easy launching of canoes and kayaks. Human development is concentrated at the south end of the lake, reserving the rest for near-wilderness paddling in a dramatic mountain landscape.

Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark

From Alberta Highway 3 at Burmis, drive south on Secondary Highway 507 to the hamlet of Beaver Mines. Keep left on Secondary Highway 774 until the sign directing lake-bound traffic east on a fine gravel road.

Boat Access Locations

A boat launch is available from the day-use area.