1. Town fishing. Locals favour the engine bridge on the Bow River for in-town fly-fishing or spin-casting and relaxing views. This is where you can catch brown trout and whitefish or rarely, bull trout and cut-throat. Grotto Pond off Highway 1A towards Exshaw is a great place for families and children (nearby picnic tables and outhouses). It’s a stocked pond and bait of choice is either power worms or even corn niblets for catching rainbow trout. Most people release anything under a foot. Don’t forget your camera to record the first catch and wide grin.

2. K Country. Combine fishing and hiking in the high amphitheatre of Chester Lake (intermediate outing). Cut-throat must be thrown back but you might hook a Dolly Varden up here. Use spoons if you’re spin-casting or berries for fly-fishing. If you don’t catch a thing, the scenery is spectacular!

Wapiti Sports offers full gear rentals for guided fishing tours to three local areas: on the Bow River, Spray Lakes including winter ice fishing trips and Upper (for rainbow trout) and Lower (for bull trout) Kananaskis Lakes. Check out their website: www.wapitisports.com

Bear sightings are possible on most outings. Loud shouts Make noise approaching confined areas or blind corners. You should be fit and conditioned for both distance and elevation on longer outings. Prepare for sudden weather changes and take lots of water, sun protection, climbing poles and an energy bar to see you home safely. Turn back if you’re tired; the descent is often harder on stressed muscles or ligaments.