Hook, Line and Sinker: The Ultimate Fishing Adventures in the Brooks Newell Region

The Brooks Newell Region offers ample fishing opportunities for both beginner and experienced anglers. Nestled in the heart of Southern Alberta, you can explore some of the best fishing holes in the Region, including Crawling Valley Reservoir, Lake Newell and Rolling Hills Reservoir, where anglers can find an abundance of northern pike and walleye. In addition to these two common species, the nearby rivers are also quality fishing spots, with the Bow River home to whitefish, trout and sturgeon and the Red Deer River full of sauger and goldeye. 

Always practice boat and water safety by wearing life jackets, being aware of the weather forecast and following local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.

Crawling Valley Reservoir

Crawling Valley Reservoir is located 8 km north and 6 km east of the Town of Bassano and is easily reached from the Trans-Canada Highway, making it ideal for day trips.

• Target Species: northern pike, walleye and yellow perch

Arrive early at Crawling Valley Reservoir. Set up your gear and start fishing for northern pike and walleye. Take a break for lunch at The Roadside Grill for a quick and delicious bite to eat before fishing into the afternoon! Wrap up your day with some shore fishing as the sun sets. 

Lake Newell

Located 14 km south of the City of Brooks, Lake Newell is one of Southern Alberta’s largest and warmest human-made lakes and offers a perfect spot for a solo or family fishing adventure.

• Target Species: northern pike, walleye and lake whitefish

Take the whole family to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, situated right on Lake Newell and enjoy all the fun the lake has to offer. In addition to being a great fishing spot, Lake Newell’s clear and warm waters make it a great place to swim, float, boat and play – perfect for a family getaway!

Rolling Hills Reservoir

Hitch your boat and head to Rolling Hills Reservoir. Approximately 20 km south of Brooks, the Reservoir is located on the Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground, featuring 110 first-come-first-serve campsites and 82 boat slips, available for seasonal, weekly, or daily use, subject to availability. Stay the day or spend the night and enjoy quality fishing and camping in the Brooks Newell Region.

• Target Species: northern pike, walleye and crayfish.  

After a day of reeling in bites on the Reservoir, dock the boat and head to Piston Broke Brewing right in the City of Brooks to enjoy a bite for yourself, paired with a house-made craft beer! 

Fishing Outfitters
Enhance your fishing experience by booking a session with highly experienced and top-rated fishing outfitters and guides in the area. These professionals bring local expertise and insider tips to maximize your fishing trip. 

Trebled Life offers guided half-day and full-day fishing trips targeting trophy pike and walleye using top-of-the-line fishing gear. 

Specializing in hosting walleye fishing adventures on Lake Newell and Rolling Hills Reservoir, Steve’s Guide Service offers half-day and full-day outings to catch true trophy-sized walleye and northern pike.

Tip Up Ice Shack Rentals also offers summer guided fishing charters with experienced fishing guides on three Brooks Newell Region lakes: Lake Newell, Rolling Hills Reservoir and Crawling Valley Reservoir.

 

Protect Our Waterways
In 2018, the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) initiated an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. All boaters wishing to access EID reservoirs must follow approved prevention procedures and complete a watercraft information form stating they will not knowingly spread aquatic invasive species. As part of the program, trailered watercraft must only be launched from approved boat launches and boaters must check in with the campgrounds, marina, or EID office before launching. Canoes, kayaks and other non-trailered watercraft may continue to be launched at random locations, but the boaters are still required to check in with the campgrounds, marina or EID office prior to launching. 

Boaters can visit Lake Newell Resort Marina, Rolling Hills Campground, or Crawling Valley Campground to register for the program. Watercraft include both motorized (boats, sailboats, zodiacs, etc.) and non-motorized (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, etc.) options. Click here for more information.