Fishermen the world over have developed a new passion for pike fishing - and the big variety is found plentifully in Alberta, Canada. Fishing the Canadian Rockies and other little-known areas of Alberta could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Traditionally, pike haven't gotten all the respect they deserve. Some experts even refer to them as the Rodney Dangerfield of the fishing world. But that's starting to change, as fisherman who used to focus on the quest for trout are developing a passion for pike. . While pike may not be as pretty or graceful as trout, when it comes to tenacity and strength, they are tough to beat. The northern pike on fly is now the most sought after game fish in fresh water and one of the very best places to find pike is in the Canadian Rockies.

Chris David, owner of Mountain Country Outfitters is one of pike's biggest fans. From his base in Hinton, Alberta, he has access to some of the best pike fishing in the world - and he's happy to share his fascination for pike with his clients.

"Fishing for northern pike on fly has become a real trend over the last 10 or 15 years,: says Chris. "They used to be thought of as garbage fish - people would throw them up on the shore - but that attitude has really changed. True, die-hard fishermen know that pike is where it's at right now."

Hinton is nestled in the heart of a recreational paradise on the eastern edge of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies 280 km (174 mi) west of Edmonton. The city of Edmonton is the gateway to the North and the first stop for many visitors seeking adventure in Central and Northern Alberta, as well as parts of the Rockies.

Why Fishermen Like Pike

There's no question the Northern Pike is a worthy adversary. Reaching up to 50 pounds, they are voracious eaters who like to dwell in clear water that's on the shallow side. They're particularly drawn to weedy areas, with their spring spawning season a prime time for catching. Generally, they're much harder to catch when they move to deeper waters in the summer months.

Alberta certainly grows big pike, with a 38-pound pike claiming the provincial record. Last year, fishermen in Hinton set a new world record in one of many categories, catching a 28 lb., 6 oz. pike. "There are some huge fish here," Chris says.

American Fishermen Love Alberta Pike

The pike fishing in Hinton is such a draw that it's attracting clients from across the globe. "Most of our clients are American," Chris adds, noting he sees a lot of traffic from Michigan, Minnesota and Montana and Washington." Alberta pike fishing has also received international attention, attracting fisherman from as far away as England, Germany and France.

Chris finds that many people book fishing vacations thinking they want to seek out trout, but quickly change their minds after they see how much fun they can have fishing pike. One client, a diplomat from France, came to Hinton specifically for trout fishing. After Chris convinced him to try a half-day of pike fishing, he was hooked - and has since sent several of his friends to Chris for a similar adventure. "It was really great - he caught some trophies," Chris recalls.

"I tell people the fishing in Alberta is really exciting," Chris says. "Our goal is to make their visit to Canada exciting enough that they are going to go back and tell everyone what a wonderful time they had in Alberta. There's just a fantastic opportunity here for someone from the United States to come up here and really experience what Alberta has to offer."

Pike Fishing, Alberta Style

The average pike Chris catches is about 12 pounds (6 kilos), but "every time I got out I get at least one 20-pound pike," he says. "Our advantage is we have more varieties and species, and larger fish. And more fishable lakes."

One of the unique features of lakes in the Hinton area is water clarity. "It's very clear, which is pretty rare for a pike lake," Chris says. "There's nothing more exciting than watching a four-foot long pike attack your fly."

For now, the best pike lakes in the Hinton area remain relatively unknown - and that's the way Chris wants to keep it. That way, they aren't over fished or over taxed, and they retain their natural beauty and assets. "The nice thing about this area is that I can fish a different lake each day of the week and each of those lakes will produce. It really is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies," Chris says

Many folks recognize Chris from his stint as a host on television's Dimestore Fishermen. The most widely broadcast fishing show in Canada, Dimestore has given Chris a chance to travel to some of the most exciting streams in the world.

"As a television fishing show host, I get to fish all over North America," Chris says. "I can tell you there is no pike lake in Alberta like the lakes in Hinton. It's extremely rare."

Pike in Alberta's Boreal Forest

Winefred Lake Lodge is another Alberta outfitter committed to pike fishing. Located southeast of Fort McMurray, in Alberta's boreal forest, the Lodge offers comfortable accommodations for fishermen who are anxious to test their skills against the area's staples, pike and walleye.

Fly-in for Pike

For a Canada fly-in fishing trip, Andrew Lake Lodge features a package that's designed to help you get up-close-and-personal with the northern pike. Nestled in the northeast corner of Alberta, the area features some of the provinces best pike fishing. Since it takes a little more effort to get to, the area is relatively untouched, and according to publications like Outdoor Canada, offers an excellent chance at trophy fish.

And check out Calgary, which offers exceptional pike fishing opportunities in Southern Alberta.

Resources

Mountain Country Outfitters

Andrew Lake Lodge

Winefred Lake Lodge

Alberta Pike Fishing

Hinton

Author, Noelle Aune, is Director of Travel Media and Public Relations for Travel Alberta Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.travelalberta.com