With the long weekend approaching, some Airdrie residents may wonder whether Nose Creek Pond will be stocked in time for fishing.
According to the Government of Alberta's spring fish stocking schedule, Nose Creek Pond is listed for trout release "before May 23." The schedule notes that fish species, number stocked, and dates may change without notice. Actual stocking numbers are reported in the Fish Stocking Report, which is updated weekly or biweekly during spring and fall stocking seasons.
The Alberta Conservation Association lists the Nose Creek Pond site as "status: pending" as of May 14. It states that the ACA "annually stocks this pond with trout, typically before the May long weekend."
The City of Airdrie notes: "Thanks to the Alberta Conservation Association, the Nose Creek pond is stocked annually with about 300 trout." The pond is located in Nose Creek Park off Main Street South. The ACA's site lists the following restrictions: "Day use only. No open fires. Foot access only."
Fishing regulations
According to the City of Airdrie, "there are different fishing regulations between Nose Creek Pond and Nose Creek and they are subject to change." The City notes the Province may implement time-of-day restrictions "depending on water flow and temperature."
For Nose Creek Pond, "angling is permitted year-round and bait is allowed." Catch limits are listed as five trout, five northern pike, and 15 yellow perch.
For Nose Creek, "angling is permitted only between certain times. Bait is not allowed." Catch limits "depend on time of year and species."
The City states that individuals between the ages of 16 and 65 are required to have a fishing licence. "Those under 16 years of age or Alberta residents aged 65 or older are not required to have a Sportfishing License to fish with a rod and reel; however, you must follow Alberta’s sportfishing regulations."
The City lists possible species found in Nose Creek Pond and/or Nose Creek under three categories:
Sport fish: Rainbow trout, northern pike, mountain whitefish, yellow perch, brook trout, brown trout
Non-sport fish: Fathead minnow, brook stickleback, longnose sucker, white sucker, lake chub, longnose dace, pearl dace, trout-perch
Invasive species: Prussian carp, northern crayfish
Nearby ponds listed by ACA as "status: pending" include Cipperley's Reservoir. The ACA states: "ACA annually stocks this pond with trout, typically before the May long weekend." It also provides directions: "This reservoir is S of Olds. From Olds travel S on Highway 2A, then W on RR 322, then S on RR 15 and E into the site."
Other locations near Airdrie already confirmed as stocked include Hillers Reservoir, Crossfield Pond, and DeWitt's Pond, according to the Alberta fish stocking report.
The Alberta Conservation Association has also published an online map that lists more than 240 lakes and ponds stocked by ACA and the Government of Alberta. In a public post, the ACA stated: "We created this new map to help you find a great fishing spot to call your own."
The post continues: "Whether you are a complete newbie who found a Spiderman fishing rod at a garage sale or a seasoned fisherman with thousands of dollars' worth of equipment, this map should help you find a great fishing spot."
The ACA also reminds anglers to buy a 2025 fishing licence and consult Alberta's Sportfishing Regulations. Bathymetry details for stocked ponds are also available on the site.
Weekend weather forecast
According to Environment Canada, Friday's forecast includes a 60 percent chance of showers and a high of 15°C. Saturday is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 percent chance of showers and a high of 13°C.
Showers are forecast again on Sunday with a high of 14°C. Monday's forecast is a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 18°C.
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