While most walleye fisheries in Southern Alberta
are still in their infancy, Chin Reservoir can boast some of the biggest fish and the best
fishing in the province. Each year this reservoir gives up 10 pound plus specimens and
loads of three to five pounders. This is undoubtedly the best still water fishery south of
Calgary. Many other reservoirs are quickly coming on and may one day provide superior
angling, but right now, Chin is the place to be. The walleye in Chin
Reservoir are typical of walleye in reservoirs across the south. They are highly
migratory. Just because a point is good one day, does not mean it will be the next. For
some reason, there is not much of a shallow water fishery in Chin and most of the fish
come from 20 feet or more of water. There is a very deep weed edge in this reservoir that
ends at about 20 feet and the walleye relate very strongly to it. Developing mud-lines are
another classic pattern on this wind swept reservoir.
Bottom bouncers and spinner rigs work well later
in the season when the fish spread out and start migrating from point to point. It takes a
fast presentation to locate them and to keep track of them. Earlier in the season, the
walleye seem to be fairly concentrated east of the bridge and respond well to jigs and
live bait rigs. White is a particularly good colour in Chin Reservoir, as is glow in the
dark. Crawlers seem superior to leeches for most of the year. A pattern that deserves some
research on Chin is trolling crankbaits for suspended walleye. This works well in the
evening when whitefish make their way to the surface to feed. Watch out for some monster
northern pike here as well.