Murray Lake Reservoir Alberta Canada

Influencer:

Medicine Hat

Park Size: 10km long 2.5km wide

Difficulty: Moderate
Park Amenities:

Murray Lake/Murray Reservoir in Alberta Canada

A Southern Alberta Fishing Destination.

Murray Reservoir, also known as Murray Lake, is a man-made 10km long 2.5km wide body of water, sitting at an elevation of 763 meters (2,503 feet). In other words, it is found in southeastern Alberta nestled onto the flatlands of the prairies near the hamlet of Seven Persons. At only a short 30 minute drive south of Medicine Hat, this is a great area for fishing Northern Pike. Other anglers report catching Walleye from Murray Lake, but if they are in there, the population is not booming for that species.

History of Murray Lake

Murray Lake is part of the St Mary's River Irrigation District (SMRID) in southern Alberta. Interestingly, The SMRID is the largest irrigation district in Alberta and a very important factor in keeping water in the southern part of the province since 1900. Murray Lake was constructed in 1953, as the service canals started reaching all the way to Medicine Hat from their starting point near Lethbridge Alberta in the 1950s.

Fishing Murray Reservoir

An easy fishing destination if you're looking to shore fish, the dam area has very easy access and a nice rock slope into the reservoir. Alternatively, you could also troll around the lake and bay area for a wider reach when searching for the fish. Murray Lake has a maximum depth of around 16ft.

Blue Green Algae Warning

This body of water, like many others in Alberta, has become prone to get Blue-Green algae blooms in the summer months, which can be deadly for your pets, and does not make for ideal fish to eat during those times, so be aware of that when visiting. It is a weedy lake, so the earlier in the season, the easier it is to fish without getting tangled up with weeds constantly.

Camping Near Murray Lake Alberta

There is no camping available on Murray Lake, but there are plenty of camping and lodging options available nearby in the surrounding Medicine Hat area.

What To Expect

A fully exposed area to the elements, as to be expected in a prairie setting, there are no trees around Murray Lake. Therefore be prepared for the potential to experience very hot/cold and or very windy days while exploring here.

Murray Reservoir is open for fishing from May 8 to March 15 annually, so in addition to open water summer fishing, you can also ice fish Murray Lake. Ice Fishing on Murray Lake can be quite productive for targeting Northern Pike, and at the time this was written (2023) bait is allowed. Always check the most current Alberta Fishing Regulations for up to date rules before heading out to any body of water to fish in Alberta.

Take a Trip to Murray Lake Alberta Canada

Not only is Murray Lake a southeastern Alberta fishing destination for Northern Pike and maybe the odd Walleye if you're lucky enough. Additionally, I found it to be a wonderful area to birdwatch as well with an adjacent marsh area teeming with our flying friends. Get outside and enjoy some exploring around the Medicine Hat area of Alberta!

Alberta Fishing Destinations

Things To Do Alberta

Address:

Murray Lake Reservoir Alberta Canada

Township Road 102 & Range Rd 75

Medicine Hat

Canada