Jackfish Lake (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jackfish Lake(slough) |
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 Jackfish Lake(slough)
Location in Alberta
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| Location | Parkland County, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 53°29′02″N 114°15′05″W / 53.48389°N 114.25139°W |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 3.6 km (2.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 2.9 km (1.8 mi) |
| Surface area | 2.39 km2 (0.92 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 3.4 m (11 ft) |
| Max. depth | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 731 m (2,398 ft) |
Jackfish Lake is a beautiful lake located in Parkland County, Alberta, Canada. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors. This lake is about 60 kilometers west of the big city of Edmonton. It is also 25 kilometers west of the town of Stony Plain.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Jackfish Lake gets its name from a type of fish. The Northern Pike lives in the lake. People in the area often call this fish a "Jackfish." Besides Northern Pike, you can also find Walleye and Yellow perch swimming in these waters.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Parkland County has a special place called the Jackfish Lake Recreation Area. It's easy to find, right off Highway 770. This area is perfect for many outdoor activities.
Boating and Swimming
The recreation area has a boat launch. This means you can bring your motorized boat and put it in the water. There is also a nice beach area. It's a great spot for swimming on warm days.
Fishing and Picnics
If you love to fish, Jackfish Lake is a good choice. You can fish from the shore or from a boat. The park also has picnic areas. These are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends.
Winter Fun
The park stays open even in the colder months. In winter, Jackfish Lake becomes a popular place for ice fishing. Just remember to be safe on the ice!
Parking at the Lake
There is a parking fee if you visit between May 15 and September 15. This fee helps keep the park nice for everyone. Parking spots are limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early. There are 23 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Protecting Jackfish Lake
Jackfish Lake is a busy place, and many people live around it. About 60 percent of the lake's shoreline has homes and buildings. Because of this, experts worry about the lake's health.
Water Quality Concerns
Alberta Environment, a government group, says Jackfish Lake is at high risk. This means the water quality and natural areas could get worse. Lots of boats on the lake can also add to these problems.
The Jackfish Lake Management Association
To help protect the lake, a group called the Jackfish Lake Management Association (JLMA) was formed in 1995. This group is made up of people from the community. They are a non-profit organization.
Their main goal is to take care of Jackfish Lake. They want to make sure the lake's resources are managed well for today and for the future. This includes looking after:
- How boats are used on the lake
- Safety on the water
- The quality of the water
- The fish and wildlife
- New buildings around the lake
For over 25 years, the JLMA has worked hard. They work with local residents, the Alberta government, and Parkland County. Their goal is to solve problems and keep the lake healthy for a long time. You can find more information about their work on their website, jackfishlake.ca.
Jackfish Lake in Pop Culture
Did you know Jackfish Lake was mentioned in a movie? The 2017 film "The Humanity Bureau" includes a reference to Jackfish Lake, Canada.
