General Information
Chin Reservoir is located approximately 20 km
(12.5 miles) south of Taber, Alberta on Highway 36. The Highway 36 bridge curves as it
crosses this long narrow Southern Alberta reservoir which runs approximately 10 km (6
miles) east of the bridge and about 15 km (9.5) miles west. The maximum water depth is
about 21.3 meters (70 feet) found on the stretch west of the bridge. Chin reservoir is
part of the St Mary Irrigation District and is an off stream storage reservoir. Chin is
downstream from Milk River ridge reservoir on the St. Mary main canal system. There are
rip rapped dams at both ends of Chin. The Canal inlet is located 0.8 km (1/2 mile) east of
the west dam and the outlet is located on the west dam. Camp sites are available at the
County campground on south shore on the east side of the bridge, as well you can book the
Taber Kinsmen park on the south shore on the west side of the bridge for larger group
type functions. The only concrete boat launch on the reservoir is located at the county
campground which is opened from April 15 to mid October.
Fishing
Walleye over 10 lbs. have been caught
as well a large Northern Pike. The east dam and the highway bridge are popular fishing
spots but there are plenty of points & bays that hold fish as well. The Walleye are
always on the move on this water body, especially during the summer months. Jigs have
always seemed to be the most productive presentation on Chin, but don't be afraid to tie
on a spinner blade or a crank as well. When the fish are "On" this water body
can host some fantastic fishing days. The Walleye fishery on Chin is in the
"Vulnerable" category. Anglers are not allowed to keep fish under 50 cm and are
limited to 3 fish/day over 50 cm.
Walleye Stocking History
1949 - First Walleye stocking
1,097,000 Walleye fry
1950 - 375,000 Fertilized Walleye eggs
1952 - 937,500 Fertilized Walleye eggs
1957 - 1,400,000 Fertilized Walleye eggs
1957 - First Recorded Walleye was caught (test net)
1983 - 319,000 Walleye fry
1984 - 420,000 Walleye fry
Reservoir History and Data
Chin Reservoir was originally
constructed in around 1920. There were some water level modifications in the early 20's
raising the original level 2 metres (7 feet). The inlet at that time was just west of the
Highway 36 bridge back in what is now a bay. The canal came down the hill and then ran
around the east edge of what is now the main point in the bay, it then turned west and
wound around till it dropped into the reservoir. When the water level is low you can still
see this old canal channel and at times you can still see an old grove of cotton woods
along the edge of the old canal about a 1/2 km (1/3 mile) west of the bridge. In the
1920's the original reservoir ended about a 0.8 km (1/2 mile) west from the Highway
bridge. In 1952 the water level was raised again as the west dam was raised a height of 21
metres (67 feet) along with the construction of the east dam. There was also channel
dredged underneath the highway bridge to aid in water movement from the east side of the
bridge to the west.
Contours
and Reservoir Map - East of Hwy Bridge (Old)
Contours and Reservoir Map - West
of Hwy Bridge (Old)
-Contours and Reservoir Map
(New PDF - 1085 KB)
Surface area:
1,635 hectares - 4,040 acres- 16.3 square kilometres - 6.31 square miles.
Shoreline Length:
56.6 kilometres - 35.2 miles
Reservoir Length and Width:
Length: 24.5 kilometres - 15.5 miles
Width Max: 1.1 kilometres - 0.7 miles
Mean Width: 0.6 kilometres - 0.4 miles
Maximum Depth:
21.3 metres - 70 feet
Elevation:
853 metres - 2,797 feet
Date of Impoundment: Initialy 1920s -
Enlarged in 1952
|
