Boasting countless pristine lakes and crystal-clear rivers that wind through valleys surrounded by towering mountain peaks, the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia offers some of the best and most scenic fishing opportunities in Canada. Whether you are a local or just passing through on a road trip, there is no shortage of spots to cast a line in this beautiful region. Anglers are spoiled with a variety of sportfish in the Kootenays including a good mix of brook, bull, cutthroat, and rainbow trout, along with kokanee and some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the province. Plenty of lakes and rivers are also stocked to help preserve natural fish species, making the fishing in this region even better.
Below we list a few of our favorite lakes and streams found within Region 4, the Kootenay Rockies area of British Columbia. Whether you launch a boat in one of the many lakes or let your bobber float down a scenic river, anglers of all levels will find the perfect fishing spot in this fantastic region.
Alces Lake
Often overlooked in favour of the nearby Whiteswan Lake, rainbow up to 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) are sometimes found here, though the average size is much less. The lake is stocked annually with 2,000 Blackwater and 1,000 Pennask all female triploid rainbow trout. Early spring or late fall offers the best fishing. Try along shoal areas such as the large shoal found near the north middle portion of the lake, or the area in the west end of the lake where the north and south shoals squeeze off the depths of the lake. During summer when the lake warms up, look for the trout in the deep hole in the eastern end of the lake. Shore fishing is possible, and there is a boat launch and fishing dock at the lake.
Arrow Lake
Consisting of Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes, this pair of lakes offers some great highway access, and several resorts, campsites, and boat launches line the shore. Home to a variety of sportfish species, rainbow trout and kokanee make up the bulk of the action, although some very big bull trout are known to inhabit the lakes. Whitefish and burbot are also found in the Arrow Lakes in decent numbers. Although trolling is the proven method, shore fishing is certainly an exciting alternative. The best period for success in these areas is during the spring, when runoff brings nutrients and oxygen into the lake. One of the best stretches for fishing on Upper Arrow Lake is between Nakusp and Shelter Bay. Anglers say the best fishing on Lower Arrow Lake is north of Deer Park, while others will argue that it is not necessary to travel that far up the lake. Regardless of where you fish, the Lower Arrow is considered one of the best kokanee fisheries in the province.
Beatrice Lake
Located in the heart of Valhalla Provincial Park, this gorgeous mountain lake is accessed by a 12 kilometre (7.5 mile) trail from Slocan Lake. It is a deep, high elevation lake that sees very little fishing pressure and is typically ice free from early May until mid-October. As a result, angling is quite good for smaller trout, although the bigger fish (up to 2 kilograms/4 pounds) are harder to catch, especially if fishing from shore. Hauling a floatation device, while challenging, is worth the extra effort and anglers will be rewarded with some fine fishing. That said, the shoreline is quite open and the two steep drop-offs found along the north and south shore of this lake are some of the best areas to try for larger rainbow. Other places to try are around the two small islands at the east end of the lake, as well as around the inflow and outflow of Beatrice Creek. Oh, and remember, this is grizzly country!
Bittern Lake
Bittern Lake can be deceptive. What looks like a big lake is really just extensive shallows, and the entire waterbody is quite shallow in most places. This makes it a challenge to fish from shore, but if you don’t have a float tube or canoe, plan to fish off the dock at the recreation site. This at least allows you to extend your reach out into the deeper water that float tubes and canoes can access. The rainbow found in the lake are the Blackwater strain that are known to put up a great fight, making them a favorite of anglers, and 4,000 are stocked annually. The biggest challenge here though is the clear, shallow water as the fish are easily spooked. That said, because the water is so clear, it is easy to see the transition zones and weed beds where the rainbow trout like to hide out. Much of the time, it is easy to see the fish come after your lure, too.
Bull River
The Bull River is a popular alternative for folks looking to get away from the Elk River, which in turn is one of the most popular rivers in the region. It is a classic Kootenay freestone stream, with cutthroat and bull trout as well as rainbow and even a few kokanee. The trout can get up to 1 kilogram (2 pounds) and put up a great fight. Unlike most of the Class II waters in the Kootenays, the Bull River is actually open to spincasting, and not regulated fly-fishing only. The river has good gravel road access along most of its length, although some of these roads may have restricted access during logging periods. There are a number of restrictions and since it is a Class II trout stream, a Classified Waters License is required.
Champion Lakes
This trio of stocked trout lakes can be reached in reverse order coming into the park from Highway 3B. The Third Lake offers the slowest fishing of the three and sees heavy pressure, as there is a popular campground and beach area on the lake. The Second Lake boasts trout that can reach up to 1.5 kilograms (3 pounds), while the First Lake offers the best fishing in the area. Much of that is owing to the fact that the lake is only accessible by a scenic trail that leads through a second growth forest, so it sees very little fishing pressure. The best place to focus your effort is near the south end using a fly.
Elk River
The majestic Elk River is a pinnacle of the East Kootenays as it flows from high up in the Rocky Mountains to the lowlands surrounding Lake Koocanusa. Over its course, the river offers some world-class dry fly fishing for Westslope cutthroat. Whitefish and bull trout can also be caught on a spinner or fly, along with kokanee. The cutthroat tend to be small, under 1 kilogram (2 pounds), while the bull trout which can reach 5 kilograms (11 pounds) are mostly found in the upper reaches of the river. Many of the tributaries offer good fishing, and working the pools around these creek mouths can be very rewarding. The best time to fish this river is in August and September when the water levels are a bit lower, the weather is usually good, and the fish are active. However, keen anglers have been known to get out there when the snow is flying. Be sure to review the regulations before fishing.
Kootenay Lake
Consisting of the North Arm, South Arm and West Arm, Kootenay Lake is well known for its large Gerrard rainbow trout. Fully mature, these fish average 9 kilograms (20 pounds) in size and have tipped the scales at 16 kilograms (35 pounds). Other sportfish in the lake include bull trout, burbot (catch and release only), kokanee, largemouth bass, whitefish and more. The North Arm is currently regarded as the hot spot for almost all fishing in Kootenay Lake, with Gerrard trout being what anglers heading here are usually after. Try working near the drop-offs at creek mouths or close to the rocky cliff faces. As the big lake does not freeze, the best time to fish for rainbow is between October and May when they are near the surface. The South Arm offers good largemouth bass fishing, and anglers should try the shallower areas around Coot Bay and Kuskanook. Those looking for kokanee should head to the West Arm. While trolling is the preferred method, fly-fishing has grown in popularity, especially the narrows around Belfour. Whitefish can be fun for younger anglers. Try to nab one of these feisty fellows either by fly-fishing or spincasting in the shallows of the Western arm of the lake.
Lake Magog
Set at the base of Mount Assiniboine, Lake Magog is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Framed by snow-capped peaks, the lake offers fair numbers of cutthroat up to 3 kilograms (7 pounds) that average 35-40 centimetres (13-15 inches). This is a high elevation lake (2,149 metres/7,050 feet) and usually is not free of ice until late spring or early summer. Shore fishing is possible even during the heat of summer, with the best time to fish being at dawn and dusk. While some access the lake by helicopter from Mount Shark or Canmore, many hike their way in from the Spray Lakes Reservoir in Alberta, along a 27 kilometre (17 mile) one-way trek. A campground can be found at the lake, while Mount Assiniboine Lodge or the nearby Naiset Cabins offer roofed accommodation.
Lazy Lake
This lake, located on the Wolf-Lewis Forest Service Road northeast of Wasa, is known for its consistent fishing for small rainbow trout, due in part to the aggressive stocking program of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. The shoal areas found at the north and south ends of the lake are good areas to focus your efforts, especially during the spring and fall. Another area that should be worked is just off the small point alongside the western shore of the lake. With the deep hole right next to the point, this area can be productive throughout the year. The lake also holds a self-sustaining population of cutthroat trout and if you can’t get out on the water, the new fishing dock at the recreation site is a great second option.
Nine Bay Lake
Depending on the condition of the road and the type of vehicle you are driving, reaching this hike-in lake west of Spillimacheen could be a 200 metre (600 foot) or 2 kilometre (1.2 mile) trek. For your efforts, you will be rewarded with good rainbow fishing for fish up to 3 kilograms (7 pounds), as many anglers prefer easier access lakes. Bring a float tube and try spincasting or fly-fishing near the south side of the bigger island. Avoid the bays which are too shallow to hold fish, instead work the large shoal areas throughout the lake that are coupled with plenty of weed growth creating ideal conditions for feeding trout.
Premier Lake
Premier is one of the better fishing lakes in the East Kootenays, if not the province. In fact, the inlet creek is a collecting station for trout eggs that are used to stock over 350 lakes and streams across the province including this one. The lake is stocked with around 55,000 Blackwater rainbow trout annually and also holds chunky brook and cutthroat trout. The shoal areas at either end of the lake are good places to start fishing on the fly, while those trolling can work the drop-off zone along the cliffs halfway up the lake. Focus your efforts around the edge of the lake in the 4.5 to 7.5 metre (15-25 foot) range. Found off Highway 93/95, east of Skookumchuck, a provincial park surrounds the southern portion of the lake and offers camping and a trailer boat launch.
Quartz Lake
Also known as Rockbluff Lake, this beautiful lake found within Premier Lakes Provincial Park holds rich, azure waters and sits at the base of a prominent rock bluff, from which it takes its alternate name. The lake holds a good bounty of kokanee and rainbow trout, both stocked, along with cutthroat trout. Shortly after ice off (in late May to early June), the action can be quite good with both rainbow and cutthroat cruising the shoals in search of anything that looks like food. A particularly good spot in the spring is off the two small, mostly underwater islands in the southern portion of the lake. As the lake warms in the summer, a sinking line is necessary as the trout go deep. Trolling works best for the kokanee. The lake is rather shallow towards the northern shores, so troll the middle, where it is the deepest towards the south shore for best results.
Slocan Lake
Located between the snow-capped peaks of Valhalla Provincial Park and Highway 6, Slocan Lake is a fine fishing destination. The big lake is notorious for big trout, as the previously stocked Gerrard rainbow can get up to 5 kilograms (10 pounds) or more. You will also find bull trout up to 4 kilograms (9 pounds) and small kokanee. However, any bull trout under 60 centimetres (24 inches) must be released. Effective methods of fishing for the big trout include a deep troll (downrigging gear recommended) with lures or plugs or fishing the mouth of the creeks. However, like most big lakes, the best fishing actually occurs during the late fall and winter.
Suzanne Lake
This popular recreation lake is found south of Jaffray and features the large-growing Gerrard strain of rainbow trout along with stocked Blackwater rainbow, as well as a good population of largemouth bass. The low elevation of the lake allows fishing as early as late March in some years. Try your luck in the northern part of the lake where the bottom is littered with weed beds, providing excellent cover and food sources. Trout fishing is best done in the early spring or late fall months while the best time of day is in the early morning or early evening. The recreation site offers a boat launch and a nice fishing dock for those who can’t get out on the water.
Trout Lake
There are probably about a dozen lakes called Trout Lake scattered across the province, and this is one of the biggest that likely also produces the biggest fish. The mighty Gerrard rainbow trout here occasionally tip the scales in the 9 kilogram (20 pound) range. It also has a healthy population of bull trout, which can get up to 4 kilograms (9 pounds). Both species are best caught on a deep troll using lures that imitate kokanee in April to May or again in September to October. The lake is also home to smaller populations of burbot, kokanee and whitefish. The best access points are at either the north end from town or the south end of the lake, reached by following Highway 31 from Kaslo for either 82 kilometres or 108 kilometres.
Whitetail Lake
One of the most beautiful and most popular fishing lakes in the entire province, this crystal clear lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains is a very popular trophy fishing lake which produces well for stocked rainbow that grow up to 4 kilograms (9 pounds), and average a good 50 centimetres (20 inches) in length. There are also a few brook trout that also grow big (up to 2.5 kilograms /6 pounds). A boat is needed to effectively work the waters because due to the fact the lake is so clear, the weed beds can be found to a depth of 6 metres (20 feet) or so. The lake also has fairly steep shoreline areas, with fast transitions between the shoals and the deeper areas of the lake. The exception is the east end of the lake, where there is a fairly extensive shoal area. Fed by snowmelt, it remains cool all summer resulting in fishing that remains strong, even in the heat of August.
This is just a small sampling of the vast amount of lakes and streams found throughout the Kootenay Rockies, Region 4. Ready to head out and try your luck in some of these lakes and streams? Pick up a copy of the Kootenay Rockies Backroad Mapbook, the newly updated BRMB Maps app & web map and our newly revamped Kootenay Region BC Fishing Mapbook. This fishing mapbook offers lake details, fishing tips, stocking information, directions and facilities information, and much more for all the best lakes within the region to help anglers find their perfect fishing destination.