Fishing

Kootenay Lake used to be a fisherman's paradise.  Then Duncan Dam was built and the fertilizer plant shut down, and those two events caused a drastic drop in nutrient levels – no more fish. 

But that was years ago!

An extensive lake fertilization program (read about it at the ferry) has brought back the fish populations to levels that are making a lot of local fishermen happy. 

Word is getting out that Kootenay Lake is BACK.

 

Hook an 11-pound rainbow, or five or six Kokanee, or one of our world-famous Gerrard Trout.

For specific, indispensable local tips, go in and talk to Randy at the Gill & Gift at the ferry.  He's also got all the reels, bait, and licenses you'll need.  He can also tell you about fishing charters.  And about the one that got away.

Basic information about fishing on Kootenay Lake

Spring 2010 Fishing Report:

April 1st was the beginning of the new licences for the year 2010-2011
and by all indications, it will be a very good year for all you fishers.
Fishing has been great! The 20 lb rainbows are back and there are plenty
of smaller ones as well. If a normal daily catch is about 3-4 fish and great
day is 10, its been extraordinary lately as some have been catching up to
20 good fish a day. Good fish, meaning up to 15 lbs. (note: that limits are
adhered to and most of these fish are catch and release).
The largest rainbow this winter/spring was a 22 pounder caught on a
Split Shot Charter, the largest Bull trout was been a 25 lb, also caught on
a Split Shot Charter.
Kokanee fishing in the arm this spring has been slow so far, perhaps
because of the low water and cold weather. Fisheries had predicted a
good run this year but as yet it has not materialized at the time of this
report. The season runs from May 1st to May 31.
The Rainbow spawn has been fantastic with the peak around 725 fish,
it is well worth the trip to Gerrard to check it out.
For those of you looking for the new fishing regulations, Fisheries is
using the same book as last year. Some of you may have noticed it covers
2 years.

Good luck to all you first timers, and good fishing to everyone else!