Resources

Kootenay Lake

Sports Fishing on Kootenay Lake is an adventure in the making. Hook onto a Rainbow (including the world famous Gerrard), Dolly Varden (Bull trout), and Kokanee in one of nature's most beautiful settings.

Some of the world's largest Dollys and Rainbows live here - Kootenay Lake is home to the world famous Gerrard Rainbow Trout - and catching one of these trophy fish is every fisherman's dream. To catch one takes some luck and some knowledge. The lake has three main seasons, spring, summer and winter, and you need to understand fish behaviour during these seasons. If you can keep a close eye on the locals - where they go, what they use - your chances will improve greatly. Most big fish are caught on the lure that is in season, but the right techniques, such as speed and depth, are just as important.

Kootenay Lake also offers some excellent fly fishing, particularly in the spring on the south arm. If you are a newcomer, hire a guide for a day or more. You'll get the most information this way, and maybe you'll land the big one too. Don't forget the most important part - relax and enjoy the day as you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kootenay Lake.

This ice free lake provides great fishing year round, with the prime season for big fish being October through March.

Bring your own boat, take a fishing charter, or find the hot spots on our shoreline to cast and enjoy a great day on Kootenay Lake.

Public launch ramps are available at Riondel, Kootenay Bay and Kuskonook. Many lakeside campgrounds have launch ramps and docking.

Brad Stubbs of Kootenay KingFisher Guiding Services offers fishing charters for world class Gerrard Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, and Walleye on Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes, Kootenay Lake, and the Columbia River. for more info on his services click here Kootenay KingFisher