Kimberley's relaxed recreational life style attracts a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The numerous lakes, rivers and streams in and around the area make this mountain paradise a very popular sport fishing destination for people of all ages and abilities. Anglers consider it one of the finest dry fly-fisheries in North America.
Regulations and Licenses
The majority of the river systems in southeastern British Columbia are "class II" waters, which are designed to protect the west slope cutthroat trout. As with many fishing destinations, enthusiasts interested in fishing in the province should abide by the BC Ministry of Environment's fishing regulations. Find out more about fishing in Kimberley from this handy .pdf-format of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. All are required to pay a daily fee to fish the waters and have a fishing license, which can be bought from local angler and fly shops. Lakes tend to open around mid-April when the ice is off the lake, and rivers open in mid-June.
However, fishing is a popular activity year-round in Kimberley, and several suppliers here offer winter fishing experiences. Enjoy a true taste of Canadian adventure with an ice fishing trip – contemplate the next catch from within a warm hut, gazing down at the illuminated water through a hole cut in the ice.
Highlight Kimberley Fishing Spots
The St. Mary River is a classic, free-stone stream that makes for exceptional sport fishing and is plentiful with cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout. The river flows over 80km/50mi where it joins the Kootenay River and offers a multitude of exceptional fishing spots. The Skookumchuk River is another good spot. Primarily a walk-and-wade stream, is perfect for both beginners and advanced anglers hoping to land a large cutthroat. Premier Lake has rainbow and brook trout and is located northeast of Skookumchuk off of Highway 93/95. There is an abundant fish population of rainbow trout in Whiteswan Lake, located northeast, also off Highway 93/95.
Trout Hatchery and Guided Services
The Kootenay Trout Hatchery – the second largest in BC – is a worthwhile educational stop to learn about small fry and fingerlings. The Hatchery rears approximately one million rainbow trout, brook char, cutthroat trout and white sturgeon annually, and stock hundreds of lakes in the Kootenay Rockies Region. Visitors can view trophy-sized trout, painted turtles and prehistoric white sturgeon. The Hatchery can be found at 4522 Fenwick Road, Fort Steele. For those just starting out or looking for professionally guided services in and around Kimberley, stop in at the St. Mary Angler Fly Shop, or contact Ultimate West Flyfishing or Bootleg Mountain River Adventures for more information.