Kootenay Rockies Fishing

Types of Fish in the Kootenay Rockies

• Rainbow trout: The most popular freshwater fish is found throughout the region. The Gerrard rainbow trout is the world's largest rainbow trout. Fish as large as 16kg/35lb have been caught in Kootenay Lake.
• Bass: The best bass fishing lake in British Columbia is found in this region; both largemouth and smallmouth bass are found here
• Bull trout, cutthroat trout, whitefish and kokanee: These species are also plentiful here.

Highlight Lakes and Fishing Areas

Some of the best lakes to fish in the Kootenay Rockies include:

• Kootenay Lake: Home to the Gerrard trout, the largest rainbow trout in the world. At more than 100km/60mi long, this lake is a popular recreation area and features marinas, boat launches, parks, resorts and campgrounds. For adventurous fisherpeople hoping to take to the water and stay there, rent a houseboat and explore all of the Lake's best fishing spots. Or make camp at some of the nearby communities, including Nelson and Kaslo.
• Arrow Lakes: The Upper and Lower lake combined are nearly 150km/90 mi long, feature good access points and are ideal for trolling. Expect to catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee.
• Trout Lake: Guess what can be caught here? This long, deep lake is noted for large Gerrard and bull trout that can reach 8kg/20lb.
• Lake Koocanusa: This expansive and picturesque lake is popular for kokanee, rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout. Rent a houseboat and relax in your own private hot tub after a day's fishing.
• Duck Lake: Located near Creston, this lake is one of the best bass lakes in British Columbia, with largemouth bass up to 3kg/8lb.

Highlight Rivers for Fishing

• Elk River: Originating in the Canadian Rockies and fed by more than 30 tributaries, the Elk River is a renowned fly-fishing location. Anglers can expect feisty native Westslope Cutthroat trout and large bull trout.
• St. Mary River: This river, located near Kimberley and Cranbrook is known for Westslope Cutthroat, bull trout and whitefish and is popular for fly-fishing.
• Columbia River: Weaving its way from the Rocky Mountains across much of southeastern British Columbia, this is one of the great rivers of Canada. Large and fast-flowing, the Columbia is well known for large quantities of big, hard-fighting rainbow and bull trout.
• Kootenay River: The Kootenay River is picturesque and is called home by a good population of Westslope Cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout. Due to its large size and fluctuating water levels this river is best suited for drift boat fishing.
• Other excellent fishing rivers in the Kootenay Rockies include the Slocan, Bull, Flathead and Skookumchuck rivers. The many tributaries from these also afford good fishing opportunities.

Provincial and National Parks Fishing

There are four national and more than 75 provincial parks in the region. Many of these offer excellent fishing as well as camping, sightseeing, wildlife viewing and adventure opportunities.

Practical Points and License Information

• Appropriate fishing licenses are required for fresh and saltwater fishing. Both types can be purchased online at the BC Government's fishing page or at sporting good stores and other fishing retailers in the region.
• A specific license is required to fish in national parks and can be purchased at the park headquarters at each park site.
• Check with authorities for the current restriction status of sport fish catches.
• Life jackets are mandatory in BC.
• Boating regulations may be in effect.

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