There are many beautiful small lakes nestled in the mountains of the Kootenay Region of British Columbia, and among them are some highly productive gems for anglers. Kootenay Region Fisheries Biologist, Heather Lamson, shares some of her top picks.
Cooper Lake
Nearest town: Moyie
An easy 30-minute hike brings you to this secluded subalpine lake. Pack your bellyboat for good-sized westslope cutthroat trout on dry flies.
Alces Lake
Nearest town: Canal Flats
Stocked rainbow trout are currently in great condition, and providing a lot of happy-angler days. This lake is in a beautiful setting, and has great campsite facilities.
Whitetail Lake
Nearest town: Canal Flats
This trophy lake, stocked with rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, is fishing really well right now. The word is out, but there always seems to be room on the water.
Nine Bay Lake
Nearest town: Parson
Compared to many lakes in the region, this trophy lake is still fishing well. Big Pennask-strain (stocked) rainbow trout are the norm here.
Bittern Lake
Nearest town: Parson
Psst! Fish for great big trout in a beautiful setting. Enough said; I might get in trouble for promoting this one…
Woodenshoe Lake
Nearest town: Kuskonook
For those with 4x4s, this lake’s beautiful setting is worth the bumpy drive and short hike. It is lightly stocked with westslope cutthroat trout.
Little Mitten Lake
Nearest town: Parson
This trophy lake, stocked with rainbow trout, can be tricky to fish (and, therefore, appeal to the avid angler).
Suzanne Lake
Nearest town: Jaffray
The new Blackwater-strain 60-gram and yearling stocking program is producing really nice fish at Suzanne. It’s a great early-season opener.
Quartz (Rockbluff) Lake
Nearest town: Skookumchuck
Stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee, this productive lake grows big fish of both varieties.
Lazy Lake
Nearest town: Wasa
Try out Lazy Lake’s new fishing dock, installed by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC in 2019. Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the lake has spectacular views. Angling for the stocked Pennask rainbow trout can be on or off, but when it’s on, it’s fantastic.
Susan Lake
Nearest town: Donald
Located between Golden and Revelstoke, this lake is stunning, and it produces large brookies. Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you might find that you have the whole lake to yourself. A new fishing dock was installed here in 2019.
Summit Lake
Nearest town: Parson
Like big eastern brook trout – and lots of them? Summit Lake might just be for you.
Catherine Lake
Nearest town: Nakusp
Who doesn’t like a free cable ferry to get to one of the prettiest little rainbow trout fisheries out there? Situated to the west of Slocan Lake, Catherine’s rainbows are a good size for this area, too.
As always, before you head out for the weekend, make sure you have your freshwater fishing licence, and that you have checked out the fishing regulations for your chosen lake.
Author: Heather Lamson, Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship.
Banner Image: Adrian Clarke