2019 Okanagan Fishing - Angler's Atlas

Okanagan

Fishing Regulations page 26-29 Fish Stocking page 32-33

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WINNER Hank Roffel

2019

12th Edition

Boss Lake Beauty

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A fisheries monitoring program

Built By Anglers In 2018 we launched MyCatch, an ambitious project where anglers can play an active role in fisheries research.

A major challenge faced by biologists and researchers is the cost of collecting fisheries data. By working with an-

glers, we are able to generate new data for thousands of lakes and streams that currently go unmonitored and are at conservation risk.

The map below shows waterbodies that were surveyed by anglers in 2018.

• Over 2,500 waterbodies surveyed • Anglers reported over 10,000 trips • Six ongoing research projects

Secret spots stay secret Zeroes matter * See catch rates and compare

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* Remember that not catching anything is important data, so please report zero catches!

MyCatch Research Below are some research projects we are currently working on. If any of these projects interest you, visit our research page and learn more. You can follow them too.

AnglersAtlas.com/research Using MyCatch to engage anglers and research movement patterns related to the spread of Whirling Disease Led by Dr. Mark Poesch, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta. This research is sponsored by Alberta Environment and Parks.

Using citizen science to enhance fisheries data collection and monitoring

Led by Dr. Fiona Johnston, lead researcher at Angler’s Atlas. This research is sponsored by Angler’s Atlas and the Alberta Conservation Association.

Tracking the movement of thousands of fish throughout the Rideau waterway

Led by PhD candidate Jordanna Bergman, Department of Biology, Carleton University. This research is funded from National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Spatial ecology of Arctic grayling in the Parsnip area

Led by Dr. Eduardo Martins, Assistant Professor, Conservation Science and Practice, University of Northern BC. This research is sponsored by BC Hydro’s Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program.

CONTENTS NE

R!

ON THE COVER!

IN W

Okanagan KEY MAP

Hank Roffel submitted this pretty rainbow trout from Boss Lake.

What beautiful colours!

26

Freshwater Fishing Regulations

30

Fishing BC Members

page

7

he Okanagan region covers the southern section of B.C.’s interior and is flanked by the Monashee Mountains on the east and the Cascade Mountains on the west. The weather is generally mild, yet the winters can still be cold enough for ice fishing on some lakes, though for a shorter time than in more northerly areas.

The Okanagan has a reputation of being the summer destination not only for other British Columbians, but for world travellers too, who will come great distances for the fishing (not to mention the wine)!

This area has hundreds of small and medium-size trout lakes to explore as well as several big water lakes. Anglers can target a variety of species including rainbow trout, lake trout, perch, bass, kokanee and salmon. Bass fishing in the region is quickly becoming a favourite sport with several lakes offering great opportunities for this species. Vaseux Lake is one of the bass lakes profiled in this guide. In fact it is sometimes referred to as the best bass fishing lake in the province.

FEATURES

32

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The Freshwater Fishing Regulations for the Okanagan Region are laid out in the tables on pages 26-29.

If you’re looking for a resort, fishing lodge or a guide, check out the listings on pages 30-31.

Fish Stocking Tables All of the fish stocking for the Okanagan Region is listed in the tables on pages 32-33.

BASS LAKES! Vaseux, Osoyoos, & Christina Lakes are all bass havens!

In the northern part of the region, Mabel and Keefer Lakes are fishing gems. Keefer Lake, which is a bit out of the way, is a higher elevation lake that probably won’t suffer the summer doldrums.

Moving further west, Postill Lake holds court to a series of excellent little fly fishing lakes, all within hiking distance. Rose Valley and Jackpine Lakes are also within a stone’s throw of Kelowna, making it easy for anglers to fish at a moment’s notice.

As you go further south, anglers tend to reach more of the bass lakes for which the region is making its name.

Vaseux, as mentioned earlier, is one, as well as Osoyoos and Christina Lakes.

There are some fabulous large lakes in the Okanagan that can’t be dismissed simply because of their size. Osoyoos, Kalamalka and Skaha Lakes are all exceptional for their fishing as well as their popularity for other summer sports. Due to their size, it’s possible to find some space to yourself to spend the day fishing, and still have the room to cast.

This guide is meant as an appetizer for some of the great fishing lakes in this region. Around each lake featured in this guide are

often dozens of other lakes that are just as productive. Maps for other lakes in this region are freely available from our website.

Make sure to check out our new app, MyCatch, before your next trip. MyCatch allows you to log or live track you fish trips and catches, while confidentially contributing to fisheries research as a citizen scientist. Visit anglersatlas.com/mycatch for more details.

Bass fishing in the region is quickly becoming a favourite sport with several lakes offering great opportunities. Vaseux Lake is one of the bass lakes profiled in this guide. In fact it is sometimes referred to as the best bass fishing lake in the province.

PUBLISHER Sean Simmons PRODUCTION Jane Gauthier, Fraser Hayes, Jamie Svendsen CONTRIBUTORS Paul Baumback, Georges Boucher, Fishing BC, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Cory Goldfinch, Rod Hennig, Arvid and Audrey Hoglund, Savas Koutsantonis, Brenda LaCroix DIGITAL + DESIGN Joel Knudsen, Clayton Green, Eric Pinfold, Jamie Svendsen ADVERTISING

Jane Gauthier, Dallas Kirkpatrick, Dave Ouellette, Raeanne O’Meara, Sean Simmons Angler’s Atlas is owned by Goldstream Publishing Inc. Suite 210-500 Victoria St. Prince George, BC V2L 2J9 (250) 596-6277 mail@anglersatlas.com AnglersAtlas.com

OKANAGAN FISHING 2019 12TH EDITION

Arlington Lakes 18.5 Hectares (46 Acres)

25.6 metres (84 feet)

A

chain of three lakes, Arlington Lakes are located south-east of Kelowna off of Highway 33. Stocked each year with rainbow trout, Arlington Lakes are also home to a large population of invasive yellow perch.

1,055 metres (3,461 feet)

June 1973

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anglers to catch enough for a good meal.

When looking for rainbow trout, Baumback states they are “far and few between.”

Though not impossible to catch, patience is needed, and it can be a good place to Paul Baumback, of Great experiment. He recommends Clips in Kelowna says that trolling along the weed beds this chain of lakes is per- with a Flatfish lure. fect for families and teaching Baumback notes that this is a young anglers how to fish. great place to ice fish as well.

“The perch are extremely easy While the road is unusable to catch” says Baumback. during the winter months, They will bite just about any- from the highway, it is only a thing, so if you prefer troll- 3.5 km snowshoe away. This ing, jigging, you name it, is popular for many locals in you’ll probably catch a perch. the area.

Baumback says he usually starts using a bobber with a LAKE ACCESS worm and has had lots of rom Kelowna, follow success.

Highway 33 east about 55 kilometres to the Arlington Neither the perch nor the rainLakes side road on the right bow trout grow to extremely (west) side of the highway. large sizes. Due to the inva-

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sive nature of the perch, the rainbow are constantly battling over food sources.

Thankfully, the catch quota is large for perch, allowing

There is a campsite in the area, as well as a small sandy boat launch for canoes or other cartop boats.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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photo from Cooke Lab, Carleton University, Ottawa

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Christina Lake 2,549 Hectares (6,298 Acres)

53.9 metres (177 feet)

457 metres (1,499 feet)

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hristina Lake, without a doubt is one of BC’s most beautiful lakes. The water is clean and warm and surrounded by rolling hills and small mountains.

While pictures are great, nothing beats the actual thing.

Even more spectacular than the scenery however, is the fishing!

Although home to a large number of species, the most sought after are small a n d

June 1952

Feet

largemouth bass, kokanee, and rainbow trout. Brenda LaCroix of the Christina Lake Stewardship Society says that spring and fall are best times of year to go fishing.

welcome to do some hiking on the many surrounding trails. Camping is available at Gladstone Provincial Park, as well as kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

There are two public boat While techniques for launches into the lake makcatching each species dif- ing boat access very easy. fer, trolling is a safe bet for catching just about ev- LAKE ACCESS erything in Christina Lake. hristina Lake is loLaCroix recommends uscated just a short dising a light line with an apex tance outside of the town of lure or a plug. Remember to use light colours dur- Christina Lake. While there ing the spring and summer are a number of different months and darker colours access points, the main throughout fall and winter. beach is located in Christina Lake Provincial Park.

When looking to target ko- Turn west off Highway #3 kanee, look out for ice-off onto West Lake Drive then season, right before lake turn right at Park Road. turnover. Kokanee are extremely active during this time. Try trolling the lake using a red wedding ring lure.

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Aside from all the great fishing you can find at Christina Lake, visitors are Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 7

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Echo Lake 70 Hectares (173 Acres)

50 metres (164 feet)

840 metres (2,756 feet)

L

June 1979

rainbow trout go to over 10 that are good places to start. pounds and some more than Echo Lake is part of the 12 pounds. province’s stocking proBlack is a great colour for gram, operated by the Echo Lake. The 16 pound Freshwater Fisheries Society Gerrard was fished with a of B.C. The stocking for this black Apex. Other types of lake utlizes strains such as lures such as a Willow Leaf Blackwater, Pennask and Boucher recommends or Ford Fender are most pop- the famous Gerrard strain.

In 2016, 22,000 trout were anglers troll a nymph pat- ular, Boucher adds. tern with a full sink line. Fly Best fishing times are early stocked in Echo Lake. fishers can also try a strike summer and early fall. NOTE: The map shows a indicator (bobber) with a Trolling can yield the big- maximum depth of 164 feet, chironomid fished just off gest fish, although but Boucher says the lake the bottom. fly fishing seems to pro- has a maximum depth of Most of the trout are in the duce larger quantities, says 220 feet.

12- to 14-inch range, with Boucher. There are weed several reported up to three beds right near the resort pounds. But the Gerrard arge trout are standard in Echo Lake, and the fishing is great. Georges Boucher from Echo Lake Resort says that a near-16 pound Gerrard was once taken, as well as some big rainbows.

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LAKE ACCESS

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rom Vernon, follow Highway 6 east, just past Lumby, to Creighton Valley Road. Turn here and continue along this road for another 20 km to the provincial park and the resort.

The resort has 35 campsites and seven cabins to rent.

There are boat rentals and a grocery store. They are open from May 1st to October 15th, and they have a no-pet policy. To learn more about the resort, call toll-free at 1-877-547-6434, or visit their website: echolakeresort.ca.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 8

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Idleback Lake

11.6 Hectares (29 Acres)

6 metres (20 feet)

I

dleback Lake, a small waterbody east of Penticton, is a great lake to take the family fly fishing.

It’s easy to access and has a good forest recreation site for camping.

While Idleback Lake can be a challenge, there are some tips that can help. Anglers may want to head straight across the lake from the camp-

1,440 metres (4,724 feet)

June 1982

Metres

ground and to the right, into mer doldrums. Try fishing LAKE ACCESS the deeper sections. the deep sections of the lake rom Penticton, head east up the Carmi Road about Bloodworms, leeches and during this period. dragonflies are standard pat- The BC Freshwater 20 km to the Okanagan Falls terns that work well on this Fisheries Society just Forest Service Road. Turn lake. In the spring, chirono- stocked Idleback Lake with left (north) and continue mids work really well, and rainbow trout in 2018 with for another six kilometres the lake has a good sedge 1,000 fish released. These to Idleback Lake on the left hatch towards the end of fish are known for being (west) side. The forest recreJune. aggressive, and are famous ation site has a gravel boat launch with thirteen campThe lake is quite shallow, for their fight and jump. sites. and can go through the sum-

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Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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photo by Angler’s Atlas member Chris Schenk

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Jackpine Lake 43 Hectares (106 Acres)

7.5 metres (25 feet)

1,326 metres (4,350 feet)

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est of Kelowna at the headwaters of Power Creek lies Jackpine Lake. The lake is a short drive from town and offers a great escape, if only for an evening troll.

August 1965

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Lake from Kelowna.

Glenrosa Route: from the Highway 97 turnoff, follow Glenrosa Road and then Last Mountain Road for roughly 17 kilometres, to the turnoff to Jackpine Lake on the left (west). The lake is about 5 kilometres from the turnoff.

There are interesting small bays and points to explore.

Anglers should pack a couple of Tom Thumb flies for some great dry fly fishing.

The lake is most productive during spring and autumn.

In the spring, anglers can try chironomids and shrimp flies. Other patterns that work well on this lake include sedges, leeches and larger nymphs.

feed on Chironomid Pupae and Cladocernas, commonly known as water fleas. These fish prefer Each year the lake is deeper water habitat, and stocked with the Pennask forage for food in midstrain of rainbow trout. This waters. strain of fish is known for its aggressive behavior and LAKE ACCESS famous for its fight and here are two main jump. access roads to Jackpine Generally, Pennask trout

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Alternately, head across Lake Okanagan, turn right onto Westside Road and continue until Bear Creek Forest Service Road on the left (west), just past Bear Creek Park. Follow this road for about 25 kilometres to Last Mountain Road, turn left (south) and about two kilometres down the road is the turnoff to Jackpine Lake on the right (west). There is a forest recreation site on the lake, which sports six vehicle campsites and a boat launch. The site can get busy on week-ends.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

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Kalamalka Lake 2,590 Hectares (6,400 Acres)

142 metres (466 feet)

H

ighway 97 provides spectacular views as it winds along the western shore of Kalamalka Lake. Its stunning appearance is matched by its exceptional recreational opportunities. Rainbows, kokanee and lake trout are all present in Kalamalka Lake.

391 metres (1,284 feet)

July 1959

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lake about 30 km from Kelowna, and the park entrance is roughly another 10 km after that.

The park is located in a grassland area along a beautiful bay of Kalamalka Lake. There are 69 vehicle-accessible campsites, and a double lane, conThere is a large shoal area at crete boat launch. the southern end of the lake, There are campgrounds at the which is an ideal place to cast. north and south ends of the Another productive spot is lake as well. on the east side near the rock Angler’s Atlas members walls. have posted locations of boat In the past couple of years, the launches on the web page for rainbow trout fishery has really Kalamalka Lake at anglersatdone well. There are plenty las.com. of nutrients in the lake, which may explain the increase in productivity. Grasshoppers are good choices in the fall. The train tracks near the lake have often driven grasshoppers into the lake, making them available as food for the trout.

LAKE ACCESS

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rom Kelowna, head north along Highway 97 towards Vernon. The highway meets the south-west corner of the Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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photo by Angler’s Atlas member reelistic90

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Keefer Lake 69 Hectares (171 Acres)

K

eefer Lake is set among the highlands of the Monashee Mountains, and avoids the summer doldrums common to many lower elevation lakes during July and August.

The rainbow trout are plentiful and range in size from one to two pounds. Try trolling a Willow Leaf with a small hotshot, or use Rooster Tails.

12.5 metres (41 feet)

1,362 metres (4,469 feet)

Woolly Bugger. Fish the chironomids off the bottom, using a strike indicator (bobber). Orange, green and silver are good colours to try.

Keefer Lake is a great place from which to launch daytrips.

There is a resort on the lake (open during the winter for skiing) and a few kilometres down the road is Holmes Lake which has a forest recreation site for up to five vehicles.

Some popular fly patterns are Doc Spratleys, Woolly Hikers can also appreciate Buggers, and chironomids. the wilderness around Keefer Troll or cast the Spratley and Lake, with five mountain

June 1970

peaks in the area, including Yeoward, Monashee, Eureka, Inonoaklin, and Whatshan Mountains.

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14 kilometres to the lake.

Another five kilometres along Keefer Lake Road is Holmes Lake, which has a small recreation site that can hold up to LAKE ACCESS five vehicle units for camping. rom Kelowna, head A boat launch is present, but north along Highway 97 it is considered a poor facility. towards Vernon. Turn right onto Highway 6 and drive There is another small recfor about 75 km, past Lumby reation site on Keefer Road, and Cherryville, to the Kettle about two kilometres from River crossing. Two kilome- the highway. The Monasheetres past the river is Keefer Kettle River recreation site is Lake Road on the left (north). located along the scenic Kettle Turn here and follow another River, and has space for ten vehicle units.

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Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

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Kentucky and Alleyne Lakes 36/55 Hectares (89/136 Acres)

40/36 m. (131/118 ft.)

994 metres (3,261 feet)

K

entucky Alleyne Provincial Park is well known for its picturesque setting, pristine campground and fishing in the clear cold waters for larger rainbows. The park is situated between two kettle-formed lakes making it a photographer’s delight. The park is popular from ice-off through late October with activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, camping and fishing.

These lakes are good producers of fairly large trout, and Kentucky Lake is stocked with rainbows.

Both lakes are quite productive, and fairly deep.

Trolling deep is the most common method of fishing these clear waters.

Please note the 7.5 Kw (10hp) motor restriction on both lakes.

July 1959/Aug 1951

off the shoals. Small lures in chrome, black and silver, or blue work well. If fishing very deep stay with the chrome lures. Shore fishing is possible in spots along both lakes and also casting from the dock on Kentucky Lake during high water years.

Metres

shoals at the north and northeast end of Alleyne Lake are best with a Damselfly Nymph or leech at the drop offs.

LAKE ACCESS

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he park is located 38 km south of Merritt. Travel south (Hwy 5A) off of Hwy 97C at Aspen Grove for 11 Two ponds are located be- km. Turn left (east) at Bates tween Kentucky and Alleyne Rd. and proceed for 6 km. to Lakes which feature a “chil- the park. dren only – under 16” fishery to foster interest in the sport Kentucky Alleyne Provincial among the youth. The west Park has 58 vehicle accespond is regularly stocked by sible campsites, including one the Freshwater Fisheries So- group campsite at the north ciety of B.C. with catchable- end of Alleyne Lake. The sized rainbows. The east pond park provides picnic tables, had prior stocking but is hard pit toilets, potable water, fireto fish during low water years. wood and numerous hiking trails. There are boat launches During the early season, fly at each lake within the park. fishing is great on the south Both can be poor during low end of Kentucky Lake. Chi- water conditions. ronomid fishing is best at this time, and again in the fall.

Black Sallies and Chromies are popular patterns. Leeches and Woolly Buggers fished with a full sink line at the drop offs can produce well.

In the deeper water, work with small spinners, Flatfish and Dick Stick to the shoals with dry Nites while trolling just flies in midsummer. The

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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photo of Spiny Water fleas source: Lake George Association

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Mabel Lake 5,986 Hectares (14,791 Acres)

200.6 metres (658 feet)

M

396 metres (1,298 feet)

June 1969

abel Lake is a long, deep lake east of Enderby.

There are many types of fish in the lake, the most popular being salmon and rainbow trout. The salmon fishery is open in the late summer and early fall, and the rainbow trout all year.

LAKE ACCESS

ties.

here are two primary access points to Mabel Lake, and several different recreation sites.

To get to Noisy Creek recreation site, turn left (north) onto a forestry road, about three kilometres before Kingfisher.

This road follows Kingfisher Creek about 35 km to Noisy Creek Road on the right (east).

Turn here, and the recreation site is located at the end of the road, about eight kilometres. The site can accommodate up to 55 vehicles/campers, is RV-accessible and has a boat launch.

Fisheries and Oceans, and the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, published by the B.C. Government.

An alternative route to the lake is from Enderby, along another road called Mabel Lake Road. Follow this road for 35 km to the Mabel Lake Resort and Airpark, at the town of Kingfisher. The resort offers full services and facili-

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Access to the southern shore is along Highway 6 from Vernon to Lumby. Turn left (north) onto Mabel Lake The rainbows aren’t huge, but Road. Continue for about they’re all over. Anglers go- 30 km to the southern tip of ing after the trout will want Mabel Lake. to situate themselves near the streams, where the salmon fry Mabel Lake Provincial Park will be. Imitate the salmon is a few kilometres further fry. Light colour plugs in sil- along the road, and offers 81 ver and white are good choic- vehicle accessible campsites, es for lure colours. Fly fishers and there is a double-lane, can fish from shore, and chi- concrete boat launch. ronomids tend to do well in Further along the road are three recreation sites—South Mabel Lake.

When fishing for salmon, re- Cascade, Cascade Falls and member that there are two sets Cottonwood Bay. All sites of regulations to consult— have car top boat launches, The Freshwater Salmon but only Cottonwood Bay has Supplement, published by vehicle accessible campsites.

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Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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Osoyoos Lake 2,333 Hectares (5,765 Acres)

63.4 metres (208 feet)

279 metres (915 feet)

O

soyoos Lake is known as one of the warmest freshwater lakes in Canada, and is surrounded by many beautiful beaches and picnic grounds.

Fishing Osoyoos Lake can be highly rewarding. Not only are bass present in the lake, but also rainbow trout and kokanee.

In recent years, the sockeye fishery has also become a big development, with cooperation from both Canadian and American First Nations, a l o n g with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

The fishery opening can range from a few days

August 1966

Feet

to a month, and changes every bodies in B.C. that contain bass, year depending on the strength including several lakes in the Okanagan. Although these speof the run.

When fishing for salmon, re- cies are not native to B.C., member that there are two sets they now reproduce naturally of regulations to consult— The and have become part of many Freshwater Salmon Supple- lakes’ aquatic ecosystems. ment, published by Fisher- However, there is grave concern ies and Oceans, and the B.C. regarding the impact of these Freshwater Fishing Regula- introduced fish on the naturally tions Synopsis, published by occuring trout populations. It should be stressed that stockthe B.C. Government. ing lakes with bass is illeBass is the most popular sport gal and any sightings of this fish on Osoyoos Lake. When behavior should be reported targeting bass, several differ- to a conservation officer. ent lures can prove successful.

Frogs and minnows are worth a try, and chartreuse is a good LAKE ACCESS colour to experiment with. Tophe town of Osoyoos is water kinds of lures can bring approximately 300 km results. Try a Lyman plug, cast and reel back on top of the south of Kamloops on Highway water. If you’re in deep, try a 97. From Kamloops, take Highway 16 South to Highway Dick Nite.

97 / 5A. Follow Highway Target areas of cover such as 97 Princeton Highway for weeds and rocks. Cast to an about 105 km. Take the exit opening in the cover with a lure for Penticton / Peachland / that imitates a bug, minnow or Osoyoos, and continue to folfrog. low the signs for Highway 97 Dark colours are good choices to Osoyoos. Several accomodafor cloudy days, and brighter tion options exist in the town of colours or chrome can work Osoyoos and around the lake. better on clear days.

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There are more than 50 water-

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

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Osprey and Link Lakes 37 Hectares (92 Acres)

10 metres (33 feet)

O

sprey and Link Lakes are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Located west of Summerland, these lakes offer year-round fishing opportunities.

Osprey and Link Lakes are an excellent choice for fishing in the heat of the midsummer. Their higher elevation keeps the lakes from suffering through the summer doldrums.

Trout up to 7 pounds have been known to come out of Osprey Lake.

1,457 metres (3,600 feet)

August 1951

Feet

temperatures rise.

the lake and east end.

Evening hatches make this lake worth the trip. Koutsantonis says that a Tom Thumb is a great choice for fishing later in the day.

There are two boat launches on Osprey Lake, one in front of LAKE ACCESS Osprey Lake Retreat B&B, rom Kelowna, head which also offers boat rentals. south on Hwy 97 to The 5-vehicle recreation site on Summerland, then turn west the north end of Osprey Lake onto Summerland-Princeton also has a steep boat launch. road. Follow for nearly 50 km Link Lake has a 3-vehicle rec- to Osprey Lake. For Link Lake reation site with a cartop boat follow the road further. launch.

Osprey Lake is the largest of the two lakes and the easiest to access. Shore fishing is made easy with good trail access. The west end of the lake is a popular spot for trout feeding on the abundant aquatic insects. Fly fishers in the spring, with chironomids, will Savas Koutsantonis at Trout concentrate at the narrow of Waters Fly and Tackle offers several tips for fishing these lakes. Light gear works best here. Head deep and work the many shoals throughout these lakes with a Willow Leaf and small dark coloured spoons or spinning lures. Lures such as Dick Nite, Blue Fox, Mepps and Wedding Bands work well.

le to tips!

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Stop by Trout Waters Fly and Tackle for more information about fishing these lakes. Their new store is guaranteed to have everything you need from tack-

Fly fishers will find that leeches and dragonfly nymph patterns can be productive. Also, Koutsantonis notes that chironomids rise during the day.

Again, shoal areas are prime locations, going deep as the Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

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Oyama Lake 364 Hectares (899 Acres)

23.9 metres (78 feet)

1,341 metres (4,400 feet)

July 1966

Feet

O

yama Lake is a medium size lake a short drive north of Kelowna. The many islands, weed beds, and shoals provide ideal fishing conditions for the troll or fly fisherman. Full of rainbow trout, this high elevation lake sees good fishing year-round.

Paul Baumback, the owner of Great Clips in Kelowna says that he prefers to troll along the weed beds, or in the shoals from his canoe. He said flatfish work well for him. Try them in green, black, or yellow.

Baumback recommends heading to the lake in the spring before the water heats up.

The rainbow become quite dormant during the summer, so for your best chance of success, fish during colder weather. Moreover, mornings and evenings see quite a bit more movement for the rainbow trout.

LAKE ACCESS Boaters need to be aware of rom Kelowna, head north the channel between Oyama along Highway 97 for Lake and Streak Lake. While about 12 km, to the turnoff into navigable by boat, watch for Oyama on your right (east). submerged logs.

Proceed through the town, and

F

onto Oyama Lake Road, which road. NOTE: This last section climbs to the top of a hill. of road is VERY rough, and a About 6 km from the town, 4WD is recommended. there will be a side road on your right, with signs pointing to Oyama Lake Resort. The lake is another 2 km down the

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 19

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Pinaus Lake 169 Hectares (418 Acres)

53.6 metres (176 feet)

P

inaus Lake is north of Kelowna, located a short drive past Falkland. The lake has good rainbow trout fishing, is well-stocked, and is a good lake for lure fishers.

For dedicated trollers, Rod Hennig, owner of Rodney’s Reel Outdoors, suggests trollers use a 2 to 3 foot leader on the end of a Willow Leaf and use a Lyman Lure #30, which looks like a little fish.

"Trout see the feathery action of the willow leaf and then see a fish chasing it and go after the fish."

Until 2016, Pinaus Lake had a stock-

1,006 metres (3,300 feet)

ing program that released 20,000 rainbow trout to try to out compete the invasive perch population in the lake.

Both the trout and the perch go after the insects, which means that resources are limited.

Perch can be great for kids to target, because they are relatively easy to catch.

Audrey and Arvid Hoglund, hosts of the now-closed Pinaus Lake Resort, say that the best time for perch fishing is the end of May. Hoglund notes that ice fishing is also successful. Try heading out from the

July 1969

Feet

Pinaus Lake Recreation Site is Into May, fly fishing for trout 18.1 km from Hwy 97. begins in earnest. Hoglund reccommends a ‘52 Buick or ****Please note: Arvid and black Doc Spratley. Gear fish- Audrey Hoglund are sad to ers should try silver colour inform their guests that Pinaus combinations, particularly into Lake Resort is now permaJune and July. She also sug- nently closed due to slope gests that shrimp and worms instability and the potenare usually great bait choices. tial for mudslides. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THIS PROPERTY. It is LAKE ACCESS exceptionally dangerous, and ccess to the Rec Site is is considered trespassing. via Pinaus Lake, Ingram Creek, Cedar Hills and Six Mile Roads. Follow Hwy 97 to Pinaus Forest Service Road. rec site.

A

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 20

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Postill Lake 106 Hectares (263 Acres)

P

ostill Lake offers a unique fly fishing experience. Not only is the fishing fantastic, but the easy access to other lakes makes this an ideal location from which to base a fishing trip. It’s also close to Kelowna, which means it’s easy to get to for a quick

13 metres (42 feet)

1,372 metres (4,500 feet)

morning trip or a weekend away.

Postill Lake is packed full of brook and rainbow trout, and its bays and shoals make for ideal fishing. Cory Goldfinch of Postill Lake Lodge suggests that Doc Spratleys, 52 Buicks and Zug Bugs are good wet fly choic-

August 1973

Feet

es. She notes that these flies will attract both rainbow and brook trout. If you’re looking for dry fly options, she suggests Goddard Sedges, Mayflies and mosquitoes, the more realistic the better.

on paved road. At intersection of Farmers Drive, take the gravel road directly ahead of you (DO NOT take Farmers Drive). You then follow a good gravel road for the remaining 15 km. Postill “Flatfish and Lyman Lures are Lake Lodge is at the end of the still good options,” she notes, road. and “the fishing remains Postill Lake Lodge offers cabin consistent.” Goldfinch rentals, in which range from rusadds that the fish are tic to deluxe. Campsites and boat somewhat discriminating, rentals are available from May which means that anglers 15th - October 15th. Visit postillcan experiment and be cre- lake.com, or give Cory a call at 1-250-718-0579 for more inforative.

Early mornings and later mation. evenings are the best times of day for fishing, especially mid-summer. Spring and fall are ideal.

Postill Lake Lodge is ideally situated within 5 km or less of five other lakes, although they are only accessed on foot and you will need your own canoe or belly boat. All of these lakes offer superb rainbow trout fishing.

LAKE ACCESS

F

rom Kelowna, turn off Hwy 97 at the North end of the airport runway.

Follow the signs for 4 km Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 21

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Rose Valley Lake 27 Hectares (67 Acres)

R

ose Valley Lake is a short drive west of Kelowna offering excellent rainbow trout fishing during spring and autumn.

17 metres (56 feet)

599 metres (1,965 feet)

May 1977

Metres

water warms up.

property, fences, gates and Koutsantonis advises signage. anglers that there is an No vehicles are permitted as unmarked island not shown this is the terminal reservoir on the map. He says it is for the Lakeview Irrigation about half way up the lake, District that supplies this near the 15m marker. Also, water to over 12,000 resithe island shown near the dents. Access is only by north end of the lake is now walking over 2.5 km along submerged. He suggests a private access road. that this is a great place to Please consult your local target the trout. tackle shop for the best

For fly fishers, a 52 Buick is one of the better patterns to use, says Savas Koutsantonis of Trout Waters Fly and Tackle, adding that chironomids in spring and summer are productive.

The lake has been stocked Rose Valley Lake is a great with rainbow trout nearly family fishing lake. It is every year since 1960. The walk-in access only, how- dominant strains released ever the walk is an easy into the lake are Pennask 10 minutes. Koutstantonis rainbow trout, but have says that the shore fishing is also included Blackwater, excellent, a great place for Beaver, Tunkwa and Knouff kids to cast a line. A popular strains. technique is a simple worm and bobber in spring and LAKE ACCESS fall. lease note that there is As the summer progresses, no access to the lake you have to go out into from the north end. These deeper water to catch rainbow trout because weed are private properties and growth develops around the there is no on-street parkshoreline and the surface ing. Please respect private

ways to access Rose Valley Lake.

There are no facilities on the lake and you need to hike in a belly boat or pontoon boat from the parking lot.

P

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ŠProvince of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 22

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Skaha Lake 2,010 Hectares (4,967 Acres)

57 metres (187 feet)

339 metres (1,112 feet)

S

kaha Lake is at the southern end of Penticton.

Its proximity to the town means that it can be a busy lake, as it is popular for all kinds of water activities. It is an excellent family lake, with beaches and recreational areas in many spots.

Despite the pressure from nonfishing activities, the bass fishing in Skaha Lake is great. In fact, the World Fishing Network’s Jessie Martin calls Skaha Lake the third best bass lake in Western Canada.

In

September,

July 1968

2012, a bass derby was held on Skaha Lake for the first time. The OK Classic, as it was called, was a popular event, and helped to cement the lake’s reputation as a premier bass lake.

Feet

photos and videos. Add your markers to the lake for everything from hazards to hotspots.

The south end and the weeds LAKE ACCESS along the eastern shores are asy access to Skaha ideal bass hangouts.

Lake is along the western shores of the lake, on Along with bass, kokanHighway 97. Alternately, ee inhabit Skaha Lake.

Generally kokanee tend to Lakeside Road, on the east go after smaller lures, and side, leads past Skaha Bluffs if you’re trolling, slower is Provincial Park. This is a better. Red and silver can be day-use area known for its good colour combinations. hiking and climbing opportunities. Road access to this Consult the B.C. Freshwater park is closed between midFishing Regulations before November and the beginheading out. There are speed ning of March. restrictions or “no vessels” (as buoyed and signed), in There are several campgrounds surrounding Skaha various locations.

Lake, and even more If you’re familiar with accommodation options in Skaha Lake, head to the Penticton. There are campAngler’s Atlas website and ing and day-use areas in tell our members all about the towns of Kaleden and it! The lake page for Skaha Okanagan Falls as well. at anglersatlas.com is the place to post stories, tips,

E

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 23

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Vaseux Lake 275 Hectares (680 Acres)

27 metres (89 feet)

V

326 metres (1,070 feet)

aseux Lake has become one of B.C.’s best largemouth bass fishing lakes. The bass range in size from three to five pounds with the odd monster coming out at ten pounds.

tied mouse or frog. An oversize leech with silly legs can also work well. As this pattern moves through the water the legs appear as they are swimming.

Getting the right bass gear at the start will help prevent lost lures, as bass lures have weed guards and are designed to pass easily through the weeds.

Note: The fishing regulations specify “no power boats,” referring to a Canadian Wildlife Service regulation. Vaseux Lake can get quite windy, and can be challenging for paddling, however evenings can calm down, making later day a good time to head out.

Please be sure to check out the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations for Vaseux Lake.

The Lyman Lures are good for bass fishing. Rod Hennig, local guide, suggests using a topwater lure in the weedy areas.

Try a Lyman plug, cast out and reel back in on top of the water.

Poppers or Buzzbait are also good to have on hand.

August 1963

Feet

LAKE ACCESS In deeper water, a dropshot with aseux Lake is located Powerbait can get them hooked. along Highway 97 between Some anglers recommend using Oliver and and Okanagan Falls. a fast retrieve for the Lyman Vaseux Lake Provincial Park lure, as it helps the lure dive borders large sections of the deep. lake and has campsites for overA retrieve that gets the lure to night accommodation. dive and then pop up to the surface can often be effective. The area is also well-known for Repeat this over again so the the excellent wildlife habitat. bait displays an erratic up and The park is a national waterfowl sanctuary, and the bluffs around down motion. the lake form California bighorn There are also opportunities for sheep habitat. fly fishers. Bass will go after big patterns, such as a hand-

V

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

TRACK

and help

Fisheries Research

YOUR CATCH Okanagan 2019

in Canada

www.anglersatlas.com/research photo by Angler’s Atlas member Brock Paciejewski

Page 24

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Yellow Lake 33 Hectares (80 Acres)

Y

ellow Lake’s easy access and well stocked waters welcome anglers of all levels.

This popular trolling lake lies south west of Penticton en route to Vancouver.

Rainbow trout, kokanee and brook trout are all stocked in Yellow Lake. Your best bet is to try your luck in the cooler seasons. Brook trout are more active at cooler temperatures.

Also, during the midsummer, the lake can see algae blooms.

Both the rainbows and brook trout are average in size, but are tough fighters. There are perch in Yellow Lake, and these fish compete with the trout for

36 metres (118 feet)

762 metres (2,500 feet)

resources. As a result, the trout may be on the smaller side to average sized, though they can be tough fighters.

There are good shore fishing opportunities along Yellow Lake. Highway 3A runs along the right-hand side of the lake.

Standard gear is a good choice, and keep it light. Try your spinning gear with Dick Nites, Panther Martins and wedding bands.

Many anglers do well trolling along the shoreline. Try the south shore, and troll slowly through different depths. A willow leaf produces well.

July 1960

Yellow Lake is a popular ice fishing destination due to its proximity to Penticton. Locals concentrate their fishing near the bays closest to the parking lots. Jigging a hook with power bait or meal worm are the most common methods.

Yellow Lake is an excellent choice for fly fishing. There are shoals at both ends of the lake. Nymph patterns produce.

A dragonfly nymph can work wonders. Try a searching pattern such as a ‘52 Buick, a halfback, or a Doc Spratley. Try your basic colours to start.

Metres

LAKE ACCESS

T

he lake is 25 km from Penticton. Follow Hwy 97 south past Kaleden and turn west onto Hwy 3A. The lake will be on the left side of the highway.

There is a boat launch on the west end of the lake. Here you will also find a rest area with picnic tables, dock and washrooms. Pit toilets and a rough car top boat launch are found on the east side just off the highway. Yellow Lake has an aeration system on it. Please be very cautious when ice fishing.

Please note that there is an engine restriction of 7.5 kw (10 hp) in place for Yellow Lake.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Okanagan 2019

Page 25

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Okanagan Fishing Regulations

2019 to 2021

Changes as of April 1, 2019 highlighted.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

REGION 8 DAILY QUOTAS (See tables for exceptions)

No fishing: (spring closure) in any stream in Region 8 from Apr. 1 to June30 (see tables for exceptions).

Streams include rivers, creeks and sloughs

Single barbless hook: must be used in all streams of Region 8, all year.

• 1 over 50 cm

Trout/char: 5, but not more than • 4 from streams (only 2 over 30 cm) And you may retain:

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT

20 Brook trout from streams

Fisheries management has confirmed the presence of large mouth bass, andreceived reports of small mouth bass, in the Kettle River. Northern pike have also been reported in Christina Lake. These illegally introduced species pose a significant risk to native fishes and can devastate recreational fisheries. Anglers are asked to document and report any bass or northern pike caught in the Kettle River and its tributaries.

And you must release: Bull trout (Dolly Varden) from streams Bass: 0 quota, CLOSED TO FISHING (see tables for exceptions) Burbot: 2 Crappie: 20 Crayfish: 25

TABLE LEGEND See the following tables for exceptions and additional regulations on specific waters.  Stocked Lake (not all stocked lakes listed, see p. 87*) * Including tributaries  Youth/Disabled Accompanied Water

Kokanee: 5 (none from streams) Walleye: 8 Whitefish: 15 (all species combined) Yellow perch: 0 quota, CLOSED TO FISHING (see tables for exceptions) POSSESSION QUOTAS

New yellow perch and bass regulations

Possession quotas = 2 daily quotas (See tables for exceptions)

Regional fisheries managers are implementing a range of regulatory and other management tools to stop the further spread of invasive fish. Fisheries managers may manage invasive fish species as regulated fisheries where further impacts to native ecosystems and likelihood of spread are low. Fishing for and harvesting yellow perch and/or bass (small mouth and large mouth) is NOT permitted in R8 except on the following waterbodies: Waterbody

Yellow Perch

Bass

Please refer to the NOTICE on page 90 for Salmon Regulations (including Osoyoos Lake sockeye fishery enquiries)

Youth Ice Fishing Events

Daily Quota

Yellow Lake

✓

20

Twin Lake

✓

20

Lambly Lake

✓

20

Pinaus Lake

✓

20

Swan Lake

✓

20

Okanagan Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Okanagan River

✓

✓

20/8

Skaha Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Vaseux Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Osoyoos Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Shannon Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Trout Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Christina Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Christina Creek

✓

✓

20/8

Frazer Lake

✓

✓

20/8

Okanagan 2019

DAILY AND ANNUAL QUOTAS FOR SALMON

Over the last several years, the Okanagan Fisheries Management team has worked collaboratively with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, and a number of local fish and game clubs, to deliver ice fishing events for youth.

These events are designed to teach youth in our communities about the techniques, ethical practices, and conservation principles of angling. They are also a promotion of healthy outdoor recreation, in a community and family oriented setting. Over the past three years these events have been a huge success with more than 400 youth from the Okanagan region participating each year. Early engagement of youth is crucial in establishing the next generation of anglers that will champion and protect the freshwater fisheries resources of British Columbia.

WARNING Due to aeration projects, DANGEROUSTHIN ICE and OPEN WATER may exist onBurnell (Sawmill), Chain, Garnett, Kidd,Gardom, Yellow, and Martins lakes.

Page 26

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Okanagan Fishing Regulations

2019 to 2021

Changes as of April 1, 2019 highlighted.

ALARIC LAKE ALLEYNE LAKE  ASHNOLA RIVER ASP (China) CREEK BAIRD LAKE  BIGHORN RESERVOIR (Lakeview Irrigation District) “BLUEY LAKE POTHOLES”

8-7 8-6

No Ice Fishing Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

8-3 8-5 8-25

Exempt from Spring Closure Exempt from Spring Closure Electric motors only

8-11

Electric motors only

8-6

No Fishing Includes all unnamed lakes within 2 km of Bluey Lake (except Bluey Lake itself and Kentucky Lake) See Leonard Lake

BUCK LAKE 

8-6

BURNELL (Sawmill) LAKE 

8-1

BUTLER LAKE  (east of Allison Lake)

8-6

CHAIN LAKE  CHAPMAN LAKE CHRISTINA CREEK CHRISTINA LAKE

8-6

No Ice Fishing; Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp); WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

8-8 8-15 8-15

No Ice Fishing; Trout/char release; Artificial fly only, bait ban, single barbless hook WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

No Ice Fishing Trout/char daily quota = 2; Bait ban

CLIFFORD (Cliff) LAKE 

8-9 8-5

No Ice Fishing Bass daily quota = 8, Yellow perch daily quota = 20 No Fishing north of a line between Bald and Knob Points, Mar 1-May 31 Rainbow trout daily quota = 2, Bass daily quota = 8, Yellow perch daily quota = 20; Barbless hook Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp) Electric motors only; Unnamed lake located about 200 m west of Thalia Lake

CONKLE LAKE 

8-12

Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

CROOKED LAKES 

8-10

No Ice Fishing

DEE LAKE 

8-10

No Ice Fishing

DEER LAKE 

8-10

No Ice Fishing

DOBBIN LAKE 

8-11

Electric motors only

DRY LAKE 

8-5

Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

EASTMERE LAKE 

8-8

EHOLT CREEK ENEAS CREEK FIVE O’CLOCK LAKE (approximately  800 m SE of Cup Lake)

8-14 8-8 8-14

No Ice Fishingl; Trout/char daily quota = 2 Bait ban; Motorized vehicle closure. Walk-in access only. See sign at trailhead.

Exempt from Spring Closure Exempt from Spring Closure No Ice Fishing Trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban

FLYFISH LAKE #1 (west) 

8-10

FLYFISH LAKE #2 (east) FRASER LAKE

8-10

FRIDAY LAKE 

8-6

GARDOM LAKE 

8-26

GARNET LAKE 

8-8

Trout/char daily quota = 2 Engine power restriction - electric motors only; WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

Electric motors only; WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

GARRISON LAKES 

8-5

No Ice Fishing; Trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban

GOOSE LAKE  GRANBY RIVER

8-5

Electric motors only

8-15

GRANBY RIVER’S tributaries

8-15 8-24

Upstream of Burrell Creek: exempt from Spring Closure; bait ban Apr 1-Oct 31; trout/char daily quota = 1 Downstream of Burrell Creek: bait ban July 1-Oct 31; rainbow trout release Bait ban No Ice Fishing; Trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban

HIDDEN LAKE 

8-10 8-8 8-25

Trout daily quota = 1;  Youth/Disabled Accompanied Water May 1-Jun 15 (see page 5 in the Provincial Regulations) Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp); this lake is part of McCulloch Reservoir Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp) No towing

HYDRAULIC LAKE 

8-10

Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp); this lake is part of McCulloch Reservoir

IDLEBACK LAKE  ISLAHT (Horseshoe) LAKE

8-12

No Ice Fishing; Trout daily quota = 1; bait ban, single barbless hook; electric motors only

8-11

Electric motors only

CHUTE LAKE

HAGGKVIST LAKE  HALL ROAD (MISSION) POND 8-10 HAYNES LAKE HEADWATER LAKE #1

Okanagan 2019

No Ice Fishing Artificial fly only, bait ban No Ice Fishing; trout/char release; artificial fly only, bait ban, single barbless hook Bass daily quota = 8, Yellow perch daily quota = 20 Electric motors only

Page 27

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Okanagan Fishing Regulations

2019 to 2021

Changes as of April 1, 2019 highlighted.

ISLAND LAKE 

8-10

No Ice Fishing

JACKPINE LAKE  JEWEL CREEK

8-11

Electric motors only

8-14 8-14

No Fishing from Jewel Lake downstream approximately 1.5 km to posted fishing boundary signs Brook trout daily quota = 20; Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp) and speed restriction (8 km/h)

JOHNNY LAKE  KALAMALKA LAKE

8-5

Electric motors only

8-22

KENTUCKY LAKE 

8-6

Kokanee daily quota = 2 Speed restrictions or “no vessels” (as buoyed and signed), various locations Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

KENTUCKY SE POTHOLE  (unnamed lake located about 50 m east of Kentucky Lake) KETTLE RIVER

8-6

No Ice Fishing Trout/char daily quota = 2; Bait ban

8-14

KETTLE RIVER’S tributaries KIDD LAKE 

8-15 8-14

KUMP (Lost) LAKE 

8-6

Exempt from Spring Closure No Fishing July 25-Aug 25; bait ban Apr 1-Oct 31; Rainbow trout release year round Bait Ban No Ice Fishing; Trout/char release; artificial fly only, bait ban, single barbless hook Electric motors only; WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

No Ice Fishing Trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban Yellow perch daily quota = 20; electric motors only

JEWEL LAKE 

LAMBY (Bear) LAKE 

8-5

LARRY LAKE  (unnamed lake located about 400 m west of Thalia Lake)

8-11

“LEONARD” (“Buck”) LAKE  8-5 (unnamed lake approximately 2 km north of Vinson Lake) 8-6 LINK LAKE  LOCH DRINKIE  LOON LAKE LOST LAKE  MABEL LAKE

MARA LAKE MARTIN LAKE  MCCULLOCH RESERVOIR  MCRAE CREEK MEADOW LAKE MINNOW LAKE  MISSION CREEK OKANAGAN LAKE

No Ice Fishing Trout/char release Artifical fly only, bait ban, single barbless hook,; Electric motors only No Ice Fishing Trout/char daily quota = 2 Bait ban, single barbless hook Electric motors only

8-6

No Ice Fishing; trout daily quota = 2; bait ban

8-11 8-10

No Ice Fishing; Trout/char release; artificial fly only, bait ban, single barbless hook Electric motors only

8-10

8-24 8-26

No Fishing south of a line between fishing boundary signs posted on the lakeshore approximately 800 m north of Shuswap River inlet, Jan 1-May 31 Bull trout (Dolly Varden) daily quota = 1 (none under 50 cm); Single barbless hook Follow angling regulations for Shuswap Lake, Region 3; see Rosemond Lake WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration!

8-6

Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

8-10 8-15 8-10

No Fishing downstream of falls situated approximately 4 km upstream of Christina Lake No Ice Fishing; trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp); this lake is part of McCulloch Reservoir

8-10 8-10

OKANAGAN RIVER

8-10

OKANAGAN RIVER OXBOWS

8-1

OSOYOOS LAKE

8-1

OSPREY LAKE  PEACHLAND CREEK PINAUS LAKE POWERS CREEK RICKEY LAKE (unnamed lake located about 300 m south of Thalia Lake)

8-1

No Fishing from falls at Gallagher Canyon to Okanagan Lake Rainbow trout daily quota = 2 (only one over 50 cm), bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20 Speed restrictions or “no vessels” (as buoyed and signed), various locations, plus no powered boats at Killarney Beach Park; Barbless hook No Fishing Oct 1-Nov 15; bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20 Exempt from Spring Closure from Okanagan Lake dam downstream to McIntyre Dam and downstream of Drop Structure No. 1 (located about 1 km upstream of Osoyoos Lake) Rainbow trout release; No powered boats These isolated oxbows adjacent to Okanagan River downstream of the McIntyre Dam and upstream of Vaseux Lake are; EXEMPT from the Spring Closure Kokanee daily quota = 5 (none over 30cm from July 1 to October 31), bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20; Barbless hook July 1-Oct.31 Speed restriction on parts, no vessels or no powered boats in 5 signed swimming areas Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

8-6 8-8 8-11 8-5

No Fishing from Hardy Falls to Okanagan Lake Yellow perch daily quota = 20 No Fishing downstream of Highway 97 Bridge to Okanagan Lake Electric motors only

Okanagan 2019

Page 28

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Okanagan Fishing Regulations

2019 to 2021

Changes as of April 1, 2019 highlighted.

ROBERTSON LAKE  ROSEMOND LAKE ROSE VALLEY RESERVOIR  (Lakeview Irrigation District) SANDNER CREEK SATURDAY LAKE SAWMILL LAKE  SHANNON LAKE SHANNON LAKE (netted off portion on the south end of the lake) SHORTS CREEK SHUSWAP RIVER

8-5

Electric motors only

8-26 8-11

No powered boats south of the CPR bridge Electric motors only

8-15 8-6 8-1

No Fishing Electric motors only See Burnell Lake

8-11 8-11

Bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20 Trout daily quota = 1  Youth/Disabled Accompanied Water May 1-Jun 15 (see page 5 in the Provincial Regulations)

8-11 8-26

No Fishing from Westside Road Bridge to Okanagan Lake No Fishing from Mara Lake upstream to Mara Bridge No Fishing 50 m upstream and 50 m downstream of Trinity Bridge, Jun 15-Nov 15 Rainbow trout/char release; exempt from spring closure from Mara Bridge upstream to Sugar Lake Upstream of Sugar Lake: Bait ban; No fishing Sept 1-Oct 31 Electric motors only

SILVER LAKE  SIMILKAMEEN RIVER

8-8

SITKUM CREEK SKAHA LAKE

8-23 8-9

SOUTH LAKE SPUKUNNE LAKE 

8-10 8-6

Rainbow trout release between Hwy #3 bridge at Princeton and Hwy #3 bridge 31 km downstream of Princeton; Bait ban, Apr 1-Oct 31; exempt from Spring Closure No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 15 Bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20 Speed restrictions or “no vessels” (as buoyed and signed), various locations No Ice Fishing; Trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban No Ice Fishing; bait ban; Trout daily quota = 2; bait ban

SQUARE LAKE 

8-21

No Ice Fishing; trout/char daily quota = 2; bait ban

STONY LAKE  SUGAR LAKE

8-5

Electric motors only

8-23 8-6

Bull trout/Dolly Varden daily quota = 1 (none under 50 cm); single barbless hook Electric motors only

8-2

SUNDAY LAKE  SWAN LAKE TEEPEE LAKES TOMMY LEE LAKE THIRSK LAKE TREPANIER RIVER TROUT CREEK

8-6 8-5 8-8 8-8 8-8

TROUT LAKE TUGULNUIT LAKE TULAMEEN RIVER

8-8 8-1 8-5

TWIN LAKE  UNNAMED LAKES (located immed. north and south of Bluey Lake) VASEUX LAKE (including two lagoons on the west side of Okanagan River upstream of McIntyre Dam)

8-1

Yellow perch daily quota = 20 See Friday, Saturday and Sunday Lakes Electric motors only Electric motors only No Fishing from Highway 97C to Okanagan Lake No Fishing from the trestle in Trout Creek Canyon to Okanagan Lake Upstream of the trestle exempt from Spring Closure Bass daily quota = 8, yellow perch daily quota = 20; Electric motors only Electric motors only Bait ban Apr 1-Oct 31 Exempt from Spring Closure Yellow perch daily quota = 20; Electric motors only

8-6

No Fishing Known by Ministry of Forests designations as Lakes 711, 712, 713, 364 and 309 on Map 92H-088

8-1

No powered boats (Canadian Wildlife Service Regulation) Bass daily quota = 8, Yellow perch daily quota = 20

VINSON LAKE  WAP CREEK

8-6

No Ice Fishing; Trout/char release; bait ban, single barbless hook

8-24

WEST KETTLE RIVER WEST KETTLE RIVER’S tributaries WOOD LAKE

8-12 8-12

No Fishing downstream of Frog Falls (excluding Wap Lake) Sept 1-June 30 Exempt from Spring Closure upstream of Frog Falls Rainbow trout release; No Fishing July 25-Aug 25; bait ban Apr 1-Oct 31; Exempt from Spring Closure Bait Ban

YELLOW LAKE 

8-2

Okanagan 2019

8-22

No Ice Fishing; No Fishing for kokanee Sept 1-Mar 31 Kokanee daily quota = 5, Apr 1-Aug 31; Speed restriction (10 km/h) on parts Yellow perch daily quota = 20 Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp) WARNING! Dangerous thin ice due to aeration

Page 29

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Okanagan 2019 Fishing BC Member Directory BUSINESS NAME

EMAIL

PHONE

WEBSITE

TYPE

7 Half Diamond Ranch

cabin@GuestRanchBC.com

(800) 357-3198

guestranchbc.com

Resort/Lodges

Akehurst Lake Fishing Resort

larryprovencal@shaw.ca

(250) 377-7615

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Bare Lake Lodge

info@barelakelodge.com

N/A

barelakelodge.com

Resort/Lodges

Beaver Lake Resort

info@beaverlakeresort.com

(250) 762-2225

beaverlakesresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Caverhill Lodge

marlene@caverhilllodge.com

(250) 672-9806

caverhilllodge.com

Resort/Lodges

Chataway Lakes Resort

chataway2010@gmail.com

(250) 378-0105

chatawaylakes.com

Resort/Lodges

CHhute Lake Resort

info@chutelakeresort.com

(250) 493-3535

chutelakeresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Circle 'W' Hi Hium Fishing Camp

mbendzak@hotmail.com

(250) 373-2636

circlew.com

Resort/Lodges

Corbett Lake Lodge

admin@corbettlake.ca

(250) 378-4334

corbettlake.ca

Resort/Lodges

Dee Lake Resort

deelake@shaw.ca

(250) 212-2129

deelakeresort.com

Resort/Lodges

District of Logan Lake

districtofloganlake@loganlake.ca (250) 523-6225

loganlake.ca

Other Services

Douglas Lake Ranch

reservations@douglaslake.com

(800) 663-4838

douglaslake.com

Resort/Lodges

Elbow Lake Lodge

N/A

(604) 683-7454

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Headwaters Family Camp

headwatersbc@yahoo.ca

(250) 864 4486

headwatersbc.com

Resort/Lodges

Hi Hium Lake Fishing Resort

hihiumlk@gmail.com

(250) 459-2306

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Idabel Lake Resort

info@idabellakeresort.com

(250) 765-9511

idabellakeresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Johnson Lake Resort

info@johnsonlakeresort.com

(250) 434-4111

johnsonlakeresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Knouff Lake Resort

info@knoufflake.com

(250) 578-8155

knoufflake.com

Resort/Lodges

Little Fort Fly and Tackle

info@littlefort.com

(250) 677-4366

littlefort.com

Resort/Lodges

Mabel Lake Resort

admin@mabellakeresort.com

(250) 838-6234

mablelake.com

Resort/Lodges

Meadow Lake Fishing Camp

meadowlake@xplornet.com

(604) 629-9860

meadowlakefishing.com

Resort/Lodges

Mile High Resort

info@milehighresort.com

(866) 371-2606

milehighresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Moose Camp Fishing Resort

moosecamp33@gmail.com

(250)674-3275

moosecampfishingresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Nehalliston Fishing Lodge

nehalliston@yahoo.ca

(250) 677-4209

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Pimainus Fishing Camp

d.erdely@telus.net

(250) 768-5538

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Plateau Fly Fishing Lodge

brian.abraham@fmc-law.com

(604) 443-7134

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Postill Lake Lodge

postilllake@xplornet.com

(877) 623-6982

postilllake.com

Resort/Lodges

Roche Lake Resort

info@rochelake.com

(250) 828-2007

rochelake.com

Resort/Lodges

Star Lake Fishing Resort

starlake1999@yahoo.com

(250) 674-8494

starlakefishingresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Surrey Lake Fishing Resort

info@surreylake.com

(866) 523-9778

surreylake.com

Resort/Lodges

Teepee Lakes Resort

N/A

N/A

N/A

Resort/Lodges

Thuya Lakes Lodge

info@thuyalakes.com

(250) 372-6867

thuyalakes.com

Resort/Lodges

Tunkwa Lake Fishing Resort

paul@tunkwalakeresort.com

(250) 523-9697

tunkwalakeresort.com

Resort/Lodges

Wendengo Lodge

info@wendegolodge.com

(250) 819-1713

wendegolodge.com

Resort/Lodges

White Moose Resort

N/A

(250) 459-2258

whitemooseresort.com

Resort/Lodges

2018 Okanagan Fish Stocking Report Waterbody Name

AGUR

Species

RB

Released

Waterbody Name

Species

Released

Waterbody Name

Species

Released

1200

FISH

EB

2000

LARKIN 1 (S)

RB

500

RB

1000

LARRY

RB

200

ALLENDALE

RB

3000

FIVE O'CLOCK

ALLEYNE

KO

5000

FLYFISH 1 (W)

RB

3000

LASSIE

RB

7000

ALLEYNE

RB

15000

FLYFISH 2 (E)

RB

1500

LEONARD

RB

3000

FRIDAY

RB

5000

LINK

RB

1000

RB

10000

LIVER

RB

300

ALLISON

RB

10000

BAKER

RB

2000

GARDOM

BARDOLPH

RB

1500

GARNET

EB

3000

LOCH DRINKIE

RB

1000

RB

2000

LOCH LARSEN

RB

1000

BARTON

RB

300

GARNET

BEACON

RB

500

GARRISON 1 (N)

RB

1500

LODESTONE

RB

500

GARRISON 2 (S)

RB

750

LONG

EB

500

500

LOON

EB

1000

BEAVER

RB

35000

BECKER

EB

2000

GLEN

EB

BECKER

RB

1000

GLEN

RB

400

LOON

RB

1300

GOOSE

RB

3500

LOOSEMORE

RB

3000

HALL ROAD POND

RB

1000

LOST

RB

1000

HAYNES

RB

5000

LUDWICK

RB

5490

BIELY

RB

500

BISSON

RB

1000

BLUEY

RB

10000

BONNEAU

RB

500

HEADWATER 1

EB

5000

MADDEN

RB

4400

BORGESON

RB

3000

HEADWATER 1

RB

5000

MARTIN

RB

2000

EB

2000

MCCAFFREY

RB

1500

RB

2000

MCCALL

RB

400

BOSS

RB

6000

HEADWATER 2

BOULDER

RB

500

HEADWATER 2

BRENDA

RB

2000

HEADWATER 3

EB

2000

MCINTYRE

EB

1000

RB

2000

MISSEZULA

RB

121337

BROWNE

RB

7000

HEADWATER 3

BRUNETTE

RB

500

HEADWATER 4

EB

2000

MOORE

RB

500

HEADWATER 4

RB

2000

MUNRO

RB

3000

NEVERTOUCH

RB

7500

BUCK

RB

2000

BURNELL

RB

600

HIDDEN

RB

15000

BURNS

RB

1000

HOLIDAY

RB

1000

NORMAN

RB

500

HOLSTEIN

RB

1000

OSPREY

RB

8000

OYAMA

RB

15000

PEAR

RB

2750 53205

BUTLER

RB

750

CHRISTIE

EB

1000

HOOK

RB

2000

RB

10000

CLIFF

RB

2000

HYDRAULIC

CUP

RB

2000

IDABEL

EB

5000

PENTICTON CREEK

KO

DARKE

EB

2000

IDLEBACK

RB

1000

PINTAIL

RB

500

RB

3000

PROSSER

RB

2000

DARKE

RB

2000

JACKPINE

DAVIS

RB

6000

JEWEL

RB

8000

PROVIDENCE

RB

600

DEADMAN

RB

7500

JOHNNY

RB

1500

RAMPART

RB

4000

KATHY

RB

500

RENEES POTHOLE

RB

500

KENTUCKY

RB

18000

RICK

RB

2000

RIPLEY

RB

3000

ROBERTSON

RB

2500

ROD

RB

500

RB

7500

DEE

RB

30000

DERENZY

RB

500

DERICKSON

RB

2000

DEWOLF

RB

1000

DIVIDE

RB

1000

DOREEN DRY

RB RB

KENTUCKYNW POTHOLE

RB

1000

KENTUCKYSE POTHOLE

RB

500

8000

KIDD

RB

1000

ROSE VALLEY

5000

KIDNEY

RB

6000

RUSSELL

RB

1000

RB

500

DUO VIA

EB

1000

KILPOOLA

RB

1500

RUTH

EASTMERE

RB

1000

KUMP

RB

2000

SEIDNER

EB

500

ECHO

RB

22000

LAIRD

RB

4000

SHANNON

RB

4000

5600

SILVER

RB

5000

ERN

EB

1000

LAMBLY

RB

2018 Okanagan Fish Stocking Report Waterbody Name

Species

Released

SPECS

RB

2000

SPRING

RB

400

SPUKUNNE

RB

1000

SQUARE

RB

STONY STREAK

Waterbody Name

Species

Released

TERRACED

RB

500

THALIA

RB

9000

THOMAS

RB

1000

500

THONE

RB

2000

RB

750

TURTLE

EB

1000

RB

4000

TWIN LAKES

KO

3000

SUMMIT

RB

2000

TWIN LAKES

RB

1500

SUNDAY

RB

5000

VINSON

RB

1600

SWAN

RB

13900

WHITEHEAD

RB

10000

SWDENISON (LOWER)

RB

500

WILGRESS

RB

6200

SWDENISON (UPPER)

RB

1000

WILLIAMSON

RB

3000

TAHLA

RB

1000

XENIA

RB

3000

TAURUS

RB

2500

YELLOW

EB

10000

TAYLOR

RB

2500

YELLOW

KO

5000

Waterbody Name

Species

Released

RB

20816

YELLOW

Stock Species Codes: EB Eastern Brook Trout KO Kokanee RB Rainbow Trout For more information on Fish Stocking in British Columbia, visit:

www.GoFishBC.com

GOLDEN Golden

Photo by Hooké

SPORTFISHING SPORTFISHINGMAP MAP

Seek and you will find.

tourismgolden.com

Stillwater Fly Fishing Golden, BC by Brian Chan he town of Golden sits nestled between the Rocky and Columbia Mountain ranges in the Kootenay region of southeast BC. It is well known to travelling outdoor enthusiasts who seek quality, powder snow for downhill skiing or snowmobiling as well as alpine hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting during the summer months. Unbeknownst to many this area is also home to some worldclass fishing opportunities.

Tucked away in the Columbia River valley just south of Golden lie a number of blue ribbon trout lakes that offer anglers a chance to catch a fish of lifetime. These small, clear water lakes are rich in aquatic food life which allow rainbow and brook trout to reach trophy sizes. These waters are particularly well suited to the fly fisher due to the abundance and diversity of aquatic insect hatches. The majority of these lakes are easily accessed via a network of forest harvesting roads. At many of these destinations anglers will find a provincial recreation site that provides day use as well as camping spots along with boat access or launch-

Photo by Hooké

T

ing areas. Annual stocking programs coupled with lake specific fishing regulations ensure there are a diversity of fishing experiences that will satisfy the first time angler as well as those seeking the challenge of landing the big one.

A watercraft of some sort, be it a cartop boat, canoe or pontoon boat is needed to effectively fish these and most other small lakes. That’s because of the extensive shallow areas extending out from the shoreline of these lakes.

All that shallow or shoal water provides superb insect habitat as well as being the major feeding area for the trout in the lake. Fly anglers should expect to see the usual stillwater insect hatches that start off in the spring

Seek and you will find.

Visitor Centre

Wifi Hotspots

Local Maps

Trip Planning

Digital Kiosks

in this area and can be purchased at the Golden Visitor Centre during the summer months.

Another way to really get a taste of the lake fishing opportunities in the Golden area is to use the services of a fishing guide. Take advanwith chironomids or midges tage of their years of knowland are followed by mayflies, edge of the local waters and damselflies, caddisflies and fishing skills to provide a dragonflies. Your tackle bag memorable experience. The should have imitations of the Golden Gillie www.goldenpupal, nymphal or adult stag- gillie.com is well qualified to es of these insects to match provide a great day on the the hatch of the day. water for you and your famThe jump off point for a num- ily. ber of great fishing lakes in- Accommodation options in cluding Mitten, Wilbur, Bit- this area range from camptern, Nine Bay, Mclean, Loon, grounds, RV parks, Hotels, Summit and Rocky Point is B&B’s to mountain side hidethe settlement of Parson aways. Lush Mountain Acwhich is approx. 33 km south commodations, www.lushof Golden along highway 95. mountain.com offer a wide Anglers wishing to explore range of rental chalets and this general area should pick homes in both valley and up a copy of the Fishing Map- mountain locations to combook for Southeastern BC pliment your Golden outdoor produced by Backroad Map- experience. books. This guidebook proThe Golden area is home to vides detailed access as well some truly great fly fishing as contour maps and fishing opportunities in both lakes tips for many of the lakes and rivers located in wilderness surroundings. And as an added bonus it is Golden Visitor Centre still a yet to be discovered Find everything you need to know about Golden. Open fishing destination! daily during the summer.

For more information visit tourismgolden.com/visitors Tourismgolden.com 1000 TRANS CANADA HIGHWAY Sani Dump

The Golden Gillie

Holiday Inn Express Golden - Kicking Horse

Guiding safe, fun and exciting fishing adventures on the word class waters that surround Golden, BC. Tight Lines and Good Times!

1-250-344-1217 www.goldengillie.com

Come stay at Golden’s newest hotel. Enjoy our luxury rooms. Start your day with a FREE Express Hot Breakfast.

After your adventures relax in our pool and hot tub.

1-250-344-4664 www.tinyurl.com/hiexgolden

Seek and you will find.

tourismgolden.com