Today’s Poll

Kootenay Lake Fishing Report

Contributor
By Contributor
June 3rd, 2020

Well it’s been a long haul, but we’re happy to report that starting in June we will begin to take clients out again.  

With new protocols in place and safety as our number one priority, we are all looking forward to it. Small groups is what we specialize in. So this will be right up our alley.

Through all the down time, we still managed to get out and fish a lot on our own and with the family.  So, we know where the fish are and look forward to sharing the excitement with you.

And in saying that, here’s your latest fishing report:

Kootenay Lake:

The water is rising and the fish are biting.  Kootenay Lake has been very consistent over the past couple of weeks.  The water temperature is close to that prime 50 degree temps and the fish are becoming more and more aggressive.

Most of our action has been on the surface, as the fish are now all looking up.  We even saw a small black ant hatch that always gets them going.  So, it should be even getting better each day.

Bull Trout have been on and off.  Some days our guys are hooking into half a dozen Bulls on the down riggers between 70 – 80 feet, as well as way more Rainbows on the surface.

With the higher waters, we are seeing more debris on the surface.  And, although it’s a bit tougher to navigate and keep the lures clean, its bringing more and more fish to the top.  So, it’s a bit of a trade-off.  I would recommend if you find a patch of clear water, then stick to it and work that portion of the lake for a while.  You’ll find that its a lot less hassle and the rewards are worth it.

Common days on the lake have seen 10- 15 pound Rainbows and a few Bull Trout mixed in.

New regulations have been implemented for Kootenay Lake as well.  Check out the on-line amendments and you will see, and increase in daily quota.  This is to encourage predator harvest and hopefully help speed up the recovery of the Kokanee.  Also, our friends from the BC Wildlife Federation have implemented an incentive program for people to get out and fish, so let’s go.

Now’s the time to get out there and enjoy our great spring fishery.

See you out there.

Columbia River:

The Mighty Columbia has been producing some beauty fish.  The caddis flies are hatching and the fish are excited.  We’ve had some amazing dry fly fishing and when the fish aren’t on the dries, we’ve managed to get them on the nymphs.  Just gotta be prepared for anything.

Some nice Rainbows between 16 – 20″, and even a few in the 24 -27″range have come in lately.

This is prime time for the river.

We’ve also managed to have a couple outings for Walleye and have managed to hook a few each time.  Looking forward to the post spawn fishery as they will become more aggressive.

Looking forward to lots more river fishing in the next month.

Stay tuned.

What are they biting on???

Kootenay Lake Rainbows are hammering the bucktail flies on the surface.  Our favourite colors have been the #10, 21, & 26 by Lux Flies.  And when we had the minor black ant hatch, we were getting them on the #08 (black/gold).  Another good option has been our favourite Gibbs Delta spoons.  The croc in Hammered Brass/fire stripe has been working well and because of its weight, it has been avoiding most of the surface debris.

We’ve also been targeting some Bull Trout during some tagging work with fisheries, and our favourite lures have been the 4″plugs from Epic Lures.  The Lemon Lime, Black/Gold, and Shazam have been our top producers for the Bulls.

And on the river its been great fly fishing and good spin casting.  Dry fly fishing with the magic elk hair caddis has been epic at times and drifting with a prince nymph or stonefly nymph has worked during the slow time of day.

Walleye fishing has been best with 1/2 oz jigs w/ gibbs curly tails, and also the bottom bouncer with a green bling blade or wedding band has produced well.

Hope this helps with your next outing.

Salmon Fishing 2020:

Our contacts have informed us of some good fishing already on the west coast.  And with some travel advisories being lifted and local travel commencing, we are excited to continue with our bookings for the coast.

The predictions of our local run of chinook are looking good again this year.  Lots of 4yr old fish expected, as well as a bunch of 5yr old fish.  So, this could be the year of some big fish!  If it’s anything like last year, we are in for a great season.

Most of our guests who booked before the world stopped moving are still committed to coming.  However, we do have a few dates that opened up.  So, if you’re looking to get out for some Salmon and Halibut this summer, drop us a line and we can help arrange, or click here to check it out for yourself.

We hope all this information helps with your next outing.

Stay safe,

Tight lines………………….

Kerry Reed

Reel Adventures Sportfishing
www.reeladventuresfishing.com

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