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The Columbia Valley offers a wide range of fishing opportunities from small glacier fed creeks and rivers to pristine mountain lakes. Rainbow trout are the dominant fish species found in low elevation lakes and west slope cutthroat trout can be found in many of the streams and high elevation lakes.
Bull trout, brook trout, crappie, small mouth bass, kokanee, burbot and whitefish can also be found in the surrounding area. There are numerous streams and lakes within a one-hour travel from Invermere and most have two-wheel-drive access with day-use or overnight camping opportunities.
Lake fishing begins as soon as the lower elevation lakes become ice free, usually in early April and continues until late October. Some of the best fishing occurs in the months of May and June. Avid anglers can prolong the early season ‘feeding frenzy’ by gradually working higher elevation lakes as the season progresses. Stream fishing opens on June 15 and continues through the summer and into the end of October.Many of the lakes in our area have extensive shallow shoal areas adjacent to the shoreline that makes it difficult to effectively fish from shore.
However, there are some lakes such as Whiteswan, Alces, Premier, and Dunbar that offer good access and lakeshore fishing opportunities.
The transition zone between the shoal area and the deeper (dark) water is generally the most productive location to fish. It is quite common to observe fish cruising along this margin searching for underwater food sources or emerging insects. Fly patterns such as scuds (freshwater shrimp), damsel flies, mayflies or chironomids are good choices to start with and can be fished effectively with dry fly lines and eight foot to 15’ leaders.
It is always a good idea to look carefully in the water and on the surface of the water to identify what food sources are available for the feeding fish and make every attempt to ‘match the hatch’ as closely as possible.
Streams and rivers can be effectively fished with fly rods or light action spinning rods. Common techniques involve walking upstream along the shoreline and casting flies or small lures into holding areas such as pools, or behind large rocks in search of feeding trout. Small deer hair flies usually work the best as they imitate most of the common hatches and also many of the terrestrials.
The Ministry of Forests office, located behind the courthouse on 7th Avenue, Invermere, has recreation maps available for purchase that provide detailed information regarding access and camping opportunities at many of the streams and lakes in the valley area.
These maps provide excellent directions and details that will assist you in getting to many of the local favourite fishing areas.
It is recommended that you drive with caution when venturing off into the backcountry as many of the roads are used by mining trucks and logging trucks with long loads. Turn on your lights and yield to oncoming industrial traffic. Some of the recommended locations to try are Whiteswan, Alces, Premier, Mitten and Whitetail lakes and Skookumchuck Creek. The Cartwright lakes area north of Invermere has numerous small lakes with some excellent lake and stream fishing opportunities.
Prior to fishing it is advisable to consult the most recent Freshwater Fishing Regulation Synopsis.
These regulations are available free of charge at the Government Agent’s office and everywhere that fishing licences are sold. They provide detailed information on fishing seasons, gear restrictions, quotas, catch and release, licence requirements and boating restrictions.
The following are some helpful hints that will increase your fishing success:
Don’t be shy to talk with fellow anglers. Most anglers will be pleased to provide you with enough information to get you started. Be observant. Look for feeding fish and try to identify what they are feeding on. A close imitation presented similar to the naturals will equal success.
Most of the waters in our area are very clear, especially on calm days. It is important to use a good quality, clear tippet material, no heavier that six pound test. Flies with barbs can be made barbless by pinching down the barb with pliers so that the barb is flush with the shank of the hook. Adjust your drag, ensure that your reel has plenty of backing and don’t try to stop a fish on its initial run.
As our streams and lakes continue to support increasing fishing pressures it is important to respect the fishery and the surrounding environment. Please practice ‘catch and release’ fishing to ensure a productive fishery for future generations. Should you observe an angling infraction by someone please call 1-800-663-WILD (9453).
For those with limited fishing experience or knowledge, the Columbia Valley offers reputable guide services and equipment rental that will enable you to experience the excellent fishing opportunities that the area has to offer.
— by Glen Maurer and Perry Horning, a valley fishing guide with over 16 years’ experience in the region. |
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