South eastern British Columbia has some of the country's best quality rainbow trout fly fishing. The Kootenays' fishing resources are just being discovered, away from the crowds. The Kootenay's also possess an exceptional variety of fishing environments within a compact area, allowing fishermen to combine several distinct angling experiences into a short period of time.

Lake Fly Fishing

In the BC Rockies, spring snow melt prevents good river fishing before July 1, but exceptional lake fly fishing from April through June. Premier Lake... May to July...20 minutes east, with water crystal clear to 30 ft and rainbows, a fly fisherman's paradise. From 10 minutes south to 50 minutes north, Springbrook Resort is centre to many other smaller lakes.

River Fly fishing

As the lake fly fishing slows due to warming water and the spring runoff subsides, time to focus on river fly fishing, from July 1 through October.

 » Columbia River...Fall...Rainbow ...
 » Toby Creek... July to September ... for Cutthroat, Whitefish and Dolly Varden ...
 » Bull River...July to October ... Cutthroat and Dolly Varden ...
 » Kootenay River...all year...
 » Skookumchuck River...July to September ...
 » St. Mary's River...July to October ...
 » Findlay Creek...July to October ...

What to Bring

While the Kootenays' climate is mild by BC Rockies standards, stormy weather can occur during the fishing season. Angler should pack the following...good quality rain gear...wading boots...cold weather clothing...sunglasses (polarized), sunscreen ... for lake fishing #5 to #8 weight fly rod ... #3 to #8 weight rods for river fishing .. .floating and sinking fly lines.

Fishing Licences

Are available from our fishing supply store