The Thompson Okanagan region offers some of the best fishing in BC, from urban fishing holes to remote hike-in lakes found hours from the nearest highway. The lakes here hold an abundance of nutrient-rich alkaline waters, and the fish here grow faster and achieve larger sizes than in other parts of the province. Many anglers are drawn to the Thompson Okanagan by the opportunity to nab a hard fighting Pennask or Blackwater rainbow trout. Here’s a few of our favorite lakes within Region 3 (Thompson/Nicola) and Region 8 (Okanagan). Allison Lake This beautiful highway lake sits right off Highway 5A north of Princeton. The lake is stocked annually with 5,000 Pennask rainbow trout to help offset the steady fishing. These trout average 0.5 kg (1 pound) in size, although have been known to reach 1.5 kg (3.5 pounds) in size. The odd kokanee can also be found here. The northern section reaches depths of 5 metres (29 feet) and there are several prime shoal areas for anglers to work, especially in the spring and fall. There are also a pair of prominent points along the eastern shore, and a small stream flows in between the two, offering good spots to cast for cruising trout. Allison Lake Beaver Lake Beaver Lake is one of the Okanagan’s most popular fishing destinations. Its natural beauty, high catch rate of quality rainbow trout and ease of access are the main attraction for anglers of all ages. The best time to fish the lake is at the end of May through to mid-July and then again in fall, either fly fishing or trolling. With 35,000 Pennask rainbow stocked annually and natural spawning as well, the rainbow here average 30 cm (12 inches) in size but can reach up to 50 cm (20 inches). Anglers should work around the many islands and sheltered bays as well as the deeper areas of the lake. Map Courtesy of Thompson Okanagan Fishing Mapbook Christina Lake Found along Highway 3 east of Grand Forks, this large recreation lake is very popular for watersports given its warm waters. Trolling for large rainbow up to 9 kg (20 pounds), small kokanee as well as whitefish can be productive in the spring and fall, with the best areas to work being around the drop offs and around the many feeder streams, especially at the north end of the lake. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are your best bet during the summer. Christina Lake Echo Lake Located just outside of Lumby, Echo Lake is one of the Okanagan’s most picturesque lakes. The clear turquoise coloured water provides excellent fishing for large rainbow, up to 4 kg (9 pounds), lake trout and kokanee up to 5 kg (11 pounds). The lake sees heavy fishing pressure and is stocked yearly with 15,000 rainbow, most recently the Blackwater strain. Lake trout and larger rainbow are primarily caught by deep trolling, focusing on the two narrows or off one of the many shoal areas found along this lake. Fly fishing can be quite effective with the shoals on the north side and west end of the lake. Map Courtesy of Thompson Okanagan Fishing Mapbook Idabel Lake Idabel has a healthy population of freshwater shrimp, which means good fishing for large rainbow and stocked brook trout by fly-fishing or trolling, particularly in the spring and fall. The shoal area found just south of the Idabel Lake Resort along the eastern side of the lake is a good area to start with. The lake sees plenty of winter activity too, with brook trout typically caught in 3 metres (10 ft) or less of water. Trout Fishing Ladyslipper Lake Cathedral Park offers a truly rugged mountain experience, and Ladyslipper Lake is arguably the best in a series of great fishing lakes in this area. The remote, high elevation, hike-in lake sees very little fishing pressure. Combined with a shortened ice off season, this lake offers plenty of ravenous cutthroat willing to go after almost anything you cast. Fly-fishing is the preferred method of fishing up here with the best fishing from July through October. Map Courtesy of BRMB Web Map Mabel Lake This large lake is found east of Enderby and is primarily a trolling lake for the large rainbow found here, which reach 4 kg (9 pounds). You will also find small kokanee, large lake trout (up to 7 kg/15 pounds) and large dolly varden (up to 4 kg/9 pounds). Unique to this lake is the fact big chinook salmon can be found holding near the river mouth. With these fish averaging 7 to 12 kg (15-25 pounds) and some as large as 18 kg (40 pounds), these are big fish and anglers should try trolling salmon gear. Mabel Lake Okanagan Lake Stretching 110 kilometres (70 miles) from tip to tail, Okanagan Lake is one of the largest interior lakes in British Columbia. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province, better known for its watersports and the legendary Ogopogo than for its fishing. However, anglers in the know will find rainbow, kokanee, burbot and even whitefish scattered around the lake. Because of the traffic, anglers are best to head here from October through April, working the many points or the many bays of the lake as well as creek mouths. Okanagan Lake Osoyoos Lake Osoyoos is Canada’s warmest lake with average summer temperatures at around 24°C. In the spring, trolling can often be successful for large rainbow trout (up to 5 kg/11 pounds), while a few kokanee can also be found here. Later in the year, there is an opportunity to spincast for largemouth or smallmouth bass, black crappie, perch or carp. Some large bass are caught here, and the lake has the distinction of producing the BC record largemouth bass at 4.7 kg (10 pounds 6 ounces). Daybreak and late evening are the best fishing times at the lake. Map Courtesy of Thompson Okanagan Fishing Mapbook Postill Lake Postill Lake forms the hub of a popular fishing destination northeast of Kelowna. The mixed population of brook trout and previously stocked rainbow are best caught by trolling or spincasting. The fishing usually does not heat up until May due to the higher elevation, and holds relatively steady through the summer and into October. A boat is handy here as the better holes and shoals are much easier to reach from the water. Also in the area are several hike-in rainbow trout lakes to explore, including Hereron, Meadow, Rodney and South Lakes. Rainbow Trout Sugar Lake Sugar Lake is a relatively isolated lake, surrounded by the rugged Monashee Mountains. Despite its isolation, this lake is quite popular as the wide variety of fish that can reach some impressive sizes keeps visitors coming back. The bull trout/dolly varden average 2-4 kg (4-9 pounds) and the Gerrard-strain rainbow reach similar sizes. These fish are best caught by trolling the lake, although fly-fishing can be successful if you concentrate on the river channel at the north end of the lake or the other creek/river inlets. The lake also has a plentiful supply of large whitefish and some kokanee and burbot. Map Courtesy of BRMB Web Map Thalia Lake One of the more popular lakes in the area, Thalia Lake is stocked annually with 9,000 Pennask rainbow trout. These trout are known to reach up to 1 kg (2 pounds) or larger, with rumours of a 10 kg (22 pound) trout being landed here! Fishing can be steady on Thalia, especially in the spring and fall periods when you can literally catch trout anywhere around the lake. As the depth falls off rapidly from the shore, the fish will generally be found in a ring around the lake, sticking close to the shoals where they feed. This is just a small sampling of the vast amount of lakes found throughout the Thompson Okanagan region. Ready to head out and explore some of these great lakes? Pick up a Backroad Mapbook, the new BRMB Maps app & web map, or our new Thompson Okanagan Fishing Mapbook which offers lake details, fishing tips, stocking information, directions and facilities information for all the best lakes within the region. You might just locate a secluded lake and have it all to yourself! BRMB Web Map & App Thompson Okanagan Fishing Mapbook
