Even Lions . . . B.C. Lions, catch fish on Kootenay Lake
By The Nelson Daily Sports
It’s time for the latest fishing report from Kerry Reed at Reel Adventures Charters.
Kootenay Lake
Spring fishing is here.
Although the weather might not indicate it. The water has been rising constantly. Now we just need the temperatures to start rising and the good fishing will follow.
The higher water means more debris floating around in the water. Which means more food on the surface. This should start to bring most of the fish to the surface to feed.
The forecast looks pretty good for the next week or so. My favorite time is coming up. Usually by the middle of May, our water temperature has warmed up and the fish begin to get aggressive.
We have had some good days lately with five to 12 fish being caught in a day. Also had some tougher days with only a couple. Every day is different.
Even managed to take a few of the Grey Cup champions B.C. Lions out on the boat while they were in town.
They only had a couple of hours to spare, but the fish co-operated. They hooked into four or five fish that all seemed to be between 8-10 pounds. A good introduction to Kootenay Lake for them.
They were definitely amazed by the sights and the fishing. They do want to come back and hopefully bring the rest of the team with them next time.
Rainbows up to 22 pounds & Dollies up to 15 pounds have been caught lately. We’re also seeing lots of smaller fish starting to feed.
Now that the insects are out and floating on the water, we should see more and more surface action. Looking forward to the next six weeks.
What are they biting on ???
Since most of the fish are coming to the surface to feed, we are mainly running our bucktail flies. My favorite colors have been: black/wht, grey/wht, green/wht. Common numbers have been: 210, 215, 228
Also using my favorite Lyman plugs and Apex lures on the calmer days. My favorites have been: black/silver, silver/gold, blue/green or lucky numbers of #10, #53, #55, #135.
We’ve also managed a few fish on the downriggers. Still using the old flasher/hoochie combo for the dollies. But we’re catching lots on my favorite plugs again down deep. Magic depths have been 60′, 80′, and 100′.
The water temperature is rising slowly. Lately I’ve had readings between 41-44 degrees. So, it shouldn’t be long before these fish really turn on!! My Favorite time of year has arrived.
Gerrard’s are Spawning
It’s also that time of year when these amazing fish head up to spawn. The latest counts have us predicting another great run. The count as of May 3 saw over 700 fish at the grounds.
Looks like the beginning of another great run. If you get a chance to see this amazing sight, it is well worth the trip.
There’s usually fish up at the bridge until about the second week of May. So, you might still have a chance to check it out. Maybe a nice Mother’s Day picnic. Always worth the trip.
A little tip for everybody: try to get up there earlier in the morning before the wind picks up. It makes for better viewing.
If you want to check on the latest numbers, go to the ministry’s web site for a current count. Check it out at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/fsh/main/mainfish.htm
The next month or two should be fantastic fishing.
So, Let’s Get Out There !!
Tight lines…..
Kerry Reed, Reel Adventures Charters
www.reeladventuresfishing.com
