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text
& photo by Brad Fenson
illustration: Robert Biron |
February - Bull Trout,
Kootenay Lake, B.C.
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FISHING
in February for many Canadians usually means looking down an
icy hole on a favourite lake. But for anglers on southeast B.C.’s
Kootenay Lake, it’s open water year-round thanks to a
combination of relatively high temperatures (hovering around
0ºC), incredibly deep water (450 feet on average) and current
from inflowing rivers. And February’s cool open water
makes fishing for Kootenay’s famed bull trout better—and
easier—than at any other time of year. Though the fishing
first heats up in December and runs through to early spring,
February sees large schools of kokanee salmon drawing the big
bullies to shallow current areas and close to the surface on
the main lake. These trout average nine to 13 pounds, and trophies
tipping the scales at more than 20 pounds are a possibility.
Indeed, the Canadian record—29 pounds five ounces—was
pulled from Kootenay in February 1997. So where exactly is a
good place to start the hunt? In the early morning or late afternoon,
head out to the strong currents of the lake’s west arm.
And get ready for some explosive bull trout action.
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| BEYOND
BULL TROUT |
| Kokanee
salmon, lake whitefish and cutthroat and rainbow
trout also draw anglers to Kootenay Lake at various
times of the year. Worth noting: The Canadian record
rainbow trout was caught in Kootenay in 1976, weighing
in at an incredible 35 pounds 12 ounces. |
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TACKLE
AND TECHNIQUES
High-speed trolling is a great way to locate these bull trout.
Focus on areas with gravel bottoms using a dish-faced plug to
stir the bottom and attract fish. Large crankbaits, spoons,
flies and even flashers and hootchies will also work. Since
the water in Kootenay Lake is very clear, the ability to imitate
natural bait is essential. Purple and white, or peacock and
white, baits work best. Also make sure you pack warm, waterproof
gear; it can get miserably cold on the lake, particularly in
February, so you’ll want to dress accordingly. A closed
cabin boat with a heater can be a huge advantage.
GETTING THERE
Anglers often launch from Balfour on the lake’s western
shore. From Nelson, take Highway 3A north to Balfour. From the
north, take Highway 31 south of Kaslo, and from the east, take
Highway 3A from Creston to Kootenay Bay for the 35-minute ferry
ride to Balfour. |
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Local
experts
• Mike Thompson, Split-Shot
Charters, 1-877-368-3474;
or Kootenay Lake Tackle, (250) 229-2113
• Kootenay Lake Adventures,
1-888-293-1598
• East Shore Charters,
(250) 225-3368
• Screamin’ Reel
Fly and Tackle, (250) 229-5262 |
Beyond
Simcoe
Looking for more local bull trout hot spots? Also try:
• Columbia River
• Kootenay River
• Upper Arrow Lake
• Lower Arrow Lake
For more info
• B.C. Travel, 1-800-435-5622;
www.bctravel.com/se/index.html |
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| BACK
TO HOT SPOTS |
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