It is now July and we are excited to announce that we have placed our boats in all of our favourite fishing locations. We now have our 2 boats on Kootenay Lake, as well as 1 boat on the Columbia River, and just recently placed our other boat on the westcoast of Vancouver Island out of Ucluelet. So, we have plenty of options for everybody throughout the summer months.’
We would also like to welcome our newest member to the team. Expert flyfisher and instructor, Captain Ken is available throughout the summer to help you with your flyfishing techniques and put you into some great fishing days on the Columbia. Welcome aboard Ken!
And now, here’s the latest fishing report:
Kootenay Lake:
With the latest heatwave upon us, the fishing has been hit and miss. Although there are lots of 2-3 pound Rainbows still coming in regularly, with the odd 10 – 15 Lb fish being caught lately. In the past couple weeks we have noticed a lot of fry entering the lake and this is what the fish are keying on. So, keep your presentation small and stick to the shorelines and you will catch fish.
One of our latest trips had four lovely ladies join us for the day. The day started out calm and a few nice fish were caught. And then, as it has happened a lot lately, the weather changed in an instance. We went from flat, calm water to 3-4ft waves and crazy wind gusts. I asked the women if they felt uncomfortable and would like to return to the dock. They replied, “not a chance, this is our day to be on the water”. So, we decided to stick it out for the day.
It proved to be worthwhile as we continued to catch fish all day long. Even though the captain was ready to head in, the ladies were happy to keep fishing. At the end of the day, they ended up with 10 nice Rainbows to share between the four of them. Always nice to head home with some great feast for the BBQ.
As the day was coming to an end, we notice the blackest clouds moving in and we could see huge whitecaps coming from the north. It was time to call it a day. As quick as we could get the lines in, the wind and waves were upon us. Five foot waves and 40km winds made for an exciting ride back. More like a ride at the amusement park. We made it back to the dock with a sigh of relief from the captain. Just another adventure. But still a great day.
It looks like theres still a lot of fish to be caught throughout the summer, and they seem to be hungry. So, stay tuned……..
Columbia River:
The river seems to be at its highest level lately. And while that doesn’t usually provide the best fishing when it is rising, it seems to have stabilized over the past week or two, and the fish are getting into a feeding pattern. Our last few trips have seen 10 – 20 Rainbows come to the boat. And our favourite time has just arrived. The caddis hatch! That means that these fish are now looking up. They are keying on insects on the surface, which means its dry fly season. The most exciting time to catch these feisty Rainbows.
One small pool we drifted into was holding a couple dozen fish. We could sit and watch these fish cycle from the top end of the pool to the bottom end. Each taking turns coming to the surface to sip a skittering caddis. This made for an exciting afternoon. Sight fishing for these great fish is very exciting. And getting your presentation just right is rewarding. When that fish finally comes to the surface to take your offering. Zing……………..goes the reel and into the air goes the fish. These fish are powerful. Being raised in the strong currents of the Columbia makes for some strong swimming fish. And these fish will take you well into your backing before you can gain control. Just another exciting afternoon on the Columbia.
That’s only the fly fishing part of it. We have also been hooking into some nice Walleye on the spinning gear. They’re not really thick in the river yet, but that will soon change. The next couple of months should see more and more Walleye hanging around and the fishing will just get better and better. Most of the Walleye have been 2 -4 pounds. And most of our Rainbows have been 16 – 22 inches, with the odd 24 -27 inch fish as well.
Were just getting into the prime river fishing. So stay tuned for that as well.
Westcoast Salmon:
The Salmon fishing is in full swing. And there seems to be lots of bait around this year, which has been bringing lots of big fish in with it. This is the beginning of our 2 month Salmon season, so we are looking forward to the fish getting even bigger and more abundant as July and August approach. Already consistent Salmon in the 20 plus pound range, with a few 30 pounders coming in lately. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
What are they biting on???
The Rainbows on Kootenay Lake are keying in on the small fry that have entered the lake, so our best presentation has been 4″ bucktails. Fished close to shore and right on the surface. The color patterns haven’t changed much. The usual black & white, grey & white, and green & white have been working well. The standard numbers lately have been: 210, 228, 234. Other small lures have been working as well. Small spoons and small rapallas have been catching a few lately as well.
On the river, we have been catching our Walleye on the usual 3-way rig on the bottom with a worm. Also working well are our weighted jigs with rubber twisters or tipped with a worm. The Rainbows for us have been mostly caught on flies. Try swinging a nymph during the dead heat of the day, and then switch to the dry caddis when the fish begin to rise. It’s getting better every day.
Hope this helps
So, if you’re looking to go fishing, we have lots of options at this time of year.
Tight lines………………