The current fishing report………………… ( from my office )
The Fishing Report – Feb, 2018
Kootenay Lake:
January was a bit slower for fishing, but we’ve been rewarded with some bigger fish. It’s typical at this time of year due to the water being at its coldest temperatures, the fish are a bit lethargic. But they still have to eat!
In fact, our latest trip from last week had the fish cooperating and produced some nice sized fish. My new friends from Alberta managed to hook into a few Bull Trout just under 10 Lbs, as well as a bunch of Rainbows between 2 – 4 Lbs. Not bad fishing for February.
This group was a blast. Lots of fun on the boat with these guys. And that’s what it’s all about. Between the crib tournament and the friendly fishing derby between the guys, it kept us entertained all weekend. It just reinforces the reason that I love my job.
I’ve also heard of a few Bull Trout up to 15 Lbs being caught last month as well.
The weather has been cooperating and we have had some beautiful days on the water. Looking forward to some great February days and hopefully we slide gently into spring.
Stay tuned…….
Columbia River:
We did get out a few times again on the river when the weather allowed, and each time we were rewarded with some fish.
It was all shore fishing for us, or walking and wading, but every spot seamed to produce and we had some great days.
On a couple of the better days we managed to land more than 10 Rainbows. And the average sizes have been 2 – 3 Lbs, however we did manage one fish up around the 6 Lb mark. These are all good fish when fishing with a spinning rod or fly rod.
Can’t wait for even warmer weather and better fishing to come. February, March, and April should produce our biggest fish of the year on the river. And, we will be offering float trips as well as walk & wade trips as soon as the snow clears.
What are they biting on ???
On the lake, its still been a mixed bag. The Rainbows have slowed down on the surface, but we are still getting them on the bucktails and spoons.
My favourite Gibbs/Delta crocodile spoons have been working. Gold or brass colors have been best with a touch of orange.
And my best bucktail patterns have been the bleeding gill #210, as well as black/grey #214, or black/wht #234.
Note the water temperature is still at its coldest and you will need to maintain a slow trolling speed as the fish are not as aggressive. My speeds for the past month have been between 1.8 mph – 2.2 mph. Just have to keep switching it up.
Our Bull Trout have also slowed down, but we are seeing bigger ones when we catch them. They have been falling victim to our Gibbs/Delta flashers in the lemon lime color or STS color. Paired up with a green/glow hoochie or g-force spoon has made them a deadly combination. Favourite depths for the Bull Trout has been between 150 – 190ft lately.
And on the River, its been the usual mix of float fishing with bait, or bottom bouncing with bait which has produced the most fish, as well as a few good fish on the fly rods using streamers.
Stay tuned as the fishing will get even better as things warm up!
