The Fishing Report – March, 2018

Kootenay Lake:

Well, cabin fever must have hit in February because we were much busier than I had expected.  A pleasant surprise though.  It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, we still love to get people out on the water.

Fishing was as to be expected a bit slower.  But again, thats normal for this time of year.  Still managed to catch a few Rainbows most days and and we started catching some bigger Bull Trout later in February and early March.

Our last few trips have seen consistent fishing for multiple Bull Trout up to 10 Lbs and starting to get more Rainbows as well.  As the water begins to warm up, we should see the fish getting more active and look forward to some productive days.

Also, stay tuned for the limited Kokanee opening on the west arm that everyone is waiting for.  Looking forward to April 1.

Stay tuned…….

Columbia River:

We managed to get out a couple times in February and were rewarded with some fish each time.

Again, it was all shore fishing for us, or walking and wading, but every spot seamed to produce and we had some great days.

A couple of the days we managed to land up to 10 Rainbows.  Mostly 2 -3 pound average size, but all were strong fighting fish.  As specially on the fly rod or light spinning rod.

Warmer weather is here and the launches are clear.  So, we will be launching the drift boat next week. Can’t wait to float the river for even more opportunities at fish.

March and April are usually when we catch our biggest fish on the river.  So, stay tuned……

What are they biting on ???

On the lake, its been a mixed bag of spoons, flies, and plugs.  The Rainbows have been hitting on the usual buck tail flies in the magic colors of #210, 215, 222.  Also catching quite a few on the Gibbs/Delta crocodiles in blue/silver, or orange/brass.

Note the water temperature is still below 40 degrees so 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.  Although, with this warmer weather, we have been starting to catch some fish at a faster pace up to 2.6mph.  Just have to keep switching it up.

Our Bull Trout in the past couple weeks have been bigger. They have been biting  on our favourite 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, although we have been starting to get some up above 100ft now.  So, that’s a good sign.

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!

Looking forward to some warmer weather throughout March.

Tight lines………………

Kerry Reed
Reel Adventures Sportfishing
Nelson BC
250-505-4963
www.reeladventuresfishing.com