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The BigFishSmallHook Blog
Welcome to BigFishSmallHook, Best-in-British-Columbia's Online Fishing Journal for freshwater fishing the "Best Lakes in BC."
Taking a day to fish?... or planning a family fly fishing vacation at any of the trout filled lakes in BC? The Best-in-British-Columbia "fly fishing vacation" blog keeps you up-to-date on many of the interior lakes.
Subscribe to any one of our RSS Feeds to make sure that you get all of the updates to our blog and website.
We focus on fly fishing in the famous "Kamloops lakes" of the South Central Interior and Okanagan, where small lakes grow big fish just waiting for you.
In addition, we would like to keep you informed about fishing in all the other regions with contributions from fishermen like your through our
2009 Open Fishing Journal.
Not only are your fishing stories welcome at the Fishing Journal, they will also show up here on the BBC-blog!
Thanks for visiting and come back often.
Tight Lines!!
Jul 3, 2009, The Fishing Diaries of Jack Shaw
The Fishing Diaries of Jack Shaw, in the form of a book called The Pleasure of his company, is a 19 year fish journal of one of the real living legends in BC fly fishing.
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Jun 25, 2009, Fishing for Bass-Kootenays
Fishing for Bass-Kootenays - Fishing for bass has never been better in the popular tourist destination known as the Kootenays. Popular lakes such as Wasa Lake and Duck Lake have been producing ...
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Jun 24, 2009, Fishing for Bass in BC
Consider taking your next bass fishing trip in Beautiful British Columbia. Fishing for bass rarely comes to mind when one
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Jun 23, 2009, Community Lake: Best Fly Fishing Lakes in BC - Kamloops Area Lakes
Community lake is one of those Kamloops area lakes that has been a popular and productive destination for a long time. Those who swear by it say that Community Lake, located in the Knouff Lake area
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Jun 23, 2009, Community Lake - June 22, 2009
Anticipating a traveling sedge hatch, Wiener, my longest living fishing buddy, and I tried an evening fish at Community Lake. The weather had been
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Jun 19, 2009, Best Fly Fishing in BC Lakes - Big Fish on Small Hooks
The challenge has been cast for the Best Fly Fishing in BC Lakes. If you like BIG RAINBOW TROUT then fishing British Columbia should be the destination for your next fly fishing vacation. BC fishing l
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Jun 19, 2009, Bigger, Fatter Fish. Is it Steroids? No, it's Triploids!
I've noticed that the quality of the fish I'm catching this year has improved considerably. Lakes where I've previously caught small skinny fish or
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Jun 18, 2009, May Winner of the Booby Prize
The 2009 Freshwater Journal winner of the Booby Prize (6 hand-tied booby flies) for the month of May was: Ron Wittenbecher of KamloopsRon submitted multiple entries to the journal including pictures and officially our first "Booby Prize" winner.
Submit your entries of your fishing trip and be eligible for the monthly "Booby Prize" and also be entered for the year end grand prize of a Ducks Unlimited numbered print by 2007 BC Artist of the Year, Cindy Weizel.
Thanks to all for your submissions, keep them coming.
DaveOBest-in-British-Columbia.comKamloops, BC
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Jun 17, 2009, Roche Lake - Best BC Fishing Lakes
Roche Lake is one the more high profile bc fishing lakes that consistently produces for all anglers. Enjoy your fly fishing vacation at the provincial park campsites (2), any of the rustic campsites
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Jun 17, 2009, Roche Lake Showing Multiple Hatches June 14, 2009
========================================================================= Went to Roche Lake on Sunday evening. It looked like an aluminum hatch
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Jun 15, 2009, Teepee Lakes - sometimes... that's fishin'
Last week I was lucky enough to spend 3 days of exclusive fishing at the southern BC fishing destination of Teepee Lakes Resort. After spending a day
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Jun 14, 2009, Batstone Lake, BC - Seven Half Diamond Guest Ranch
By the time I hit the water at Batstone Lake it was close to 11:30am. There were 4 other boats on the water when I arrived and fishing partner KJ,
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Jun 13, 2009, McConnell Lake - Lac Le Jeune Area June 12, 2009
Since I'd caught fish two days before on Lodgepole Lake, I thought I would push my luck and try McConnell Lake, which is in the same area. These two
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Jun 13, 2009, Lodgepole Lake Loons Lurk June 10, 2009
Went up in the morning to Lodgepole Lake, near Logan Lake, BC, not expecting much in the way of action. I've been skunked on this lake quite a few
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Jun 13, 2009, Teepee Lakes Fishing Resort
Fishing Lodge or Resort: Teepee Lakes Resort
Body of Water (lake or stream): Teepee Lake Chain
F & W Region: Region 8: - Okanagan
Date: June 09, 2009
Summary of Past Week's Action:
The last few weeks have been very busy up at the resort. There was about a 5 day lull around the end of May when the lakes were turning, but in the past week or so the action has been GREAT! This last weekend there was a full camp, and everyone was reporting success on all three lakes. During the early morning and around dusk, Saturday lake has been very popular. The shallower lake and the cooler temperatures have provided some exciting dry flying. California blondes and tom thumbs were both good choices. During the midday hours, the hotter temperatures steered most anglers towards Friday and Sunday Lakes. These deeper lakes were both fishing well, especially with olive or black beadhead leeches on a full sink line (make sure to fish deep!)
One guest even provided a piece of advice for other anglers: Hang onto your rod... these fish hit HARD!
This Week's Recommendations (hatches, flies/lures,conditions, etc): In the coming weeks we expect the action to only get better. As we move further into the early summer, the hatches should begin to occur more frequently.
Throughout the summer, leeches will continue to be succesfull, especially during the hotter hours. Dusk and dawn will provide some unforgettable dry fly experiences. Slowly trolling california blondes and sedge immitations will be your best bet. For casting, any small deer hair will do the trick, but dont forget to tie your leaders tight, these fish hit HARD!
First Name: Zach VanLeeuwen
Business Phone: 1 (250) 295 7551
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Jun 7, 2009, Brookies School at "Red Lake" - June 4
Took the road to Red Lake in the hazy morning sunshine. I was impressed with the California Big Horn sheep on both sides of the road just up the
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Jun 2, 2009, 7 Half Diamond Guest Ranch - Batstone Lake
Located about 25 minutes south of Merritt, BC on Hwy 5A, 7 Half Diamond Ranch provides anglers with the opportunity to enjoy some of the best and exclusive fly fishing you could wish for, and only
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Jun 2, 2009, Tee Pee Lakes Resort
Located in the heart of the BC Southern Interior, Tee Pee Lakes Resort is situated about 30 minutes (paved road) from the town of Princeton, BC on the old #40 Princeton-Summerland Highway.
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Jun 2, 2009, Campbell Lake Sunday May 31, 2009
Campbell Lake, BC - Kamloops Area Lakes After talking with KJ after my trip to Campbell Lake he suggested that Campbell might be worth a try
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Jun 1, 2009, Fishing Report - Douglas Lakek Resorts - May 29,2009
More water is opening up at the Douglas Lake Resorts and the fishing is just getting better.
Here is the most recent report.
Salmon LakeCondition: Clear Fishing: O.K. Flies: Chironomids (lagerton olive, red & blaack with white bead head) Maroon Leech, Pumpkin heads and Salmon Lake Specials. Average Size: 2 – 3 lbs Largest caught: 5lbs Comments: Water is clear and the fish are hungry! ***Pikes Lake (Catch & Release Only)Condition: Clear Fishing: O.K. Flies: Maroon Micro or Black Leech with brass head. Average Size: 2 – 4 lbs Largest Caught: Comments: Opposite the boat launch is the best area. ***Harry's Dam (Catch & Release Only)Conditions: Clear Fishing: FairFlies: Dark Green Sparkle Leech.Average Size: 2lbs Largest Caught: Comments: Chironomids are coming off. ***Big Sabin (Catch & Release Only)Condition: O.K. Fishing: Flies: Chironomids are doing well and all colors of small leeches. Average size: 2lbs Largest Caught: Comments: ***Little Sabin (Catch & Release Only)Condition: O.K. Fishing: Flies: Chironomids are doing well and all colors of small leeches. Average size: Largest Caught: Comments: ***Stoney Lake (Catch & Release Only)Condition: Clear Fishing: Great Flies: K-Mart Special #6, #14 Black, Red, Lime Green Chironomids, Micro Leech. Average Size: 3.5lbs Largest Caught: 5lbs Comments: Guests are catching fish on a consistant bases. The fish are fighting well and jumping. Chronomids are coming off heavy. ***Minnie Lake (Catch & Release Only)Condition: Clear Fishing: Good Flies: Black, Red, Silver, Dark Green Chronomids size #14, Maroon Leeches, K-Mart Special. Average Size: 4.5lbs Largest Caught: 7lbs Comments: Chronomids are in full bloom now and the fish are responding well. A big freshwater shrimp hatch is going on and the fish are feeding along the shore. A new dock is being built on the far end.***Wasley LakeCondition: O.K. Fishing: O.K. Flies: Lagerton Olive Chironomids Average size: Largest caught: Comments: ***********************************
No Reports on Chunky's Pond, Pothole Lake, Damsel/Graveyard Lake, Crater Lake or Mellin Lake.
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May 31, 2009, Kamloops Fly Shop Hosts Book Signing Ralph Shaw & Larry Stefanyk
Co-editors of the book The Pleasure of His Company- the Fishing Diaries of Jack Shaw , Ralph Shaw(no relation but a long-time friend and associate)
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May 30, 2009, Campbell Lake - Chironomid Heaven May 28, 2009
The early bite was quiet at Campbell Lake (well known in the Kamloops Area Lakes) this morning. I hit the water about 10am with a plan to work the
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May 30, 2009, Kamloops Area Lakes Duffy Lake- morning May 29
The weather forecast was hot and windy for the afternoon so my mission was to catch fish early and often. I arrived at the Duffy lake -
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May 28, 2009, Black Lake - Roche Lake Area - May 26
It was a very windy day as a high pressure system was moving in and the wind was coming from the south / south-west. But I had to go fishing so I chose to head up to the Roche Lake Area and try to find an acceptable body of water to fish.
Before leaving town I checked the solunar tables and there was a Major Feed period scheduled from about 2:30 to 4:30pm.
My first stop was "Bleeker Lake". Being an east-west lake, I thought that the wind would be ok... not so. Although it wasn't gale force, the wind was whipping in from the west and there was very little cover. No one was on the lake.
I then thought about "Black Lake". It could have shelter.
It's a bumpy road in but when I got to Black Lake the water appeared acceptable to fish. There were 2 guys on shore, they had arrived about an hour before me. On the lake, I could see 4 belly boaters. The sun was shining and the view of the lake left me awestruck with it's clear blue-green water and white marl shoals.
I took my time gearing up and finally got on the water at about 3pm. The belly boaters were migrating my way so the questions started firing as soon as they were within easy earshot. Disappointingly, no one had a bite. The wind was strong at times and always changing direction causing havoc whether you were trolling or anchored and casting.
Some fish were spotted in the shallow water but they were not feeding.
I fished in the SW corner and along the south shore, both casting a chironomid or dragging a booby. I saw the fish too but I didn't touch a fish. At the end of the day, no one I talked to or myself, had touched a fish.
It was just an ugly day. I packed it in around 6pm.
DaveO
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May 28, 2009, Kamloops Area Lakes Badger and Spooney - May 27
First time on these lakes so wasn't sure what to expect. Kicked across Badger and got to the Spooney back-channel around 10:00 am. I noticed that
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May 28, 2009, 7 Half Diamond Guest Ranch Batstone Lake - Testimonial
"Dale I. Sasaki" wrote:
Jim and Heather,
I want to thank you for your wonderful hospitality last week. We really enjoyed our stay in the cabin and the fishing was terrific.
On Wednesday, we had to start hoping we would catch fish smaller than 20 inchesbecause our arms were so weak from handling so many fish in the 20 to 25 inch category. Though we did not keep a formal count, I would guess that the three of us landed over 60 fish that day, many in excess of 20 inches and each a strong fighter. The largest fish landed on Wednesday was a 25 incher thatprobably went around 8-9 pounds.
On Thursday, the fishing was not as hot, though we still were able to catch big fish. I think a big high pressure ridge was moving in on the area. However, on that day I was able to catch and land a fish that measured 27 inches and was every bit of 10 pounds and probably more. This was the largest rainbow I have landed outside of Alaska. Also that day, I saw something I have never seen, my backing. A 21 incher just took my line straight away from my float tube and it took me a while to bring him in. I had line all over my float tube! The three of us probably caught and released around 25 fish. Still a good day of fishing when you are catching such quality rainbows.
Thanks, again, Jim. We had a wonderful trip. The fish have really gotten larger in one year. What you have been able to do with the fishery there issomething truly remarkable. I will help get the word out, if anyone wants to catch truly large fighting fish, 7 Half Diamond Ranch is the place to be.
Dale SasakiSan Jose, California
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May 28, 2009, Douglas Lake Resort - Fishing Report - May 22
"Douglas Lake Resort" updates it's "fishing report" every Friday.
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Salmon Lake
Condition: Clear
Fishing: O.K.
Flies: Chironomids (lagerton olive, red & blaack with white bead head) Maroon Leech, Pumpkin heads and Salmon Lake Specials.
Average Size: 2 – 3 lbsLargest caught: 5lbsComments: Water is clear and the fish are hungry!
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Pikes Lake (Catch & Release Only)
Condition: Clear
Fishing: O.K.
Flies: Maroon Micro or Black Leech with brass head.
Average Size: 2 – 4 lbs
Largest Caught:
Comments: Opposite the boat launch is the best area.
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Harry's Dam (Catch & Release Only)
Conditions: Clear
Fishing: Fair
Flies: Dark Green Sparkle Leech.
Average Size: 2lbs
Largest Caught:
Comments: Chironomids are coming off.
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Big Sabin (Catch & Release Only)
Condition: O.K.
Fishing: O.K.
Flies: Chironomids are doing well and all colors of small leeches.
Average size: 2lbs
Largest Caught:
Comments:
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Little Sabin (Catch & Release Only)
Condition: O.K.
Fishing:
Flies: Chironomids are doing well and all colors of small leeches
Average size:
Largest Caught:
Comments:
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Stoney Lake (Catch & Release Only)
Condition : Clear
Fishing: Great
Flies: K-Mart Special #6, #14 Black & Red Bloodworm Chironomids, Black Sparkle Back Micro Leech.
Average Size: 3.5lbs
Largest Caught: 6
Comments: 15-30 fish a day. Chronomids are coming off.
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Minnie Lake (Catch & Release Only)
Condition: Clear
Fishing: Great
Flies: Black, Red, Silver, Dark Green Chronomids size #14, Mini Leeces, K-Mart Special.
Average Size: 4.5lbs
Largest Caught: 9lbs
Comments: Wonderful clean water. Chronomids are coming off.
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May 27, 2009, Kamloops Area Lakes Dependable Duffy Lake Doesn't Disappoint - May 25
Duffy Lake is one of those rare lakes where I usually catch a fish or have some bites. This is in contrast to lakes like Lodgepole Lake where I'm
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May 25, 2009, Campbell Lake and Scuitto Lake - BC Fly Fishing Lakes
Campbell Lake and Scuitto Lake are two of the most productive Kamloops flyfishing lakes. Some publications link them to the Roche Area Lakes because they are accessed differently than the Roche Area
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May 25, 2009, Best Fly Fishing Lakes in BC - Black Lake
The access into Black Lake is intimidating but the reward is a real fine rainbow trout fly fishing. In the past Black Lake was known as a brookie lake of which I never had much success...
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May 24, 2009, Flyfishing Strategy for Rainbow Trout - Long Leader on a Dry Line
A most effective flyfishing strategy for rainbow trout in Kamloops area lakes is to use a long leader with a dry line (floating) while fishing a bloodworm or chironomid fly pattern.
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May 24, 2009, "Jacko Lake - Friday May 22*
KJ gave me a call early afternoon and displayed his itch to get out and fish for the evening. "Jacko Lake" was his suggestion. It's close to Kamloops and he wouldn't be able to make it out until 5pm.
I was in agreement and headed out there before him. I usually take more time getting into the water because I like to shoot the bull with the other fishermen on shore. And there was no shortage of that as I met 3 or 4 guys as they were coming in.
The breeze was tolerable, mostly from the NW. Lots of spawners at the boat launch. Talking to the other fishermen didn't excite me much as there was very little to report in the way of fish. (see blog post by Randy)
I finally got on the water just after 5 pm and KJ showed up. I cruised down the left side of the lake (from the boat launch) and anchored for a while near Mine Bay. A few fish were rising, mostly spawners or tiddlers along the edge.
The wind began to shift, now from the SE, making last weeks anchoring in the SW bay more attractive. The swallows were very active. Our friend Brad also showed up and the 3 of us fished here for awhile. I caught one small fish and that was it, for all of us.
Brad left about 8:30pm and KJ and I stayed out until well after 9pm with nary a bite.
Geez, I'm sick of the slow fishing.
DaveO
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May 24, 2009, *Community Lake - Sat May 23*
The phone rang at 7am... even though KJ said that he had work to do at home, here he was calling to go fishing... oh...ok!
We decided on Community Lake. We did well there last year at this time (it pays to keep a personal journal) and the weather was promising.
We arrived at the lake just before 9am and the campsite was nearly full, as was the parking lot. As we unloaded a familiar face wandered over and it was my long time friend, Ed Z. He had been there all week and was almost peeing his pants telling us how good the fishing had been. Finally, a little optimism!
After gearing up I immediately headed over to the SE bay by the first island. It was kind to me last year. There were a couple of young men there, anchored and into fish so I knew there was going to be some action.
The major feed period (see free Solunar Tables!) was from 11:30am to 1:30pm and this day it was more than bang on. The fish started to feed about an hour before and continued for another 1.5 hrs after that.
I landed 7 fish, mostly on a dry line with a long leader (20'+). The 2 young guys absolutely slayed fish all day. They must have had 20 double headers between them. They fished mostly a black chronie with a strike indicator.
Others on the lake did ok. KJ struggled early but finished up the day with a flurry, including a nice 20.5" silver bullet.
A number of chironomid pattern colours were working but the best was a #14 black and copper. I also hit fish on the chromie, a brown and gold, and a black and red. When I stomached pumped a fish, it was full of small black chironomids and a few bloodworms. I did try a bloodworm for a while but had no luck.
All in all, it was a great day. The loons were dancing, eagles were soaring and fish were flying. The rainbows in Community Lake like to come out of the water often and they provide a pretty good fight to the net.
DaveO
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May 24, 2009, *6 Mile Lake, BC - Thurs May 21*
I had to make a business trip to the "Tobiano" Residential and "Golf Resort" on "Kamloops Lake". It is located on the old "6 Mile Ranch" property along the shores of "Kamloops Lake" between Kamloops and Savona. While I was in the area I thought that a quick trip up to "6 Mile Lake, BC" would be appropriate.
I arrived shortly before 9am and was the first person at the lake. As I was gearing up there were 2 more vehicles that arrived.
The fishing was real slow. I started off trolling a booby fly and landed a male spawner about 17" long. By that time the other 2 boats were on the water and I shared my booby fly information with them and gave them a couple. Larry and Pierce were in one boat and Jacques was in the other.There was a wonderful hatch of black/gold - black/copper coloured chironomids starting so I was looking for a place to anchor. An east or ENE breeze had started up, making it a little troublesome.
I ended up anchoring along the north shore in various locations and had a few small takes but not much. Eventually I ended up at the east end of the lake. There were fish in the water but not much on the take. Jacques moved down there too, as did a couple of shore fishermen.
Without anything to show for my efforts I started dragging the booby fly again and moved back to the north shore near the rock outcrop. I put another hour or so into that area, caught 1 small fish and decided to call it a day at 3pm.
Jacques caught a couple of fish and Larry and Pierce caught one fish between them. The shore guys didn't get anything either.
Oh well, that's fishin'. Better luck next time.
DaveO
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May 24, 2009, May 23 Six Mile Lake
Went up to Six Mile Lake around 10:00 am this Saturday morning. Fishing on the end of the lake to the left of the boat launch about 20ft from
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May 24, 2009, The Kamloops Area Lakes Jacko Lake - May 22
fished jacko lake today. The fishing was a little slow, caught a dozen little guys but nothing substantial. The fish that i caught were on a
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May 22, 2009, Corbett Lake Country Inn - Fishing Report
Fishing Lodge or Resort: Corbett Lake Country Inn
Body of Water (lake or stream): Corbett Lake
F & W Region: Region 3 - Thompson-Nicola
Date: May 21/09
Summary of Past Week's Action:
Fishing is excellent right now.Leeches are working along with Mayflies.
Emergers, Chronomids and dry flies are starting.
Guest are catching fish from 1.5 lbs to 4lbs on average with the largest fish stocked up to 16 lbs and the guest that know the lake are releasing up to 30 fish a day.
This Week's Recommendations (hatches, flies/lures,conditions, etc):
May fliesChironomids (Red or Black) Changes day by day
Dry Flies
Leeches
Green woolly buggers
Web Site URL: corbettlake.ca
Business Phone: 250-378-4334
Click for more info
May 21, 2009, Teepee Lakes Resort - Fishing Report
Fishing Lodge or Resort: Teepee Lakes Resort
Body of Water (lake or stream): Teepee Lake Chain
F & W Region: Region 8 - Okanagan
Date: May 20, 2009
Summary of Past Week's Action:
The Lakes have Thawed! We were up here about 2 weeks ago, and it was still frozen solid, but as of late last week, fishing season is on! We haven't had a chance to fish the lakes yet, but we did observe a hatch on Friday Lake. There were easily 30 swallows attacking bugs as they surfaced, and fish were jumping. We expect at least another week before the lake starts to turn over.
This Week's Recommendations (hatches, flies/lures,conditions, etc):
This coming week should be great fishing. Saturday Lake has already begun to turn because it is such a shallow lake, but Friday and Sunday are still at least a week away. There has been a hatch at Friday Lake this whole week, and we expect Sunday to recieve the same shortly. Chironomids will be most successful, make sure to bring your aquarium nets to determine the colour and size of the hatch. Tight Lines!!
Web Site URL: www.teepeelakes.com
Business Phone: 1 (250) 295 7551
Click for more info
May 21, 2009, Alleyne Lake - Merritt Area Lakes
May long weekend camping has been a tradition with our friends for as long as I can remember. Over the years people have dropped off with various
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May 20, 2009, May long 2009- Campbell Lake Kamloops B.C
Me and my fishin' buddy, got there on Friday. Went out on the lake around 7:30 pm and were trolling the far North end of the lake with a Dark green
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May 19, 2009, Me, McConnell and Murphy May 18
I decided to avoid the highways and campsites this long weekend so I thought I'd give McConnell Lake my token try for the year. I've never had much
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May 18, 2009, Jacko Lake - May 16 - DaveO
KJ, Brad and I set out mid-afternoon on Sat. Our first choice was McConnell Lake, near Stake Lake on the old Logan Lake Hwy. It was quite windy when we arrived so we whipped over to Lodgepole Lake. There were a few people there but they were all leaving too... no fish biting.
We all agreed to head down to Jacko Lake. When we got there it was neither too busy or too windy. It seemed promising. We asked around and a number of fish were taken, mostly on chironimids, earlier in the day. The afternoon winds had picked up and the chironies disappeared.Brad went to the SW corner while KJ and I went to he south bay. I hardly saw a fish on the finder but there were chironimid casings all over the place, some bombers too. KJ then headed over to see Brad and I followed shortly after. By this time the wind had changed direction and had picked up. By the time I got there it was tough to anchor.
Brad had been into a couple of fish and landed one. There was another guy there who was doing well on small chironies. I had one hit on a chironie and the wind continued to pick up. Finally it was too aggravating so we trolled around at the west end for awhile and then headed in.
2 days, no fish... I'm almost depressed.
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May 18, 2009, Heffley Lake - May 15
Went to Heffley Lake mid afternoon on Fri to take in the evening major feed period (5:30 to 7:30pm). The weather was pretty nice with a light breeze from the east. There was a boat in front of the launch anchored and they caught 2 fish while I was unloading and launching. They were using small brown chironimids at about 6'.
I tried fishing inside this "lake-within-a-lake" but had no luck. I then went out into the main lake and headed to the south shore where there were a couple of nice bays. There were lots of chironies coming off the water but again, no fish. I was hardly picking any fish up on the fish finder. I was trolling a booby and casting a brown chironimid but neither were successful.
I then moved to the extreme east bay of the main lake where I watched a kid casting from the dock catch a fish on his first cast(bobber and worm). Pissed me off. I fished until 8pm and headed in.
I ran into my friend Richard (a local) and he had a good day on green to tan coloured mayfly nymphs.
Oh well. Maybe next time.
DaveO
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May 18, 2009, CVWMA - A DU Canada - Special Project
CVWMA - Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area - Internationally recognized wetlands: a special project with many partners including DU Canada; accessible wildlife viewing, hiking trails, canoe route
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May 16, 2009, Jacko Lake - May 15 In Search of a Friday Fish Meal
It had been over a week since I'd had a fish for dinner and I felt the need to enhance my brain functions with Omega 3 fatty acids. I headed up to
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May 14, 2009, White Lake - May 13 Kamloops Area Lakes
I made the one hour drive to White Lake in the morning with the hopes that the weather would hold. As I got to the Shuswap I saw some threatening
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May 11, 2009, Scuitto Lake - May 10
I made a day trip up to Scuitto Lake this past weekend. I thought that there might be challenge due to lake turnover because the ice had just come off about 10 days ago. When I arrived I was happy to see that the turn wasn't apparent and fish were moving.
There were a few boats on the lake when I arrived. A light SE wind was gusting now and then but the conditions were pretty good. One guy was trolling a fly along the snags in the NW corner of the lake where I decided to put in. We chatted a bit before I hit the water and he came in a gave me the low-down on his day.
Fish were available in about 15' of water at various levels from bottom to top. He was using some sort of pink spinner fly and had landed about 6 fish but none of them were big. They averaged about 13" to 15". The word was that the black and red leech was the best fly for others on this day.
I decided to try my old standby, the black/red booby fly and had a tug on my line within my first 10 minutes. The wind had picked up again so I stayed for about an hour in this isolated area of the lake. I really wanted to head to the SW section, closer to the outlet dam, where I had had good success last year.
As I made my way to the SW corner, I dragged my booby fly on a full sinking line along the west shore and finally nailed my first fish. It was a hard fighting silver bullet, about 14" in length. Although I was going to release the fish, I did a throat pump and found that the fish was full of small (#14 to #18) black chironimids, black head and dark ribbing.
After catching 2 more fish, I moved into some shallower water, anchored and pulled out the dry line. Using a black chironimid about 6'under a strike indicator, I hit a small fish on the my first cast and had only one more hit on that fly in the next 45 minutes so I decided to go back to the wind drift/troll with the booby.
I caught a few more fish ( a total of 6 for the day) and headed for home about 6pm. The fish were scrappy but not big. I did not pick up any big fish on my finder. No one else caught any big fish except one boat that latched on to a couple of spawners.
Scuitto Lake was very good last spring on chironimids. I expect the fishing to really get going within the next week or so.
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May 8, 2009, Kamloops Area Lakes 6 Mile Lake - May 6, 2009
The sky was mostly cloudy with a light SE wind when I arrived at 6 Mile Lake about 1:15pm. There were 2 other boats on the water but it appeared a
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May 7, 2009, Roche Lake Area - Horseshoe Lake
Easily accessible by car, fishing Horseshoe lake is an exercise in patience. A designated Ducks Unlimited Project, Horseshoe lake has dark water with large triploid rainbow trout and an ample supply
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