Fishing for Bass

Fishing for bass rarely comes to mind when one thinks of British Columbia fishing....but it should!

Fishing for smallmouth bass and largemouth bass in BC is one of the best kept secrets in North America. Fly fishing for bass in BC can be simply sensational. If you are into good numbers and impressive size, consider taking your next "bass fishing trip" in Beautiful British Columbia.
British Columbia is where freshwater fly fishing is king. You can fly fish for bass at any of the productive lakes in the Kootenays, Okanagan or Vancouver Island. Of course the standard crankbaits, poppers, spinners, bobber and worms will do the trick too (live bait such as minnows are generally not allowed in BC - see note below).

Many of the productive "bass fishing lakes" in British Columbia are located in environmentally sensitive and controlled areas. Many times that means no motors or electric motors only. This is your opportunity to enjoy the fishing from your favorite canoe, row boat, pontoon boat or float-tube in an often spectacular location.

Special Note of Concern;

Fish species such as bass, perch, crappie and sunfish are NOT NATIVE SPECIES to waters of the Pacific watershed in BC. Although these species have been introduced to these areas (mostly illegally) and a fishery was created, it is of utmost importance that there is NO TRANSFERRING of these fish to other bodies of water... Period!!!

The Provincial Fish and Wildlife Branch, the provincial government and local fisherman take an extremely serious view of this violation and illegal practice. Introducing alien species to new waters can completely and adversely affect entire watersheds, depleting or eliminating the resident species. Rainbow trout, salmon, steelhead and kokanee are the main species at risk.

Enjoy your bass and perch fishing but please, be considerate and do not under any circumstances transfer any of these fish (or their live feed fish) to any other waters.

Report violators as this is a serious offense. Thank you.

BC Fishing Regulations

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Bass Fishing Lakes in BC by Region

Fishing for Bass: Kootenays:

Fishing for Bass in the Kootenays has never been better in this popular tourist destination area. Popular lakes such as Wasa Lake and Jim Smith Lake near Cranbrook,Duck Lake near Creston and Lake Windemere near Invermere have been producing quality largemouth and smallmouth bass for well over 30 years... MORE!

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Share your BC Lakes Fishing Picture with the readers at Bigfishsmallhook.com. It's simple and easy.

Just go to the BBC Freshwater Fishing Journal, upload your picture and add a short description and title.

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Fishing for Bass: Okanagan

The sunny Okanagan is the playground for British Columbia. The valley is literally lined with recreational lakes from Vernon to Osoyoos. Amongst the recreation are a number of lakes where Bass Fishing is a growing pastime. There are big lakes and small lakes with plentiful fish populations. It's just been recently that the BC Fish and Wildlife have started paying closer attention to the fishery. Believe me, it has paid dividends. If there is a record largemouth to be caught in BC, it's likely to come from this valley.
While in the area, take advantage of the other recreational opportunities available or simply just take the time to enjoy the spectacular scenic drives. The Okanagan is famous for it's vineyards, fruit growing orchards, beaches, water sports, hiking, biking, golfing and much, much more.

With it's generally moderate climate and stimulating scenery, the Okanagan is one of the most desirable places to live or visit in all of BC and Canada. Kelowna is equipped with an international airport that is serviced by major Canadian airlines and their subsiduaries... MORE!!

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Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands

- Elk Lake: 13 km north of Victoria

- Quesnell Lake: 3 km south of Nanaimo - smallmouth

- StMary's Lake: Salt Spring 3.5km north of Ganges -trophy sized smallmouth

Long Lake: 6.5 km north-west of Naniamo

Langford Lake: 16 km north of Victoria - smallmouth