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| Jacko Lake | Pinnacle Lake | Dugan Lake |
| Hosli Lake | Idleback Lake | Irish Lake |
Here are some important factors when considering your belly boating fishing trip. It pays to be prepared when looking for float-tube fishing locations.
Please make sure to check the
BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations
before you head out to any lake, stream or river.
1. Prospects - I first decide whether I want lots of fish or big fish. The two are occasionally synonomous however I have learned not to stretch my expectations. I'd rather be surprised.2. Access to the lake body - we are looking for a smooth, tapering launch. No sense in slogging through mud, rocks and sticks that result in getting stuck in the mud with your fins or damaging your waders or tube. Another consideration is access to the shore from different parts of the lake. Looking after 'personal business' requires getting to a landing quickly and peeling down the waders. When the water is cold, this event can spring up on you quickly.
3. Access to prime locations on the lake - the smaller the lake the better. Float tubes are not known for their speed (pontoon boats are quicker) so you want to get to the prime fishing spots (shoals, drop-offs, weed beds) as soon as possible.
4. Suscepibility to wind - Wind is the single most annoying factor while float tubing fishing. It is important to me to be able to find some shelter from whatever direction the wind is blowing. Look for odd shaped lakes with sheltered bays.
5. Vehicle Access to the Lake - paved, gravel or 4x4. The nice thing about a float tube is that it can be easily deflated enough to fit in a car, car trunk or other two-wheel drive vehicle. Many of the lakes in the Interior are quite accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles. On the other hand, there are no shortage of 4x4 or hike in lakes that are willing to reward the adventurous.
Jacko Lake (Region 3-19) - approximately 15 km SW Kamloops on the old Logan Lake Highway. 40 ha - Easily accessed by paved highway and a short 2km stretch of gravel road this lake offers a quick getaway from the city. Annually stocked with rainbow trout, Jacko gets a lot of pressure and is often moody but it is a consistent producer of 3lb+ fish, especially in the spring and fall. There is no overnight camping. Please respect the no trespassing areas.Regular fishing guidelines are in effect regarding gear and equipment. The lake is closed to fishing Dec 1 to March 31.
Pinnacle Lake (Region 3-12) - accessed from the Coquihalla Connector (Hwy 97C) between Merritt and Peachland between Pennask and Hatheume Lakes. Take the Sunset Rd turnoff and follow the signs on this gravel road to Hatheume Lake. Use caution as this road is usually an active logging road. Pinnacle is a 12 ha - high elevation lake and offers consistent fishing for medium rainbow all through the season. There is lots of cover from winds in the 3 bays that are located in the 3 corners of the lake.-2 fish limit - closed Dec 1 to Apr 30. -There is a BC Forestry campsite offers rough camping and there is easy access to nearby Hatheume Lake if you are looking for trophy sized fish.
Dugan Lake (Region 5-2) Accessed from 150 Mile House on the Horsefly Lake Rd, Dugan Lake offers both eastern brook and rainbow trout. Fish average 35-40cm (14"-16") but can grow much larger. Spring and fall fishing are best as the lake experiences summer doldrums due to hot weather. Try working the many bays along the north and east sides of the lake. -There is a forestry campsite with a number of pads but is generally full throughout the open water season. Ice fishing is also popular.
Hosli Lake (Region 3-20)- this jewel is significantly tougher to get into and a 4x4 is recommended. Accessed from the Bleeker Lake Road in the Roche Lake area, the last 2km are through a de-activated forestry road. Hosli has beautifully tapered shoals at the north, south and north-west ends. A large underwater island / shoal located near the center-east side drops off quickly. This shoal is known for its prolific sedge hatches in June and early July. - rainbows to 3.5kg (8lbs) on the fly
- 2 fish limit, single barbless hook
- there is an area at the north end of the lake for rough camping.Idleback Lake (Region 8-9)-Best accessed from Penticton via Carmi Road and then the Okanagan Falls FSR (forestry service road), Idleback is easy to reach. This high elevation (1430m - 4692ft) lake is approximately 14ha (35ac) in size. Complete with a small forestry campground, Idleback is a "fly fishing only" lake with electric motors only. See BC Fishing Regulations for Region 8.
Irish Lake (Region 5-1) - located just east of Lone Butte on Hwy 24, Irish Lake has been a steady producer for a number of years. Access has improved as there is now a forestry campsite on the south side of the lake. You may need at least a truck to get into it especially in the spring or if the weather has been wet.-Flyfishing, spincasting or trolling are all productive. -Electric motors only (if you must use a boat!)
