Wind + Hot Weather + New Moon = No Fish!
by Mr BFSH
Horseshoe Lake - Campground and Boat Launch
So, because we had luck on the Saturday night, and to make up for lost time, KJ and I decided to make a trek south to the Roche Lake Area. Our first thought was to fish the south end of Roche however once we left the valley in Kamloops and got past Knutsford, it was quite evident that wind was going to be a problem this day. It was howling in from the south and whipping up whitecaps on Shumway Lake on the old Hwy 5 to Merritt. We stopped at the highway turnoff (actually, I waited there for almost a 1/2 hour as he got caught up some task trying to leave the house) to discuss our plan of action. We decided to look at Bleeker first because it is an east-west lake and could have some shelter. When we arrive the water was rather choppy (it could have been worse) but the water was an algae green colour and wasn't very inviting. After a short conversation, we turned around and went back to the main road where we went to check out Rose Lake, which is a very small lake right beside the road. It appeared well protected with just some swirling but there was nothing moving so we just put the thought of that lake in our back pocket... On to Roche Lake West... passed Horseshoe on the way in an it looked like it had some available cover too but for the time being, it was the last lake on our list. When we got to Roche West I was surprised how few boats were on the water for the weekend but when I looked a little further toward the south it was evident why people were going home early... the wind was howling out there too. We talked to a few fishermen and they said that the lake stopped producing around 10am and it was rough out there. With a hmmm and a hawwww, we discussed our dilemma and decide to go back to Rose Lake. Again, KJ hit the water before me. We had the lake to ourselves (rarely see anyone there at any time anyway but it is supposed to be stocked) but it only takes about 20 minutes to row around the whole lake. KJ wasn't picking up any fish on his fish finder and when I got out there, I was getting the same result. This little lake barely reaches 15ft deep and it's mostly 12' deep. It was getting close to the major solunar period and we had another decision to make... stay or go to Horseshoe (5 minutes away... after we reload the trucks). Horseshoe Lake it was... It was windy there too but there were enough sheltered spots to get out of the wind so we launched. There was an eagle and a turkey vulture hanging around the lake which gave us some hope. A younger gentleman came in with one fish which he caught on a yellow and red flatfish. Otherwise, the word was that it was slow here too. Time was moving on so we decided to get out there and try to catch something... which ended up being a futile effort. I had to get off the water just before 5pm (as nature wasn't calling... it was demanding) and I was feeling physically pounded with the heat, the wind and the lack of fish. I yelled over to KJ and he didn't give me any resistance at all about packing it in and getting home at a reasonable time for dinner. As good as the last week in May/first week in June were, the tide has turned and recently it has been the exact opposite. The fishing has been very slow. Hopefully the cool spell that has moved in today (Monday) will have a positive effect on the appetites of the trout. Tobiano Golf-Fish PackagesBritish Columbia's interior region is home to some of North America's finest golf and fly fishing adventures. These unique packages offer you a chance to play golf at Tobiano, "BC's Best Public" and "Best Conditioned" golf course as rated by ScorGolf Magazine 2009 and be professionally guided on some of the best fly fishing lakes this country has to offer by world renowned guides. Tobiano has joined forces with biologist and master guide, Brian Chan, along with his team of guides to initiate golf and fly fishing packages that are not found anywhere else in the world. Join us for a One-of-a-Kind Experience that you will not forget for a Lifetime! |
