Large trout are standard in Echo Lake, and the fishing is great. Georges Boucher from Echo Lake Resort says that a near-16 pound Gerrard was once taken, as well as some big rainbows. Boucher recommends anglers troll a nymph pattern with a full sink line. Fly fishers can also try a strike indicator (bobber) with a chironomid fished just off the bottom. Most of the trout are in the 12- to 14-inch range, with several reported up to three pounds. But the Gerrard rainbow trout go to over 10 pounds and some more than 12 pounds. Black is a great colour for Echo Lake. The 16 pound Gerrard was fished with a black Apex. Other types of lures such as a Willow Leaf or Ford Fender are most popular, Boucher adds. Best fishing times are early summer and early fall. Trolling can yield the biggest fish, although fly fishing seems to produce larger quantities, says Boucher. There are weed beds right near the resort that are good places to start. Echo Lake is part of the province’s stocking program, operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. The stocking for this lake utlizes strains such as Blackwater, Pennask and the famous Gerrard strain. In 2016, 22,000 trout were stocked in Echo Lake. NOTE: The map shows a maximum depth of 164 feet, but Boucher says the lake has a maximum depth of 220 feet. LAKE ACCESS From Vernon, follow Highway 6 east, just past Lumby, to Creighton Valley Road. Turn here and continue along this road for another 20 km to the provincial park and the resort. The resort has 35 campsites and seven cabins to rent. There are boat rentals and a grocery store. They are open from May 1st to October 15th, and they have a no-pet policy. To learn more about the resort, call toll-free at 1-877-547-6434, or visit their website: echolakeresort.ca.

Just after a big thunder storm on Echo Lake. Two young fishermen came paddling by.

We tried this lake for the second time over this long weekend. Love the scenery, but this lake is very stingy in what it gives up even though the fish finder was dotted like it had a severe case of hives. It may have skunked us the first time, but this outing was more productive as I landed my very first Kokanee! Not entirely a wasted day :) Big thanks goes out to the gentleman we met at the launch. Your knowledge of this lake was bang on and we just can't wait to try your pointers next year!! Tight lines

Good Reports

We're hearing reports in our shop that Echo Lake is fishing well lately. Echo Lake is stocked with Gerrard rainbow trout. Stop by the shop for gear and tips! Trout Waters Fly and Tackle, #101-2340 Hwy 97N, Kelowna. www.troutwaters.ca

Birch lake Hiway 24

Has anyone have some advice on fishing Birch lake in late May fly or troll as The 6 yr old grandson will be with me. Thanks

Echo Lake ,Lumby BC

Well....have been there twice in July for 3 days each . The fishing was lousy to be honest . They have pictures of big fish posted at the resort website but all the time spent there I saw one decent size trout caught. It can get so windy there that if your in a small boat its almost useless to fish . They claim at the resort there is a 10HP limit on engine size , but no where can I find any kind of rule like that anywhere on the Provincial Fishing regulations site. It can get so bumpy on that lake u almost need a bit of HP and a large boat just to safe .

checking it out this weekend!

I have heard about some nice fish coming out of this lake but haven't had the opportunity as yet. We have a site booked this weekend july 04 and will report with pics if successful! i hear it can be a moody lake!

Echo Lake Resort. Visit www.echolake-fishing-resort.com for details.