Spent a morning ice fishing, caught 1 Brookie about 1lb and had a few nibbles. There's 1.5' - 2' of ice on the lake.

Slow steady action at Edith Lake yesterday. Lots of action. Only one in the boat.

Sometimes the smallest lakes can yield the best fishing. This is the case for Edith Lake, just over 20 minutes from Kamloops. Its proximity to the city makes it popular, and its productivity keeps anglers coming back. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks Edith Lake with both Fraser Valley and Pennask rainbow trout, as well as brook trout, which are ideal ice fishing targets. Brook trout are also ideal targets for shore fishing, according to Master Angler Brian Chan. Rainbows tend to hang out further into the deep, and brook trout are often tempted to feed in the shallows. The brook trout tend to be smaller than the rainbows in Edith Lake, which have been known to get up to 6 lbs. Angler’s Atlas member FishntheLoops says that “fly fishers will definitely have the upper hand on this lake, but baitcasting from shore is very effective, too.” He adds that retrieving small spoons will often catch plenty of fish. “Powerbait’s Flourescent floating ‘salmon eggs’ as they are called, are ‘eggcellent’ when it comes to enticing big fish. Just use a sinker to get it down and anywhere from 18-36 inches off the bottom for best results,” he suggests. Like many Interior lakes, Chironomids are a perfect choice for ice-off fishing. FishntheLoops suggests sizes 6-12. He adds that Ironmans and Zuchinis are a must for your fly box. If you’re out in the evening, try a Ruby-eyed Leech. Many standards are known to work in Edith Lake. Troll with a Ford Fender, a Willow Leaf and Wedding Band, or even plain worms can catch fish. You’ll have the best luck along the lines of the weedbeds. FishntheLoops notes that in front of the beaver house, the bay near the second boat launch, and the very far south end where the stream comes in, are all known hotspots. FishntheLoops points out that Edith Lake gets a lot of fishing pressure, and the fish tend to be “moody.” When you do catch one, the Pennask’s acrobatics are awesome to watch, and the Fraser Valley trout will figh hard with their long runs and deep dives. LAKE ACCESS From Kamloops, take Hwy 5A south to Long Lake Rd. Follow Long Lake Rd. south to Edith Lake Rd. Turn right onto Edith Lake Rd. and follow for about 4 km. to the lake. The road is suitable for all vehicles. There are 12 campsites at Edith Lake, with a $15 fee per night. There are 3 boat launches along the western shore of the lake. There is also a small dock located close to one of the day-use areas. Please keep in mind that camping is only allowed at the Rec Site; other areas are day-use only.

Stillwater Fly Fishing around Kamloops, British Columbia Whether you’re a seasoned stillwater fanatic targeting fish weighing in the double digits, or just starting out, Kamloops offers many opportunities to fly-fish some of the best lakes in the province. There are plenty of lakes only a short drive from town where you can find excellent early-season fly-fishing for rainbow trout stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of British Columbia. To offer a diverse range of trout to target, the Society stocks most lakes with different strains of rainbow trout (Blackwater, Pennask, or Fraser Valley). They also stock other species of fish, like the colourful eastern brook char. Throughout the stillwater season (which usually begins when the ice comes off some lower-elevation lakes in March), an angler’s skill will be tested as the trout begin feeding on a wide variety of aquatic invertebrates: mayflies, damselflies, dragonflies, scuds, leeches, and chironomids. While it can take many seasons of dedication for an angler to discover the trends and secrets of local lakes, this perseverance can lead to some incredible catches. Watching your strike indicator sink during a thick hatch of chironomids, or feeling an aggressive take while stripping a fly along the bottom, never gets old. Three lakes within a 30-minute drive of Kamloops that offer great fishing are 6 Mile, Jacko, and Edith. All these lakes have boat launches that allow good access to their productive waters. Typically, 6 Mile will become ice-free first, and can produce high numbers of rainbows ranging in length from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20 inches). Leech and damselfly patterns are often the ticket for putting a few fish in the net. Jacko usually fishes well as soon as the ice comes off. Fishing can be outstanding for rainbows reaching lengths over 76 centimetres (30 inches), and weights in excess of 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds). Chironomid fishing is the name of the game on this lake, as hatches occur almost daily. Both Jacko and 6 Mile are day use-only areas. Edith, however, has a campground, and is a good weekend option for out-of-town anglers. In addition to rainbow trout, the Society stocks this lake with eastern brook char. While not really a place to fly-cast, a fishing dock on the southwestern end of Edith offers people without boats, or kids, a chance to try their luck. There are a few things that anglers must always keep in mind if they want to be successful fishing this region’s lakes. With a wide variety of feed available to the fish, it is important to carry many different fly patterns with you. Don’t be afraid to change it up if something doesn’t seem to be working. It’s also important to try different areas of the lake – you may find that certain areas only produce fish at particular times throughout the day. Employ tactics like retrieving leech and damselfly patterns on sinking lines, or fish static patterns (like chironomids, scuds, or balanced leeches) with floating lines and strike indicators, which help in finding desired depths with consistently feeding fish. Since chironomids are a staple of a trout’s diet, and come in a huge array of different colours and sizes, many fly fishers spend hours tying different variations of this fly to help them “match the hatch” when fussy fish are keying in on specific chironomids. Dynamic anglers, willing to adjust to changing conditions, are always the ones who do well. With any piece of water, it is important to become familiar with the provincial and regional fishing regulations. Be sure to read up on any lake you plan to fish before going. A final word of advice: anglers who spend the most time on the water are the most likely to catch fish. It takes practice and dedication to become an accomplished stillwater fly angler, and those who take the time to learn a lake will be rewarded. Kamloops is a city for anglers. The three lakes mentioned above are great places to start, but there are hundreds of lakes from which to choose that will challenge and reward any angler. The only thing left to do is to get out there, and find your favourite lake. Author: Brennan Lund Original Post: https://www.gofishbc.com/Blog/Where-to-Fish/Stillwater-Fly-Fishing-around-Kamloops,-British-Co.aspx

Despite the heat , Edith Lake still producing Nice fish

Ice fishing fun...

Ice fishing fun

Ice fishing with the Grandkids...

Ice fishing with the Grandkids

Derby deal: fishing plus food

Kamloops Brock Central Lions hold their second annual fishing derby at Edith Lake on July 20. Entry fee: $10 singles or $15 for families. Includes pancake breakfast and lunch. Everybody welcome. Breakfast at 7 a.m. Fishing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Bill @ 250-371-0115 or email [email protected]

More Learn to Fish

There are two more Learn to Fish evenings at Edith Lake near Kamloops this month -- June 5 and 18. The Freshwater Fisheries Society is offering the two-hour fishing programs for youth aged 5 to 15 from 6 - 8 p.m. All equipment is provided. Each session includes an introduction to fish biology, fishing ethics, freshwater ecosystems, and conservation – along with a hands-on fishing lesson using Rapala rods, reels, and gear. To participate in one of these public programs, register with the city by calling 250-828-3500 or go online to kamloops.ca/ezreg. Additionally, Learn to Fish programs are being offered to local schools and over 35 classrooms have signed up this spring. There will also be programs throughout the summer at Lac Le Jeune, Paul Lake and Walloper Lake provincial parks. Last year, Learn to Fish sessions attracted more than 27,000 children and adults across the province. Up to now, the Learn to Fish program has been funded mainly by the Freshwater Fisheries Society and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, with additional help in the Kootenay Region coming from the Columbia Basin Trust. In 2014 both Rapala Canada and Teck Highland Valley Copper have come onboard as sponsors of the program. More information: http://www.gofishbc.com.

Learn to Fish May 28

On the Go Fish B.C. Facebook page, Carly Nicole writes: "Great day out at Edith Lake! Kamloops families we hope to see you out next Wednesday (May 28) from 6-8 p.m. for our families program! Teachers of Kamloops, there is still room for you to book, too!"

Learn to fish May 14

Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.'s (www.gofishbc.com) Learn to Fish spring program kicks off Wednesday, May 14, near Kamloops. A second evening is scheduled for May 28, same time and place. To get there, take Edith Lake Road off Long Lake Road, 17 km south of Kamloops. Catch the fun with this hands-on program and learn about fish identification, conservation, hatchery roles, proper fish handling, regulations, ethics, tackle, rod rigging, practice casting, and hands-on fishing at the lake. The program is sponsored by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for youth ages 5-15. Adult supervision is mandatory All equipment is provided. Suggested donation of $5 per youth. Important: Please ensure you arrive on time as the introductory information on fishing technique and ethics are important to your participation in the hands-on fishing portion of the program. They reserve the right to deny entry to those arriving after the program has started. Programs run rain or shine.

Slow Fishing

First time on Edith lake on Friday and it was slow. Fished the East bank of the lake in 6 - 14 feet of water. The most success we had was in the deeper, cloudy waters. There were quite a few other ppl on the lake and concentrated at the South Bay, with a few in shallow waters along the West Bank and in the North bay beside the boat launch. Everyone had the same story to tell... Slow, slow, slow... On Saturday it was the same story, slow fishing for everyone. Tried a few spots in the long bay to the East, as I was the hotspot earlier in the year. There were a few swimming around the hole in 8' of water but none made it on the ice. After drilling many many holes, I wasn't able to find any weedbeds where the food may be hiding. The bottom was hard pack sand/rock. Good luck with this lake.

Deeper Launch, Steep Gravel Ramp

shallow launch