We gave it our best

Four lines, trying all depths, dry and wet, at different times for 4 days. Got two 18" in the boat but too small to keep. Cold, wet and blowing. (That 20" minimum is a challenge)

Green Body Red Holo for Hatheume

Trout Waters Fly and Tackle took a group to Hatheume Lake last week. Though the weather wasn't ideal, they still landed some nice catches. They suggest to try a "green body red holo and gold wire rib white bead size 12" at depths of around 12 to 18 feet. https://troutwaters.ca/

Lake of the Day May 23: Hatheume Lake, BC

Hatheume Lake can reward patient anglers, and the trout in this higher elevation lake have been known to reach five pounds or more. Hatheume Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Glen Peck, from the Hatheume Lake Resort, says that Hatheume's higher elevation keeps it fishing well into August. He adds that Hatheume Lake's "abundant food sources provide prolific insect hatches from late May to September." He adds that the resident swallow population is a good indicator for the location of good chironomid hatches. Many fly patterns work on Hatheume Lake. Peck suggests that anglers will want to choose chironomids in a wide range of sizes. Small #18s all the up to large #10 Bombers are good to have on hand. "Early in the season, black with red wrap and Chromies are successful. Mid- to late-season, I use an olive green with copper wrap," says Peck. Peck notes that black, brown and maroon are good all-season leech colours. Also, Hatheume Lake has a great freshwater shrimp population, and olive and grey are good colours for early or later in the year. The best spots to try are the weedy areas around the southwest corner of the lake. The northwest corner is also a good starting point. Peck says that one of his favourite spots for a trophy is in the middle of the lake, but that he has personally caught large fish right off the dock at the resort. LAKE ACCESS From Kelowna, follow Highwat 97c west to the Sunset Exit. Continue along Sunset Road/Bear Forest Service Road north for 18 km to the Pinnacle/Hatheume turnoff on the left (north). Hatheume Lake Resort is located on the northeast shore of the lake and has several cabin rentals, boat rentals and a tackle and convenience store. For more information, call 250-469-9600, or visit them online at www.hatheumelakeresort.com.

Ice comes off in hours

Mona at Hatheume Lake Resort, www.hatheumelakeresort.com, reports that the ice has come off the lake in short order. The 4,600-ft. elev. lake in the mountains of the Okanagan-Similkimeen atop the Thompson Plateau, was half-covered Tuesday morning before a rainstorm and wind completed the job. It's a symbolic start to the season at the resort, where the lodge opens May 16. Time to test the tackle on some of those trophy rainbows.

Hatheume Lake, June 14th:

Stocked by the FFSBC with fingerling trout, they should be trophies in a year or two. My coworkers were out on the lake and pulled in trout to 2Kg. Hatheume is a catch and release fishery, so keep that in mind if heading out for the weekend. Conservation officers have been patrolling the last few weekends, so if you head out, remember your fishing license, PCOC, and small watercraft necessities such as a bailer, anchor, flashlight, PFDs, buoyant heaving line, and whistle, as the COs are checking for these things. There is a horsepower restriction for the lake as well, under 10HP, so check your outboard for compliance or bring some oars! And of course, pinch those barbs.

Popular and Productive

We've had people reporting that Hatheume Lake is a great place to try your luck. Hatheume is stocked with rainbow trout and has been fishing well lately. Trout Waters Fly and Tackle has all your fishing equipment. Stop by for gear and info! www.troutwaters.ca or #101-2340 Hwy 97N, Kelowna.

morning in forest fire season

facing east from the forestry site

Provincial Park Access Road

Private Access Road

Provincial Park Campground Access

Rocky Outcrop

Provincial Park Access Road

Private Boat Launch

Provincial Park Boat Launch

Sunken Island

My Cabin

Hatheume Lake

Forestry campsite is very busy on weekends from first open water through early September. Most weekends parking lot is used for camp sites. Camping is also available at Pinnacle Lake Forestry site (approx. 1.5 KM away). Important Note: Provincial regulations: Artificial fly only, 10 h.p. motor & limit of 1 fish per day. Chironomid fishing best through June/July. Leeches (Black or Purple) & pregnant shrimp also effective all season. Lake is subject to wind conditions though usually early/mid-morning & evenings are typcially fairly calm.