Each year, large numbers of kokanee and rainbow trout are released into Horse Lake. In 2015, 120,000 kokanee and 50,000 rainbow trout were stocked in Horse Lake. Anglers targeting kokanee may find that a few tricks will produce results. Kokanee seem to prefer red and silver or pearl colours. Try trolling a small spoon, such as a Max Imperial in hot pink and fluorescent red. Kokanee prefer feeding on zooplankton, which are small creatures such as copepods and Daphnia. Therefore, anglers should keep the lures and bait small — corn kernels are popular.

Another trick is to troll in S-curves. Vary your speed every so often, but generally keep it slow. Many lures and flashers work best at slow speeds. Vary your depth according to the time of year, going deeper during the warm summer months. This is especially true for kokanee, which prefer water in the 10 C range. Horse Lake is a popular ice fishing destination, known for its big winter catches. Many really big lake trout come out of Horse Lake. Kokanee and rainbow trout are also productive targets all winter long.

Ice fishers may want to try a Williams Wobbler in various silver combinations to go after the kokanee and rainbow. A Ruby Eye Wobbler can work well, too. At around 12 inches or so, add a Glowhook with bait such as maggots, Powerbait or shrimp. Lake trout respond to black and white combinations. Try a #4 Coyote spoon in black and white, sometimes with blue on it as well. Various colours of Buzz Bombs can work, or try a Canoe spoon in black and white, or blue.

The map of Horse Lake shows underwater structure, but can sometimes miss small shoals. The map below is no exception and one of the shoals is missing.

The shoal is in the southwestern area of the lake. If you bring this map into your local tackle shop, they can help find the shoal for you.

LAKE ACCESS

From 100 Mile House, follow Horse Lake Road east about eight kilometres. Cariboo Bonanza Resort offers accommodations and a boat launch. Visit their website at www.cariboobonanza.com for more information.