Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park is well known for its picturesque setting, pristine campground and fishing in the clear cold waters for larger rainbows. The park is situated between two kettle-formed lakes making it a photographer’s delight. The park is popular from ice-off through late October with activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, camping and fishing.

These lakes are good producers of fairly large trout, and Kentucky Lake is stocked with rainbows. Both lakes are quite productive, and fairly deep. Trolling deep is the most common method of fishing these clear waters. Please note the 7.5 Kw (10hp) motor restriction on both lakes. In the deeper water, work with small spinners, Flatfish and Dick Nites while trolling just off the shoals. Small lures in chrome, black and silver, or blue work well. If fishing very deep stay with the chrome lures. Shore fishing is possible in spots along both lakes and also casting from the dock on Kentucky Lake during high water years.

Two ponds are located between Kentucky and Alleyne Lakes which feature a “children only – under 16” fishery to foster interest in the sport among the youth. The west pond is regularly stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. with catchable-sized rainbows. The east pond had prior stocking but is hard to fish during low water years.

During the early season, fly fishing is great on the south end of Kentucky Lake. Chironomid fishing is best at this time, and again in the fall. Black Sallies and Chromies are popular patterns. Leeches and Woolly Buggers fished with a full sink line at the drop offs can produce well. Stick to the shoals with dry flies in midsummer. The shoals at the north and northeast end of Alleyne Lake are best with a Damselfly Nymph or leech at the drop offs.

LAKE ACCESS

The park is located 38 km south of Merritt. Travel south (Hwy 5A) off of Hwy 97C at Aspen Grove for 11 km. Turn left (east) at Bates Rd. and proceed for 6 km. to the park. Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park has 58 vehicle accessible campsites, including one group campsite at the north end of Alleyne Lake. The park provides picnic tables, pit toilets, potable water, firewood and numerous hiking trails. There are boat launches at each lake within the park. Both can be poor during low water conditions. Map and article based on material provided by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.