Premier Lake lies against the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, and its emerald green waters are a favorite destination for many travellers through the Kootenays. Premier Lake is heavily stocked with rainbow trout. In 2019, 55,065 trout were released into the lake. Local angler, Ian Stewart writes that out of a dozen lakes, “the most consistent fishing [is] on Premier Lake, one of the larger lakes in the area. In the end of April and beginning of May, this lake developed a reputation for some good early-season action for rainbow and brook trout. Most of the fish are taken using small flies that imitate the abundant chironomids, which hatch at this time. The flies are fished static on very long leaders (20 to 25 feet), either on a small float (called a strike indicator by fly fishermen) or on the leader alone with a very slow retrieve.” Randy Martin, from Mountain Man Outdoors in Cranbrook, agrees that fly fishing is the best way to fish Premier Lake. “You can troll hardware here, but Premier is mostly a fly fishing lake.” Martin notes that anglers can try a lot of variety. “Try basic black, red or green. Sizes 12-16 are the most common sizes to use here.” Visit anglersatlas.com for Stewart’s report and more great information on Premier Lake. There is a provincial park at the southern end of the lake, which includes hiking trails leading to several smaller lakes also stocked with trout. They are Turtle, Canuck Yankee, and Cats Eye Lakes, and are between 20 to 45 minutes from the campground. There are special restrictions on Premier Lake. A southern closure between May 15 and June 20 is in effect, although the rest of the lake is still open. A speed restriction is in place for the southern half of the lake, where no towing/water skiing is allowed. There is a quota of two rainbow trout per day, and the brook trout daily quota is 20. The Springbrook Resort Motel & Campground is located a short 30 minute drive from Premier lake and offers all the amenities needed to make yours a successful fishing trip.Visit springbrookresort.com to book your trip today! LAKE ACCESS From Cranbrook, travel 72 km north along Highway 93/95 to a paved road on the right (east) leading to the park. The provincial park has 57 campsites, ten of which can be reserved. There is a concrete boat launch located past the day use area.

Ice fishing on Premier lake with our two year old granddaughter.She has a good hold on the slippery Rainbow in anticipation of a fresh fish feed.

He loves to fish !

Launch within Premier Lake Provincial Park. Concrete slab with minimal moorage. Note there is very limited, high-demand parking.