nice 2 1/2 pounder

Bit of a narrow goat trail to get down too it. Less busy. Not alot of parking

Good public boat launch. Slight current north up river very manageable. CAUTION when you leave to enter lake stay to the left and pass thru Marked buoys. There is a weir

Lake of the Day: Windermere Lake

Windermere Lake is one of the most popular lakes in all of southeastern British Columbia, and for good reason. The recreational opportunities are endless and the fishing is fabulous. Like some other lakes in the southern part of the province, Windermere Lake is known as a bass fishing hotspot. Brian McKenzie from Home Hardware says that Windermere Lake is fairly consistent all year round. Ice fishing for bass is a popular winter activity among locals, and although it is relatively shallow, the fishing can be good even in the heat of the summer. Rylan Kashuba from Reel Axe Adventures says that bass will bite on spinner baits, crank baits, rubber frogs and rubber worms. Chartreuse is a good colour for the frogs. If you are using minnow lures, a rainbow trout colour is a good choice. Frogs can be fished in a number of ways, from skimming along the surface to imitating a hopping action among the weeds. Try to keep the action as realistic as possible, but do not be afraid to experiment with your technique. Kashuba advises to look for bass in cover spots like lily pads and reeds, or in deep holes if it is hot out. Anglers targetting the lake’s rainbow trout may want to try shiny, fast-moving lures, says Kashuba. He trolls the lake, and suggests sticking to the north east side. “Early morning is the best time before all the speed boats get out there,” Kashuba advises. LAKE ACCESS Windermere Lake is located north of Cranbrook. From Cranbrook, follow Cranbrook St. North to Highway 3B/Highway 95. Take the ramp onto Highway 93/95 and follow the highway for 32 kilometres. Stay right to keep on the highway and follow this road for another 90 km. There are several access points to the lake along the highway. Accommodation is available at one of the many resorts in the area, and also in the town of Invermere, on the north shore of the lake. There are also camping options at Dry Gulch Provincial Park or at Kootenay National Park, where there are three major campgrounds. There is a day-use area just north of the town of Windermere, at James Chabot Provincial Park. A boat launch and sandy beach are available, along with picnic tables, water and pit toilets.

Windermere Valley Ice Fishing Derby January 30, 2016

Registration for this fabulous ice fishing derby begins at 8:00 a.m. Fishing goes from 9:00 to 3:00 on January 30, 2016. Tickets are $35 each. Prize money depends on ticket sales, so the more the better! The derby is hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley. See the poster at http://www.cvchamber.ca/things-to-do/winter-in-motion-festival/ice-fishing-derby/