Hero Shot

Fishing blind bay. Caught this little rainbow.

Shuswap Lake is one of B.C.’s favourite destination lakes. The lake is made up of several distinct arms with the town of Salmon Arm taking the name of the southernmost arm. Along with the amazing recreational opportunities on Shuswap Lake, the fishing is spectacular. Jason Bellows, owner of Westside Stores in Salmon Arm, says fishing starts up early on Shuswap, with bucktailing for rainbow trout beginning in February. When trolling with bucktails early in the season, Bellows suggests to keep the speed slow (1 to 1.5 mph) as the cold temperatures mean the fish are lethargic. Early in the season, we fish [near Sicamous], in Herald Park area, and Bastion Mountain area,” says Bellows. As the season warms the water, the fish go deep. At that time, “we get into fishing with downriggers, trolling around 50-60 feet for resident wild rainbow and lake trout,” says Bellows. During this time, he recommends using larger spoons and Apex lures, and Lyman Lures. At this time of year, Bellows suggests speeding up to two miles an hour while trolling as the fish get faster. The location also changes, with a lot of anglers heading over to the Blind Bay area. Bellows describes Shuswap Lake as the most heavily regulated lake in the province. There are a number of regulations anglers need to be aware of, including the need to get a Conservation Stamp. Fortunately, we include the regional regulations. You can find all the regulations for Shuswap Lake listed at the end of this guide. A great way to enjoy Shuswap Lake is on a houseboat from Waterway Houseboats located in Sicamous. Boats are available from May 16th - September 30th, and hold from 2 up to 30 people at varying price points throughout the season. Houseboats can be rented for a three day, two night weekend, four day, three night midweek trip, or for the full week. For anglers, it is recommended that they bring their own boat in order to do some fishing. Boats are easily towed by all houseboats, but must unhooked and driven separately under bridges. The houseboats are equipped with a hot tub and waterslide as well as all needed safety gear. With over 1000 miles of beach to explore, the views, fishing opportunities, and wildlife alone guarantee a fantastic vacation. Be sure to book in advance! Check out www.waterwayhouseboats.com or give them a call at 250-836-2505. LAKE ACCESS There are several access points to Shuswap Lake, as the Trans Canada Highway borders many sections of the lake and the communities of Sorrento, Salmon Arm and Sicamous are located on its shore. Bellows says there are good boat launches Herald Park, Canoe Beach, Blind Bay and in Sicamous. There are many provincial parks dotting the shores of this lake, and BC Parks website has detailed map showing all of them, along with road access getting you there. To learn more about the these and other parks, visit BCParks.ca.

Thanks to such a great fishing community I was able to catch my very first lake trout! Lucky to live in such a great province and to be a part of the fishing community.

Shuswap Lake is one of B.C.’s favourite destination lakes. The lake is made up of several distinct arms with the town of Salmon Arm taking the name of the southernmost arm. Along with the amazing recreational opportunities on Shuswap Lake, the fishing is spectacular. Jason Bellows, owner of Westside Stores in Salmon Arm, says fishing starts up early on Shuswap, with bucktailing for rainbow trout beginning in February. When trolling with bucktails early in the season, Bellows suggests to keep the speed slow (1 to 1.5 mph) as the cold temperatures mean the fish are lethargic. Early in the season, we fish [near Sicamous], in Herald Park area, and Bastion Mountain area,” says Bellows. As the season warms the water, the fish go deep. At that time, “we get into fishing with downriggers, trolling around 50-60 feet for resident wild rainbow and lake trout,” says Bellows. During this time, he recommends using larger spoons and Apex lures, and Lyman Lures. At this time of year, Bellows suggests speeding up to two miles an hour while trolling as the fish get faster. The location also changes, with a lot of anglers heading over to the Blind Bay area. Bellows describes Shuswap Lake as the most heavily regulated lake in the province. There are a number of regulations anglers need to be aware of, including the need to get a Conservation Stamp. Fortunately, we include the regional regulations. You can find all the regulations for Shuswap Lake listed at the end of this guide. A great way to enjoy Shuswap Lake is on a houseboat from Waterway Houseboats located in Sicamous. Boats are available from May 14th - September 30th, and hold from 2 up to 30 people at varying price points throughout the season. Houseboats can be rented for a three day, two night weekend, four day, three night midweek trip, or for the full week. For anglers, it is recommended that they bring their own boat in order to do some fishing. Boats are easily towed by all houseboats, but must unhooked and driven separately under bridges. The houseboats are equipped with a hot tub and waterslide as well as all needed safety gear. With over 1000 miles of beach to explore, the views, fishing opportunities, and wildlife alone guarantee a fantastic vacation. Be sure to book in advance! Check out www.waterwayhouseboats.com or give them a call at 250-836-2505. LAKE ACCESS There are several access points to Shuswap Lake, as the Trans Canada Highway borders many sections of the lake and the communities of Sorrento, Salmon Arm and Sicamous are located on its shore. Bellows says there are good boat launches Herald Park, Canoe Beach, Blind Bay and in Sicamous. There are many provincial parks dotting the shores of this lake, and BC Parks website has detailed map showing all of them, along with road access getting you there. To learn more about the these and other parks, visit BCParks.ca.

A little evening fish for the Birthday Girl

A 70 year old novice Trout fisherman caught this Raibow on Shuswap Lake

Spring bull

Caught in early April off Murdock