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New Trip Log Where is Kootenay Lake?
Kootenay Lake (49.6363, -116.8565), located in Kootenay Region, British Columbia, Canada spans 41756.3 hectares (approximately 103184 acres or 417.6 square kilometers).
Which fish can I catch at Kootenay Lake?
The most popular species caught here are Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, and Kokanee. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local rules and regulations.
What does Kootenay Lake have?
No one has left markers on Kootenay Lake yet, you can add markers on the map.
Rainbow Trout 
Bull Trout 
Kokanee 
Northern Pikeminnow 
Largescale Sucker 
Lake Whitefish 
Mountain Whitefish 
Burbot 
White Sturgeon 
Dolly Varden 
Yellow Perch 
Cutthroat Trout 
Bridgelip Sucker 
Largemouth Bass 
Northern Pike 
Brown Trout About Kootenay Lake
Fishing in the Nelson area can be a little easier than fishing the other arms of Kootenay Lake. The West Arm, from Balfour to Nelson, offers areas where shore fishing is possible, and its smaller size makes it a little easier to explore this section. Kerry Reed, of Reel Fishing Adventures notes that fishing on the West Arm can be a lot different than the other sections of Kootenay Lake. “With a few openings during the season for Kokanee, it is a popular fishery in the spring,” he says.
Reed is enthusiastic about the different opportunities throughout the year. There is “great fly-fishing throughout the summer months and some fantastic bull trout fishing throughout the winter months. “It is a lot shallower than the main body of Kootenay Lake and is almost river-like in some areas. Depending on water levels, the currents will change throughout the year,” Reed cautions. He also reminds readers to routinely check the regulations for Kootenay Lake for in-season changes. The West Arm is a separate fishery from the main stem of the lake.
Kerry Reed is available to help you make the most of your trip to Kootenay Lake. Contact him at: Reel Adventures Fishing Charters Nelson B.C.
Phone: 250-505-4963 Email: reeladventuresfishing.com.
Accommodation options are plentiful in this area. Along the south side, Sunshine Bay Regional Park has a sandy beach and a boat launch. Balfour, located at the entrance to the West Arm, also has a boat launch and ferry services to the south side of the lake. There are also shore fishing options in and around Balfour.
The town of Nelson offers several accommodation options, from rustic campsites to hotels. West Arm Provincial Park and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park are two of the parks along the West Arm.
West Arm Provincial Park is largely undeveloped, although there is walk-in wilderness camping available and picnic tables at beach areas. Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient here. Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, on the other hand, is a popular tourist destination, providing sandy beaches and two campgrounds. Visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.discovernelson.com for more information.
Lodging and Camping
Full service RV sites, washhouse with showers, laundry, tenting, firepits, and picnic tables. Pet friendly and walking distance to a grocery store, pub and artisans. to grocery store, pub and artisans.
Open year round
16060 Hwy 3A
1 Hr north of Creston on Kootenay Lake
Cradled by majestic cedar trees and vibrant greenery, Cedar Point RV Resort and Marina offers an unforgettable escape into nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat for two or an exciting family adventure, this scenic haven is the perfect destination for your next camping experience.
Lodging Open Dates: May 1 to October 14 Camping Open Dates: May 1 to October 14
13165 Hwy 3A
From Creston, drive North on Highway 3A for 55Km. From Nelson, drive East on Highway 3A for 34 Km, take Balfour-Kootenay ferry, then continue on Highway 3A for 27 Km.
