Non stop action all day 👍🏽

A fantastic week long fishing trip ended with a dandy fish!

Nice little Lake Trout to start the day. Put up quite the fight on light tackle.

Babine Lake is home to a special strain of rainbow trout that grows much larger than common rainbow trout species. This strain of trout is part of a rare ecotype called the Sutherland population. These rainbow trout feed on kokanee and salmon fry, and grow quite large. There is limited information regarding the size of Babine Lake’s Sutherland population, and because it is a rare ecotype, anglers are encouraged to practise catch-and-release when going after these big rainbow trout to encourage the long-term sustainability of this species. Barbless hooks are also encouraged to improve survival. Fisheries biologists and area stakeholders continue their research programs on Babine Lake to determine if the stock is sustainable at present levels. They look at the habitat and conduct surveys on tributaries as well. Babine Lake is known for producing trophy char, rainbow trout and salmon. Angler’s Atlas Field Staff member Kenneth Donaldson says that the trout in Babine Lake, “are considered by many to be comparatively large and aggressive fish and have been known to bite on sockeye rigs (flashers and bead setup @ <30’) as well as plugs (green / yellow and blue worked for me) trolled at many depths. While you don’t need a downrigger, I think it just gives you more control on the repetition of what depth works.” Donaldson adds that, “Willow leaf and small “lifelike coloured” lures, such as green and yellow work well at shallower depths.” Early in the season the trout will inhabit shallow waters, but as the water warms up the fish migrate to deeper, cooler sections of the lake. Don’t miss the popular Father’s Day Fishing Derby in June or the Babine Lodge Fishing Derby in July! The rainbow trout fishery offers great options for every type of angler. Fly fishers can float the section of water between Babine Lake and Nilkitkwa Lake, known as Rainbow Alley. Fishing in Rainbow Alley can be some of the best in the province. Fly patterns that can work well are stoneflies, chinook and coho fry, and Epoxy Minnows and Stimulators. There are three major hatches to watch for—caddisflies, stoneflies and mayflies. When imitating these flies, it is important to know your insect’s patterns. For example, when emerging, damselflies will swim straight up and then to the edge, while dragonflies will swim to the edge before heading up. Angler’s Atlas Field Staff member Kenneth Donaldson reports that the south end of Babine Lake, into Rainbow Alley, is great fishing. “I have fished at the Babine Lake end of Rainbow alley and caught more large Rainbows than when I have fished further into the lake (South of Granisle for example). This MAY be the fact that we were closer to the Rainbow Alley “funnel” and they were congregating there, but I would have expected these large Rainbows to congregate at the mouths of any tributaries, waiting for any injured fish releasing their eggs early.” The salmon population contributes to the great trout fishing in this part of the lake. Donaldson says that during June or thereabouts, the trout from both Babine and Nilkitkwa Lakes migrate through the river to gorge themselves on sockeye fry. Please be aware that several different restrictions apply. Please consult the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations and the salmon supplement regulations for more information. LAKE ACCESS There are four primary access points to Babine Lake—north of Burns Lake to Pendelton Bay Provincial Park; near Granisle at recreation sites and provincial parks; at Smithers Landing and at Fort Babine. Granisle is located north of Topley (on Highway 16), following the Granisle Highway. Access to Smithers Landing/Fort Babine from Highway 16 is from Eckman Road, about 5 km east of Smithers on the right (east). Turn here and follow for 53 km. (Note: The road eventually turns into Babine Lake Road). Turn left (north) onto the Nilkitkwa Forest Service Road, and follow for 44 km, to the turnoff to Fort Babine on the right (east).

Beautiful BC

Patiently waiting for a bite...

Beautiful day of fishing coming to an end at Babine Lake

Summer storm rolling in at Babine Lake

Do fish bite better in the rain?

Why is that boat still at the dock? Lets get going!

Perfect ending to a great day of fishing!