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At 4600’ spring is slow to come. Our lakes still have ice on them but the snow is starting to melt and I am starting to look forward to another season of Fly Fishing Vacation in British Columbia. Understanding lakes can be like a puzzle, where we solve small pieces and eventually have the complete picture. What follows are 10 tips to help put that puzzle together which ultimately translates into having more success and fun on not only the almost limitless number of lakes in B.C. but also those found in other parts of North America and beyond.

Lakes can be broken down into 3 distinct habitat zones. The shoal or littoral zone is the shallow water area of the lake, that water from the shoreline out to about the 25 ft depth zone. This also coincides with the depth of maximum sunlight penetration and the effects of photosynthesis which is a key factor in determining overall lake productivity. The shoal is where the vegetation grows and where the majority of aquatic food sources are found. The shoal is the grocery store and the trout and char come onto the shoal for food. It is the most important area of the lake when it comes to catching trout. The drop-off zone is where the edge of the shoal zone transitions to the deeper parts of the lake. This is a continuation of fishing tips by Brian Chan. For more great tips view the earlier article and visit Brian’s website at www.riseformflyfishing.com

Look on and into the Water

Carry a small aquarium net to capture pupae, nymphs, emergers and adult insects so you can match fly patterns to size and color. Place the specimens in a vial or white dish to get a better idea of color and to also watch the actual emergence process. Surface and sub-surface feeding trout leave distinct riseforms that provide clues to the angler as to what insect stage they are selecting. Trout feeding on minnows often show chasing/slashing rises as they work through the school of baitfish. And finally, polarized sunglasses allow you to see better beneath the surface to spot shoals, drop-offs, spring areas, and bugs.

One of our guests had the experience of truly Fly Fishing Lodge British Columbia when an eagle grabbed the fish he was fighting and soared high above the boat. As the summer progresses at Caverhill Lodge we can tell you what insect is most likely to be hatching. Sudden shifts in temperature can change the normal expectation but we can certainly advise what fly to start with. Bait fish is one of the things we do not have in the Caverhill fishery. Our fishery is entirely native with no fish other then the spectacular Kamloops Rainbow Trout. All our fish are wild with no stocking programs. With limited fishing pressure you can always expect the electricity of a Rainbow strike.