Ice fishing in Kamloops is a pursuit rooted in pulling rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, bull trout, and burbot through carefully drilled holes in the ice with the right gear and techniques. Known for its strong fishing culture, Kamloops transitions into a winter destination as lakes freeze and anglers gather with shelters, rods, and bait in hand.
The winter season offers a setting where access to stocked fish populations becomes simpler, removing the need for boats and embracing the quiet rhythm of the cold months. Each outing blends patience, skill, and timing, with different lakes requiring slight adjustments depending on depth, fish species, and weather conditions.
Essential Gear for Ice Fishing in Kamloops
Starting with the basics, anglers need a manual or powered auger to drill into the ice, along with ice rods and reels that provide the necessary sensitivity and strength. A skimmer or slotted spoon keeps holes clear of slush, and tip-ups allow monitoring of multiple fishing holes without constant attention. Portable shelters offer protection from the cold, while layered clothing, insulated boots, and gloves help maintain comfort throughout the day.
For those looking to refine their approach, advanced tools such as sonar units and flashers make locating fish under the ice more efficient. Underwater cameras provide direct observation of fish movement and behaviour, while portable heaters extend time on the ice by creating a more comfortable environment. Each piece of equipment plays a role in making the experience more productive and enjoyable.
Top Ice Fishing Locations Around Kamloops
Monte Lake
Monte Lake stands out with its regular stocking of approximately 25,000 triploid kokanee and 15,000 blackwater rainbow trout each year. Early winter typically sees the best action, with open landscapes surrounding the lake providing easy access to prime fishing spots.
Edith Lake
Edith Lake supports strong populations of Fraser Valley and Pennask rainbow trout, along with eastern brook trout. Thanks to an abundant insect base, fish grow quickly and aggressively, offering a productive experience for anglers favouring active jigging techniques.
Lac Le Jeune
Lac Le Jeune is a consistent producer of rainbow trout throughout the winter season. Ice forms early, allowing for a longer fishing window, and nearby resorts provide accessible accommodation options. The lake’s varying structure between shallow and deep zones requires anglers to adapt their bait presentations accordingly.
Heffley Lake
Heffley Lake sits among rolling hills, offering reliable rainbow trout fishing through the ice. Anglers often target productive bays and underwater drop-offs as winter progresses. Wildlife sightings, including bald eagles and ospreys, add to the overall outdoor experience.
Paul Lake
Paul Lake presents opportunities for both kokanee and rainbow trout, thanks to annual stocking efforts. The lake's underwater structure supports different fishing styles, from still bait fishing to active jigging. Anglers often adjust depths to locate suspended kokanee schools during the winter months.
Effective Ice Fishing Techniques for Kamloops Waters
Still-fishing remains a core method across Kamloops lakes. Using small baits like maggots, worms, krill, or shrimp, anglers suspend hooks close to the lakebed, weighted with a small sinker or split shot to maintain position. Watching for subtle rod movements or tip-up indicators often signals a strike.
Jigging adds an active dimension to fishing, where small lures tipped with bait are lowered into the water and moved with a slow, rhythmic lift-and-drop motion. Adjusting lifts between 15 to 30 centimetres can trigger strikes from fish, particularly kokanee, which often respond to sharp, consistent jigging patterns.
The use of flashers and sonar has become standard practice for many anglers. Flashers mimic natural prey movements to attract fish, while sonar devices provide a visual on fish depth and activity. These tools allow anglers to place baits more accurately and stay connected to fish throughout the day.
Selecting the Right Lures and Baits for Kamloops Ice Fishing
Anglers around Kamloops often rely on lures like the Williams Wabler, a classic spoon that produces enticing flashes and movement, and Buzz Bombs, which work well when targeting aggressive fish. Soft baits such as Berkley PowerBait and Gulp products simulate natural scents and textures, encouraging longer strikes.
Effective bait choices include pink maggots, mealworms, and pieces of corn enhanced with attractants like krill oil, shrimp scent, or garlic. During winter, trout and kokanee favour brightly coloured and strongly scented offerings. Berkley PowerBait Trout Nibbles are also popular for their durability and effectiveness during repeated jigging.
Presentation remains crucial. Smaller baits often perform better in colder months due to slower fish metabolism, while clear ice days call for subtle, natural colours and snow-covered conditions favour brighter hues. Switching bait combinations regularly helps anglers identify the most effective option for the day.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Before venturing onto any frozen lake, checking ice thickness is essential. A minimum of four inches, or 10 centimetres, of clear, solid ice is needed to support foot traffic. Regular thickness checks while moving further from shore enhance safety, as ice conditions can vary widely across a single body of water.
Weather conditions in Kamloops can change rapidly, making it important to monitor forecasts and stay alert for signs of ice stress, such as loud cracking sounds. Carrying ice picks, a rope, and a flotation device can greatly improve outcomes in emergencies. Fishing with a partner and informing someone onshore about your plans remain important safety practices.
Embracing the Kamloops Ice Fishing Experience
Ice fishing in Kamloops is about preparation, knowledge of local waters, and adjusting techniques to match the season and fish behaviour. Each lake presents its own set of challenges and rewards, requiring anglers to stay observant and adaptable.
Maintaining respect for the environment and following local regulations helps preserve Kamloops' fisheries. Practicing ethical fishing methods, adhering to catch limits, and keeping fishing areas clean ensures that future generations can enjoy the same rewarding experiences on the ice.
