Kamloops is surrounded by lakes and rivers that support shore fishing throughout much of the year. This piece focuses on where to fish from the bank, how to do it effectively, and what equipment tends to work best in these waters.
Prime Shore Fishing Locations in Kamloops
Edith Lake
Edith Lake sits about 25 minutes from Kamloops off Highway 5A. It’s a manageable drive with easy access to the water for shore fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with Kamloops rainbow trout and brook trout. There’s a dock, but much of the shoreline is fishable as well. Anglers can set up near the day-use area or move to less trafficked sections for quieter conditions. It supports both bait and lure presentations and is open to a variety of techniques. There’s a campsite on site for anglers looking to extend their stay.
Tunkwa Lake
Tunkwa Lake Provincial Park and lies roughly 40 kilometres from Kamloops. The lake is large with several points that allow for shoreline access, particularly from the campground and day-use areas. Rainbow trout are the primary target here. Water clarity and wind conditions influence where the fish hold, but most anglers find success using bottom fishing rigs with bait from shore. Resorts along the lake provide lodging, tackle, and local knowledge. Tunkwa is known for high catch rates, especially in the spring and fall.
Roche Lake
Roche Lake is located about 35 kilometres southeast of Kamloops. While best known for fly fishing, there are plenty of access points along the bank that allow for spin or bait fishing. Fish here average between 2 and 4 pounds, though trout up to 6 pounds are not uncommon. The surrounding area has campsites and parking close to the water. Fly anglers tend to use strike indicators or intermediate sinking lines close to shore, but casting spoons or spinners along drop-offs can also produce.
Jacko Lake
Jacko Lake is situated around 15 kilometres southeast of Kamloops. It is stocked annually with rainbow trout and has a reputation for quality fish. Access to the shoreline is generally straightforward, though the road in may require a higher clearance vehicle. There is a gravel boat launch and multiple beach-like points that are good for shore setups. Anglers here often report success with bait rigs as well as smaller lures retrieved slowly along the edges of weed beds.
Walloper Lake
Walloper Lake sits roughly 38 kilometres west of Kamloops and is known as a productive spot for families and beginners. A large pier provides easy access for casting, but there’s also a wide shoreline with packed gravel that supports shore angling. The lake is stocked with trout and supports high catch rates during spring and early summer. The day-use area includes picnic tables and washrooms. It’s often used as a teaching lake due to the simplicity of the setup and consistent action.
Effective Shore Fishing Techniques
Bait Fishing
Bait fishing remains one of the most reliable methods from shore in Kamloops lakes. Anglers typically use worms, salmon eggs, or synthetic options like PowerBait. A common rig involves a sliding sinker above a swivel with a leader of 12 to 24 inches. This keeps the bait suspended just off the bottom where trout are feeding. This approach works well during all open-water months and is especially useful for beginners due to its simplicity.
Fishing early or late in the day improves the chances of success, particularly during summer when fish are deeper during midday heat. Rod holders or forked sticks let anglers fish passively while attending to other lines. Most strikes are light, so using a sensitive rod tip or adding a small bell helps detect bites.
Casting and Retrieving Lures
Casting spoons or spinners from shore covers more water and often triggers aggressive strikes. Lures like the Luhr Jensen Krocodile, Gibbs Croc, or Mepps Aglia are used to imitate small prey fish. Retrieval speed can be adjusted depending on how active the trout are. On warmer days, a faster retrieve near the surface may draw more hits. On cooler days, a slower, deeper presentation often works better.
Adding a split-shot weight above the lure helps reach fish in deeper pockets and extends casting distance. This method suits anglers who prefer active fishing and who want to explore different shoreline stretches. Polarized glasses help spot cruising fish close to shore.
Fly Fishing with a Casting Bubble
Anglers without a fly rod can still fish flies using a casting bubble on a spinning setup. This setup uses a clear bubble float filled with a bit of water for casting weight, with a fly tied behind on a long leader. This allows shore anglers to present flies like leeches or chironomids at distances not possible with traditional fly gear.
This method is particularly effective in spring and fall when trout cruise the shallows feeding on emerging insects. The setup is retrieved slowly with pauses, mimicking the erratic movement of aquatic insects. It offers a hybrid approach that uses the simplicity of spin fishing with the finesse of fly patterns.
Recommended Lures for Kamloops Shore Fishing
Spoons
Spoons mimic small baitfish and are productive in clear water. Popular models include the Luhr Jensen Krocodile and Gibbs Croc in silver, gold, or fire tiger patterns. They can be cast far and worked at various depths depending on retrieve speed. On overcast days, brighter colours often perform better.
These lures are best used in open shoreline areas without dense weed cover. Their wobbling action attracts both aggressive and neutral trout, making them versatile tools for any angler.
Spinners
Inline spinners like the Mepps Aglia and Rooster Tail produce flash and vibration. These are useful in stained water or when fishing on windy days. They can be retrieved at medium speed with occasional pauses. They also work well in shallower water where fish can ambush from the edges.
Spinners are best used with light line and a small swivel to reduce line twist. Many shore anglers prefer them during spring when trout are active in shallow bays.
Jigs and Soft Plastics
Marabou jigs in olive, black, or white are effective when worked slowly along the bottom. These are useful in colder months or when trout are holding deeper. Small tube jigs or scented soft plastics can also be used to imitate leeches or aquatic worms.
Soft plastics like Berkley Gulp Minnows or PowerBait worms rigged on jig heads allow for subtle presentations. These lures are often fished with minimal movement and can produce during slower periods. They work especially well when tipped with real worm pieces for added scent.
Best Times and Seasonal Tips for Shore Fishing in Kamloops
Spring
Early spring is one of the best times for shore fishing. As ice comes off the lakes, trout move into shallows to feed. This makes them more accessible to anglers on foot. Fish are hungry and less selective, increasing catch rates with basic bait and lure presentations.
Shorelines with gradual drop-offs and nearby weed beds are good starting points. Fly fishing and spoon casting are productive during this time, especially in the late afternoon when the water has warmed.
Summer
Summer fishing can be productive early in the morning or late in the evening. During the day, trout often move deeper. Shore anglers do best near steep banks or drop-offs where fish can cruise deeper water.
Floating rigs and slip sinkers help present bait at variable depths. Using lighter line and longer casts helps reach these fish without a boat. Windy days push food towards shorelines, concentrating fish in specific areas.
Fall
Fall brings cooler water temperatures and renewed shore access to larger fish. Trout feed more aggressively ahead of winter. Shorelines become productive again as fish move into shallower water.
Chironomids, leech patterns, and slow spoons are effective in fall. Anglers should look for structure like submerged logs, weed edges, or rocky points where fish ambush prey.
Essential Regulations and Licensing
Anglers need a valid BC freshwater fishing licence to fish in Kamloops lakes. These are available online and at local retailers. Residents and non-residents must carry the licence while fishing.
Regulations vary by lake. Some have bait bans, single barbless hook requirements, or specific size and catch limits. Checking the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis is necessary before each outing to avoid violations.
Lakes managed under special regulations often have signage posted near access points. Conservation officers conduct routine checks. Knowing the rules helps protect fish stocks and avoid fines.
Gear Recommendations for Kamloops Shore Fishing
Most anglers use a medium-light spinning rod between 6.5 and 8 feet paired with a reel spooled with 6 to 10 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. This setup allows for good casting range and enough sensitivity to detect light bites.
Basic terminal tackle includes split-shot weights, barrel swivels, hooks (sizes #6 to #10), slip floats, and casting bubbles. Tackle trays or soft-sided bags keep gear organized. A small landing net helps secure fish at the shoreline.
Footwear depends on the terrain. Rubber boots or waders are useful during early spring and fall. In warmer months, durable hiking shoes work well. Bringing polarized sunglasses helps spot fish and reduce glare.
Conclusion: Shore Fishing in Kamloops
Kamloops supports a wide range of shore fishing options with consistently stocked lakes, straightforward access, and good seasonal variety. With basic gear and an understanding of conditions, shore anglers can expect consistent opportunities from spring through fall. Planning around seasonal behaviour, using the right techniques, and following local rules helps make the most of each outing.
