Cooler temperatures help prolong spring fishing season
By Contributor
Summer is here, finally.
Kerry Reed of Reel Adventures Charters is back on the water fishing for the big one. Here’s Reed with the Fishing Report for July.
Kootenay Lake
Well Summer may finally be here. With the latest forecast finally calling for some sunshine, we may actually get a break from the rising water levels. This has definitely been a high water year.
And although the lake has been littered with debris, we have had some great fishing days.
Due to the high water and extreme run-off, our water temperature has stayed cooler than normal. And that has helped prolong our Spring fishing season. Usually by the time July hits, we are hitting the 60-plus degree mark, which in turn will slow the fishing down.
However, we haven’t hit that mark yet. And because of that, the good fishing continues.
Now, not every day has been the greatest. I think the fish are a little frustrated with the weather also.
Storms rolling in and out, rain, hail, and high winds have all affected the fish. So, one day the fish will be aggressively feeding. And the next day all is shut off.
Some of our good days have produced up to 10 fish during the day. And the sizes have been of good quality.
Rainbows up to 22 pounds and Dolly Varden (Bull Trout) up to 15 pounds have been coming in. Even our slower days are still making it worth while. One day we only managed to hook into a couple fish, but they were 12 pounds and 18 pounds.
So, it’s always worth the trip.
We are still fishing mainly on the surface. Although it can be very frustrating due to the massive piles of debris on the water. But, that’s why the fish are still on the surface.
So, be patient, pay attention to the debris fields, and check your lines often. The end result should be worth it.
What are they biting on ???
Since most of the fish are still coming to the surface to feed, we are mainly running our bucktail flies.
The new ‘fish skulls’ are still working well. The usual flies now come with a weighted head. They are called fish skulls.
This weighted head not only helps keep some of the debris off your lines, but it gives the fly a different action. And they are still producing some fairly consistent fish on our boat.
My Favorite colors have been: Blk/wht, grey/wht, and green/wht. Or the common numbers are: 214, 215, 221, and 228.
Plugs have been working as well. And also help to keep debris off the lines, as they will dive down a few feet. And the favorite Apex (hockey sticks) are working also.
My favorites have been: black/silver, silver/gold, blue/green or lucky numbers of #10, # 16, #53, #55, and the #135 of late.
We’ve also managed a few fish on the downriggers. Still using the old flasher/hoochie combo for the dollies.
But we’re catching lots on my favorite plugs again down deep.
Magic depths have been 40′, 60′, and 80′.
Tight lines…..
Kerry Reed
Reel Adventures Charters
Nelson B.C
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