We've collected a list of some of the best lakes in the Thompson-Okanagan to do some ice fishing.
Image Credit: INSTAGRAM / Tunkwa Lake
January 01, 2021 - 12:00 PM
With the cold temperatures, many of the bodies of water in the Thompson-Okanagan are now frozen and ready for winter activities.
One of the most iconic winter activities is ice fishing, and the Thompson-Okanagan is great place to enjoy the winter pastime. Be sure you are in a safe area, follow proper safety procedures and obtain your fishing license before starting an ice fishing adventure.
Now brew a warm beverage, and grab your fishing rod and drop a line at one of these ice fishing spots.
KAMLOOPS
For those in the Kamloops area, there are many nearby lakes to choose from, but we’ve listed a few must-see spots that are rich with fish.
Edith Lake, about 15 minutes south of Kamloops, is a nearby spot to catch some different varieties of rainbow and brook trout which are stocked year-round, according to Tourism Kamloops.
Just under an hour southwest of Kamloops lies Tunkwa Lake. It’s a great spot near Kamloops to have a weekend getaway, as you can stay at the Tunkwa Lake Resort, where there are rustic cedar cabins to come back to after catching rainbow trout.
Tranquille Lake, located just over an hour from the river city, is another good spot to get a winter stay-cation. Wendego Lodge is situated right on the lake and offers cozy cabins to come back to after a day of ice fishing or snowmobiling.
Red Lake is another local favourite and is full of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Red Lake is about an hour and 20 minutes northwest of the river city.
Between Kamloops and Vernon is Monte Lake, which also boasts plenty of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Although there is an RV park and campground, it is only operational from May to October, which means a more serene environment for ice fishing.
VERNON
Swan Lake is a great spot to get some bites and is only 10 minutes from Vernon. Currently, the ice is about five inches thick, according to a discussion on this Okanagan fishing page. It’s right off Highway 97 and could make for a perfect day trip.
Oyama Lake, about 45 minutes south of Vernon and 55 minutes north of Kelowna, is a great spot to take in a snowy wonderland with the family, as you can rent cabins from Oyama Lake Eco Lodge. This lake is a perfect spot to catch rainbow trout, where they thrive, according to Fish B.C.
Between Vernon and Kelowna lies Beaver Lake, a close spot to bring the family for winter activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. With cabins to rent right on the lake, this is another one of the great spots to bring the whole family.
KELOWNA
Shannon Lake, in West Kelowna, is a good spot to head for a day trip and catch some perch, large mouth bass and the regularly stocked rainbow trout.
If you’re looking to take a mini-vacation, take the family to the resort on Idabel Lake, which is about 30 minutes southeast of central Kelowna. There, you can rent out a cabin or suite and fish for the stocked brook trout. You can be sure the kids are entertained with a games room that has a pool table, foosball and ping pong.
PENTICTON
Near Penticton, a local favourite for some chilly fishing is Yellow Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout and you can get there by driving 25 minutes southwest of Penticton.
If you think there’s a great ice fishing spot we should include, let us know in the comments. Check out the Freshwater Fisheries Societies of B.C. for more information on which lakes are stocked and when.
Did we miss your favourite ice fishing spot? Are you willing to share it with others? Let us know in the comment section below.
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