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Story and Photos by Rod Henning
The clear blue waters of Okanagan Lake stretch almost 130 km from Vernon in the north to Penticton in the south and are home to the legendary Ogopogo. Although our lake monster has never been caught, you can catch some monster Rainbow Trout. Just a few years ago a local fisherman reeled in a stunning 25.5 lb trophy! Although catches like this are not common, Rainbows to 15 lb are caught each year.
Some Okanagan Lake hotspots to fish are Okanagan Centre and Rattlesnake Island near Peachland. In the Okanagan Centre region, anglers often start at Fintry and troll towards Lake Okanagan Resort. This is the deepest part of the lake reaching into the abyss at a depth of more than 300m. If you’re fishing in the south, start near the West Kelowna Yacht Club and troll south to the Provincial campground – this can prove to be very rewarding. There is a very deep hole just in front of Peachland, and crossing from west to east is also a good bet with many big fish caught in the open water while crossing over to Rattlesnake Island.
The spring and fall fishery are some of the most productive times to fish Okanagan Lake but having said that, the often-overlooked fishery is the summer months of July and August. During the summer months the fish inhabit the deeper, cooler waters and with the aid of a good sonar unit finding them isn’t hard. Once hooked they are firecrackers often racing from the depths to the surface in seconds throwing the lure before the angler even knows what’s happened!
Every year SunCruiser Media and Rodney’s REEL Outdoors organise two fishing tournaments on Okanagan Lake. One is in the spring on the Fathers Day weekend and the other in late October. The Father’s Day derby is a one day event held on the Saturday of the Father’s day weekend. This weekend also coincides with BC’s “free fishing’ weekend where anyone living in BC need not purchase a fishing licence. The derby in October is also a one-day event where longest fish takes all. These tournaments are a catch a release event where the anglers take a picture of their catch on an official derby ruler. Anglers take a length measurement instead of weighing a fish, which is less stressful on the fish and helps to ensure a safe release. Once the picture is taken the angler submits it via text or email using his phone to a derby official. In past events some serious prizes have been awarded to lucky anglers and this year’s Father’s Day event will be no different. First place angler will take home $4000 cash with second and third taking home $1000 and $500 respectively. Every entrant also has an opportunity to win a dream 3 day, 4 night Salmon and Halibut fishing trip for two with Shearwater Resort. This prize alone is valued at over $6000!
Whether you are a casual angler or a serious one, Okanagan Lake has something to offer everyone from beginner to pro, young and old. So the next time you pass by Okanagan Lake, don’t just think of Ogopogo but remember the monster Rainbows that lurk beneath the surface...
Rodney Hennig,
Licensed Fishing Guide
Rodney’s REEL Outdoors Fishing Charters.