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David Wei
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Perry Mack
Bobber fishing on Wood Lake
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Dave Kimble
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Dave Kimble
By David C. Kimble
The name of this awesome fishing destination represents three mighty rivers – the Thompson, the Okanagan, and the Similkameen – that have carved out their respective valleys over thousands of years. Anglers visiting this fabulous region often combine their sense of adventure and exploration with their desire to catch a variety of sport fish using a plethora of techniques. They enjoy bringing family members to share the marvelous fishing, along with all the wonderful amenities and activities that this magical recreational destination has to offer.
Diversity best describes the tremendous fishing in this area. With deep-lake rainbow trout weighing up to 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds), anglers from around the world will travel here in search of their “personal best,” and may well fulfill their dreams. Others will be casting for steelhead trout in the region’s mighty rivers, or for feisty bass in lowland lakes. They may try to catch record-sized kokanee from Okanagan or Kalamalka lakes, fly-fish for willing stocked eastern brook char, or even target mature chinook salmon in many specific lakes and rivers.
While trophy-sized rainbow trout lurk deep in the frigid waters of this fishing mecca’s large, lower-elevation lakes, it is the high-elevation lakes (where one can fish from smaller craft like car-top boats, pontoon boats, and float tubes) that draw families as well as ardent anglers. The hills and mountains that surround these valleys are dotted with thousands of rainbow trout-filled lakes. Fly-casters can try to fool wary trout with special fur-and-feather creations, and more relaxed anglers can just lazily tow gang trolls and worms; all are happy to provide nature’s special fare for that night’s fish dinner. Whether visitors want to stay at a luxury resort or a rustic cabin, in a fully equipped RV, or in a pup tent, it will still be the thrill of catching fish that draws anglers to this spectacular part of the province.
The area’s marvellous fishing and other outdoor activities, with accommodations ranging from economical campgrounds to luxury resorts, offer growing families some of the best value for their hard-earned money. Anglers visiting this part of the world might well find themselves speeding down a champagne-powder ski run in the morning and battling a giant rainbow trout from Okanagan, Kalamalka, or Shuswap lakes that same afternoon. Visitors can take winery tours, mountain bike along the old Kettle River railroad trestles, golf some British Columbia’s best courses, and combine any of these exciting local activities with the region’s totally awesome fishing.
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