The town of Golden sits nestled between the Rocky and Columbia Mountain ranges in the Kootenay region of southeast BC.  It is well known to travelling outdoor enthusiasts who seek quality, powder snow for downhill skiing or snowmobiling in the winter as well as alpine hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting during the summer months. Unbeknownst to many, this area is also home to some world class fishing opportunities. Tucked away in the Columbia River valley just south of Golden lie a number of blue ribbon trout lakes that offer anglers a chance to catch a fish of a lifetime.  These small, clear water lakes are rich in aquatic food life which allow rainbow and brook trout to reach trophy sizes. These waters are particularly well suited to the fly fisher due to the abundance and diversity of aquatic insect hatches. The majority of these lakes are easily accessed via a network of forest harvesting roads.  At many of these destinations, anglers will find a provincial recreation site that provides day use as well as camping spots along with boat access or launching areas. Annual stocking programs coupled with lake specific fishing regulations ensure there are a diversity of fishing experiences that will satisfy the first time angler as well as those seeking the challenge of landing the big one.

A watercraft of some sort, be it a cartop boat, canoe or pontoon boat is needed to effectively fish these and most other small lakes.  That’s because of the extensive shallow areas extending out from the shoreline of these lakes. All that shallow or shoal water provides superb insect habitat as well as being the major feeding area for the trout in the lake.  Fly anglers should expect to see the usual stillwater insect hatches that start off in the spring with chironomids or midges and are followed by mayflies, damselflies, caddisflies and dragonflies. Your tackle bag should have imitations of the pupal, nymphal or adult stages of these insects to match the hatch of the day.  

The jump-off point for a number of great fishing lakes including Mitten, Wilbur, Bittern, Nine Bay, Mclean, Loon, Summit and Rocky Point is the settlement of Parsons which is approx. 33 km south of Golden along highway 93.  Anglers wishing to explore this general area should pick up a copy of the Fishing Mapbook for Southeastern BC produced by Backroad Mapbooks. This guidebook provides detailed access as well as contour maps and fishing tips for many of the lakes in this area and can be purchased at the Golden Visitor Centre during the summer months.

Another way to really get a taste of the lake fishing opportunities in the Golden area is to use the services of a fishing guide.  Take advantage of their years of knowledge of the local waters and fishing skills to provide a memorable experience. The Golden Gillie is well qualified to provide a great day on the water for you and your family.

Accommodation options in this area range from campgrounds, RV parks, Hotels, B&B’s to mountainside hideaways.  Lush Mountain Accommodations, offer a wide range of rental chalets and homes in both valley and mountain locations to compliment your Golden outdoor experience.

The Golden area is home to some truly great fly fishing opportunities in both lakes and rivers located in wilderness surroundings.  And as an added bonus it is still a yet to be discovered fishing destination!

For more information visit Tourismgolden.com