Cast a Line in the Kootenays
From the mighty Columbia River to quiet lakes and waterways tucked throughout the South Kootenay, fishing is a year-round way to experience the region. Trail, British Columbia is at the heart of it, with 56 kilometres of fish-rich Columbia River stretching through the area and offering exceptional opportunities for shore fishing, fly fishing, spin casting, trolling and more. The river is home to wild rainbow trout, walleye, bull trout, Gerrard trout, kokanee and smallmouth bass, with different species and techniques coming into their own throughout the seasons. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for your next big catch or simply want to spend a peaceful morning by the water, the South Kootenay offers plenty of places to cast a line and make a day of it.
Reel in the Good Stuff
Four Season Fishing
The Columbia River and surrounding waterways are home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, bull trout, Gerrard trout, walleye, kokanee and smallmouth bass. What you’ll catch—and how you’ll catch it—changes with the seasons. Spring brings warming water, summer offers productive insect hatches and warm-weather fishing, while fall brings cooler temperatures, colourful hillsides and hungry trout. And when the snow arrives, the Columbia keeps producing, with winter opportunities for trout and walleye. Fishing season is less of a season and more of a year-round habit in the Kootenays.
Where to Fish
The Columbia River is the big catch here. Flowing right through Trail, B.C., it offers an impressive variety of places to wet a line. Anglers can find accessible shore-fishing spots, riverfront parks, boat launches and walk-in fishing holes. Further afield, the lakes, creeks and waterways throughout the South Kootenay region offer even more opportunities to get out on the water. Wherever you choose, combining a day of fishing with mountain adventures, trails, dining and exploring is as easy as hook, line & sinker!
Guided Fishing
New to the area or looking to level up your fishing game? Local guides know the Columbia River, its changing seasons and where the fish are hiding. Book a guided adventure with Chillbilly Sportfishing Charters, Mountain Valley Sport Fishing & Tours, or Columbia River Flyfishing, offering everything from drift-boat and boat-based trips to fly fishing, spin casting and more. Whether you’re chasing hard-fighting rainbow trout, targeting walleye or exploring the river for the first time, a local guide can help you make the most of your time on the water.
Fishing Regulations & Conservation
Great fishing comes with a little responsibility. Before heading out, make sure you have the appropriate B.C. fishing licence and understand the current regulations, including species, seasons, limits and area-specific restrictions. Help protect the waters you’ve come to enjoy by following local conservation practices, respecting closures, properly disposing of fishing line and tackle, and preventing the spread of invasive species and aquatic diseases. Check the latest regulations before you cast—because keeping the South Kootenay’s waters healthy means there will be more fish stories to tell later.
FAQs
You can pick up fishing gear and tackle in Trail at Valley Firearms and Canadian Tire, while West Kootenay Fly and Tackle in Castlegar offers more specialized fishing and fly-fishing gear.
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC raise and release trout, kokanee and char – from fry to catchable size – into 800+ lakes across B.C. to provide improved recreational fisheries for anglers.
You can explore the Lake Report to discover stocking information for specific lakes or fish species or the Regional Report to generate an annual stocking summary of all lakes in a selected region.
To learn more visit https://www.gofishbc.com/stocked-fish/
Yes! Nancy Greene Lake offers easy access for both camping & fishing, just off of Highway 3 – 25 minutes outside of Rossland. Champion Lakes is a favourite for anglers and campers looking to settle in among the lake, forests and trails. Beaver Creek Park has a boat launch and sits on the Columbia River just outside of Trail, where Rainbow trout and Walleye are common species. The Pend d’Oreille: Buckley Campground also has a boat launch and a beautiful sandy beach.
Gyro Park Boat Launch
Beaver Creek Park Boat Launch
Pendreille River Boat Ramp
Get the Local Fishing Intel
For anglers, the South Kootenay is all about variety, access and year-round opportunity. The Columbia River is the star, with 56 kilometres of fish-rich water flowing through Trail and the surrounding area, offering everything from easy-access shoreline fishing and wade-in spots to boat launches and deeper water to explore.
Ready to get serious about fishing the South Kootenay? WeSportFish is your go-to resource for exploring the Columbia River, with detailed information on where to fish, what to fish for, how to fish and when to go. Discover fishing holes along the 56-kilometre stretch of river near Trail, learn about everything from fly fishing and spin casting to trolling and bottom fishing, get to know the local species, and dive into seasonal tactics, river conditions, hatches and access. You’ll also find local fishing guides, fishing reports, conservation information and regulations to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting to know the Columbia, WeSportFish has the local knowledge to help you find the fish—and make the most of your time on the water.
