Kootenay Lake Tackle

[deanna]

Spending 2 weeks in June on the West Arm. I have an 18 ft boat with down riggers but have never fished Kootenay. Any advice on tackle eg what # test for line and how big a rod a guy should use and of course lures would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance

[EZM]

For Gerards (Rainbow) I use a level wind reel with 30lb braid as the main line. The rods are Medium to Medium Heavy 8.5-9 ft.

I attach a flasher, about 40" of fluorocarbon (20lb) to my lure.

Commonly people use hoochies, lymans, apexes, and spoons.

I use a bead chain after the flasher to prevent tangles.

For Kokanees - I run a medium light rod, spinning reel, with 10lb-15lb braid. (whatever is on the rod really).

I have found using a hot pink small apex (kokanee killer) is the ticket. I sometimes run a 1oz or 2oz mooching sinker, snubber, then a willow leaf, bead chain, then 30" of fluoro to the apex.

A couple ideas anyways ... give it a shot. Randy at the gill and gift in Balfour (if you are on that side) will let you know what colors are hot.

[Tannerdog]

I also use a level wind for rainbows but much lighter line. (15lb.) and have never broken off. Use streamer flies right on surface for the rainbows. Downriggers are usually better for the dolly varden but you will often get rainbows deeper as well. As mentioned above, the gas station in Balfour will outfit you with what you need. Lyman plugs work well for dolly varden on the downrigger as well. Check the regs as the west arm is closed a lot of the time for fishing.

[TROLLER]

Did they not also close the lake to Kokanee this year?

[deanna]

I read 0 limit on kokanee & 4 trout to get predator prey balance back in order. Thanx for the reply's guys that helps a lot

[Speckle55]

Just use search engine on here and look back lots of posts here is one

bucktails up top on planer board and Leamans down below

we went 2.2 too 2.7 but speeding up every once in a while and lots of s turns

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=119827&highlight=Kootenay+lake

David:)

[trouty]

My best success has been on a Williams wobbler 3" long silver/brass with the hammered finish. Also Lyman's, buck tails, hoochies down deep. Should still be up high.