Fishing Nicol Lake in Regional District of East Kootenay, British Columbia

• Overview

  You will find Nicol Lake in Regional District of East Kootenay, British Columbia. It lies 2,326 metres above sea level. At roughly 4 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Regional District of East Kootenay are larger. The town to know is Cranbrook, 27 km out. Then Fernie, 34 km, and Kimberley, 36 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Nicol Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across Regional District of East Kootenay: rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, sockeye salmon, bull trout and longnose sucker. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Nicol Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 12°C and January near -11°C on the long-run figures. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid May. From about mid May to around early November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Nicol Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Cliff Lake is 5.9 km distant. Check the position at Nicol Lake before loading the car.