British Columbia
Databases used:
- DFO-Canada Albion
- Columbia R.Dart adult passage
- BC stocking reports
Tranquille Lake - Kamloops, BC
article and photos by Jules Jelev
Tranquille lake is a high elevation lake located 45km north of Kamloops. Thre road to it is doable in a 2 wheel drive, but a few sections are rough. One of the hills is 18% gradient. This lake has rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.
Average size of fish is small. Most rainbows will be below 1/2 pound. Generally the higher the lake is, the smaller the fish. Although small, these fish are a pleasure to catch.
Many sections of the lake are rather shallow. The water is tea colored. Shore access is poor during the summer when the water is high. Fly fishing from shore is still possible by the dam . The hole immediately below the dam traps many small rainbows in spring as they are trying to swim upstream. Their migration is no longer possible wbecause of the 10 foot dam wall.
The forest in this area has suffered great damage to the pine beetles. About 80% of the trees are dead. You will need mosquito repellant in the summer.
Saul Lake - Kamloops, BC
You will drive by Saul on your way to Tranquille lake at 38km from Kamloops. Saul is similar to Tranquille in elevation and water quality but it is inhabited only by rainbow trout. There is a boat launch which is visible from the road. The lake is suitable for a small boat but it can also be fished from shore without any problem. All you need is a pair of wading boots. The water by the shore gets quite warm during the summer months, so wading this way is not uncomfortable.
The water is tea colored and most of the forest is now dead. The meandering creek below the lake is used by rainbow trout for spawning. Fish are not big but they are plentiful. One can expect to catch over 50 fish on a good day. This lake is ideal for people who just start fly fishing. The area by the boat launch is open and there are no obstacles to the back cast. Fish are not particularly selective. I stick with the small flies up to size 12; nymphs, dries, attractors, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.
Tranquille and Saul lakes are reached over Lac du Bois road. Before you get to them you will drive by Lac du Bois, McQueen, Pass and a few other lakes.
