On the Water
For those who enjoy water activities, you can launch your boat at Kaslo Bay Park; or if you sail into town you can moor at the Kaslo docks free for 48 hours. You can explore the beaches, wakeboard, water ski and tube. Grab your gear and go fishing for dollies or kokanee at the river mouths or on the lake. Fishing
If fishing is your passion, come to Kaslo for some of the best you will find on this planet. You can rent a boat, or charter one with a guide. There are also many small mountain lakes in the area, accessible by trail or forest service roads, where you can enjoy some peaceful and private fishing. If you only have an hour, there is good fishing right off the shore of Kootenay Lake at the river mouths. Fish for world class Gerrard rainbows, beautiful Dolly Varden and bountiful kokanee, all in a pristine setting. No matter the season there is always some fishing to be had. You can get your fishing licence and lots of information (and fish tales) at Barren’s Sport Shop and Woodbury Resort. Both Barren’s and Woodbury have a great variety of tackle to complete your Kootenay kit.
Great tips for fishing Kootenay Lake & Area from Barren’s Sport Shop:
Peak bull trout (locals call them dollies) fishing is April through July. Try standing right at the river mouths and casting with spoons and buck tail jigs. Or from a boat, go down deep to 40-100 feet with hoochies and flashers or plugs and troll about 3 miles an hour.Kokanee fishing is best from July to August. You can fly fish for kokanee, but trolling is the most productive way to go. Remember to troll really slow, about 2.5 miles an hour right on the surface, using wedding rings with maggots.Best fishing for Gerrard rainbows is October to December. On colder days fish right on the surface, going deeper if it’s a warmer day. Polar Bear are the favoured fly, Black and White, Grey Ghost, November Special and Root Beer Float are some of the most popular. Tie these right onto your line and drag behind the boat or on a planer board at speeds up to 5 miles an hour. For deeper fishing try Apexes and plugs. Try dipping your plugs in scent just to add a little extra enticement for the fish!Popular spots for trolling are Campbell Bay, Fry Creek, Shutty Bench bluffs, Davis Creek and just across from Kaslo at the rock bluffs, the place the locals call the “Ink Spots”. You can always ask at the local tackle shop if you need directions, instructions and the hottest tips. Good luck and happy fishing!!
Houseboating on Kootenay Lake
Experience the Kootenays like never before – on a houseboat from Kaslo Shipyards. As captain and crew, you decide how busy or relaxing you want your holiday to be. These houseboats have a unique design that can withstand the demands of a lake the size of the Kootenay and are furnished with a spacious wheelhouse, full galley, bathroom and sleeping facilities for four, six or eight people.
Go to www.kasloshipyard.com for more information about the fleet and their rates.
Kaslo River Hiking Trails
The Kaslo Trailblazers Society welcomes all visitors to the network of trails they have recently completed along the north and south sides of the Kaslo River. All the trails can be accessed from right in town.
The north side trail is wheelchair and bicycle accessible, while the south side trail meanders through a moss covered forest. The two are joined by a pedestrian bridge, 106 feet long, which spans the Kaslo River where the rushing blue-green water churns through a spectacular rocky gorge.
There are eight interpretive stations on the north side trail. Trail maps can be picked up at various business outlets in Kaslo including the SS Moyie, and at each trailhead. Download a map of the trail system from the website: kaslotrailblazers.org
