Fishing for Bass in the Kootenays is a popular pastime in this tourist destination area. Warm water lakes such as Wasa Lake and Jim Smith Lake near Cranbrook and Duck Lake near Creston have been producing quality largemouth and smallmouth bass for well over 30 years. BC bass fishing has never been better.

Situated in the south-eastern part of the province the Kootenays about in wildlife and spectacular scenery. It is also a haven for those who stray the normal path of trout fishng and go for the Bronzers! There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing for smallmouth or largemouth in this world renowned wildlife area.

Wasa Lake - East Kootenays: Well known for its warm waters, the Wasa area has become a real family vacation destination. Wasa Lake is not only a good bass fishery but a good perch fishery too. With a well maintained Provincial Park and other private camping / accommodation opportunities it's a great place for the family vacation and to enjoy oppotunities like water skiing, hiking, mountain bike riding, wildlife viewing and for the adventurous - hang-gliding. Wasa is located about 50 km (30mi) from Cranbrook on Highway 93/95 is also close to the Bavarian Town of Kimberley and Historical Fort Steele.

Fishing for Bass-Kootenays: Jim Smith Lake I think Jim Smith Lake was the first bass fishing lake that I experienced in British Columbia. I wasn't disappointed. Easily accessible from Highway 3 just east of downtown Cranbrook, Jim Smith is a residential lake area and has the good fortune of a Park to enhance your visit.

There are nice sized largemouth bass in here. There are also large rainbow trout to be had. I remember hooking into a nice 6 lb fall rainbow just before dusk after having a successful afternoon using popper lures and plastic worms to stir the souls of the largemouth bass. Check your regulations regarding the power boat restrictions on this lake.

Fishing for Bass-Kootenays: Duck Lake When it comes to numbers and size, Duck Lake is a strong contender for the title of best bass lake in BC.

I fished Duck Lake back in the late 1970's, not long after the beginning development of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Encapsulated within a series of dykes, Duck Lake sits at the south end of Kootenay Lake and adjacent to the Kootenay River. The lake is best accessed from Hwy 3A at Sirdar or from Duck Lake Road at Wyndell. Stop by the local gas station for best access locations.

Duck Lake contains both large and smallmouth bass. The lake is quite shallow creating heavy milfoil vegetation in the lake which provides cover for the bass and the lake is quite shallow. Bass can be caught just about anywhere that the cover is available, including the middle of the lake. Surface lures or flies provide great action as well as shallow underwater techniques. The lake produces largemouth bass up to 10 lbs but the average is going to be about 2 - 3 lbs.

Duck Lake is also part of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, considered a critical international wetland and migration route. There are NO POWER BOATS allowed on the lake, including electric motors. This protects the shoreline areas where the waterfowl breed and nest.

Please fish with caution and consideration. Always check the regulations for openings, closings, limits and special restrictions

Jim Smith and Wasa Lake Provincial Parks: Cranbrook Area Map - just point and click for your park of choice

Region 4 - Kootenays - Fishing Regulations

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