Arrow Lakes
The collective name for Upper and Lower Arrow Lake, the Columbia River reservoir system running from Revelstoke down to Castlegar. Big, deep, cold water fished mainly by trolling for rainbow and bull trout, with levels that move through the season as BC Hydro draws the reservoir down and refills it. See the individual Upper Arrow and Lower Arrow entries for access and conditions on each.
Open Arrow Lakes in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check
Arrow Lakes at a glance
- Region
- Region 4 - Kootenays
- Management unit
- MU 4-15 / 4-39
- Elevation
- 440 m
- Maximum depth
- 287.0 m
- Surface area
- 50000.0 ha
- Trout strain
- Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains
- Typical size
- 3 to 11 lbs, occasional fish to 20 lbs (Gerrard Rainbow Trout)
- Stocking
- Stocked / Natural Wild Production (FFSBC)
- Boat launch
- Gravel Boat Ramp
- Motor rules
- 🚤 Gas & Electric Permitted
- Ice fishing
- Open, confirmed
When to fish it
- May - June
- September - October
Getting there
Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Kootenays (MU 4-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.
Coordinates: 50.1831, -117.8094
Regulations
ARROW LAKES’ TRIBUTARIES ARROW PARK (Mosquito) CREEK ASHER CREEK
Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.
Camping and rec sites at Arrow Lakes
- Nakusp Public Boat Launch & Marina (Upper Arrow Lake)
No vehicle campground at the launch itself; Village of Nakusp has nearby camping/RV options
Facilities: Public Boat Launch, Marina, Vehicle Parking
Access: Paved Highway 6 into the Village of Nakusp (2WD)
Coordinates: 50.2433, -117.8003 Official page
Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays
- High Country Sports, Cranbrook, BC
Kootenay lake tackle, fly gear, camping & local outdoor knowledge
High Country Sports website - Kootenay Fly Shop, Fernie, BC
Westslope cutthroat patterns, high-elevation lake flies & gear
Kootenay Fly Shop website
Other lakes nearby
Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.