Hiawatha Lake fishing

Fishing near Cranbrook, Nelson and the rest of the Kootenays. See all Kootenays lakes.

Hiawatha Lake sits in the Kootenays region at 970 m elevation, a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Hiawatha Lake is a medium lake in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 244.0 ha and runs to 48.0 m at its deepest point, sitting at 970 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

Open Hiawatha Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Hiawatha Lake at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-1
Elevation
970 m
Maximum depth
48.0 m
Surface area
244.0 ha
Lake size
Medium Lake (50 - 500 ha)
Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout
Trout strain
Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs (Quality Catchable)
Size class
Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs)
Stocking
Stocked / Natural Wild Production (FFSBC)
Boat launch
Gravel Boat Ramp
Motor rules
Gas & Electric Permitted
Ice fishing
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Hiawatha Lake

Targeting Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs) Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Kootenays.

Productive stillwater fishery. Early spring chironomid emergences (sizes #14-#18) in 12-18ft depths, followed by traveling sedge and damsel nymphs along weedlines in June. Fall leeches and scuds produce aggressive takes.

Best times of year at Hiawatha Lake

Getting to Hiawatha Lake

Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Kootenays (MU 4-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 49.3856, -115.8361

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Hiawatha Lake fishing regulations

HILL CREEK

Standard Regional Regulations.

Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.

Ice fishing at Hiawatha Lake

Hiawatha Lake is open to ice fishing under the regulations on file.

Whether a lake is open to ice fishing says nothing about whether its ice will hold you. Ice conditions vary year to year and across a single lake. Check locally before going out, every time.

Camping and rec sites at Hiawatha Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Hiawatha Lake

Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.