Koocanusa Reservoir fishing

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

Koocanusa Reservoir sits in the Kootenays region at 825 m elevation, a large water (> 500 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Koocanusa Reservoir is a large water in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 18900 ha and runs to 106.0 m at its deepest point, sitting at 825 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

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

Koocanusa Reservoir at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-19
Elevation
825 m
Maximum depth
106.0 m
Surface area
18900 ha
Lake size
Large Water (> 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 Koocanusa Reservoir

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 Koocanusa Reservoir

Getting to Koocanusa Reservoir

Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Kootenays (MU 4-19). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 49.2178, -115.2456

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Koocanusa Reservoir fishing regulations

KOOTENAY LAKE, ALL PARTS (Main Body, Upper West Arm and Lower West Arm) KOOTENAY LAKE - MAIN BODY (for location see map on page 34) 4-19 KOOTENAY LAKE - UPPER WEST ARM (for location see map on page 34)

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Koocanusa Reservoir

Koocanusa Reservoir 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 Koocanusa Reservoir

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Koocanusa Reservoir

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