Lower Elk Lake fishing

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

Tucked into the Kootenays region at 1000 m elevation, this is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Tap through to the map for the exact route in.

Lower Elk Lake is a medium lake in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 280.0 ha and runs to 42.0 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1000 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

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

Lower Elk Lake at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-1
Elevation
1000 m
Maximum depth
42.0 m
Surface area
280.0 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
Closed to ice fishing

How to fish Lower Elk 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 Lower Elk Lake

Getting to Lower Elk Lake

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

Coordinates: 50.5503, -115.0886

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Lower Elk Lake fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Standard regional regulations apply (check 2025-2027 synopsis).

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Lower Elk Lake

Lower Elk Lake is closed to ice fishing.

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 Lower Elk Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Lower Elk Lake

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