Premier Lake

The flagship trophy destination of the East Kootenays, Premier Lake is stocked with fast-growing Gerrard-strain rainbow trout and trophy brook trout reaching 5 to 8+ lbs. Stunning emerald-turquoise lake situated under the Rocky Mountains, home to the broodstock Premier rainbow strain.

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

Premier Lake at a glance

Region

Region 4 - Kootenays

Management unit

MU 4-21

Elevation

940 m

Maximum depth

29 m

Surface area

280.0 ha

Trout strain

Premier strain wild Rainbow Trout

Typical size

Gerrard-strain rainbow trout and trophy brook trout reported to 5-8+ lbs (park/lodge reputation; no independent regulatory size-cap confirmed)

Stocking

Broodstock lake & hatchery enhancement

Boat launch

Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly)

Motor rules

🚤 Gas & Electric Motors Permitted

Ice fishing

Open, confirmed

When to fish it

• May - July
• September - October

Getting there

Premier Lake Provincial Park, paved access, concrete boat launch, large campground.

Coordinates: 49.9417, -115.6556

Regulations

MU 4-21 Rainbow trout daily quota = 2, brook trout daily quota = 20

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

Camping and rec sites at Premier Lake

• Premier Lake Provincial Park (Main Campground)
  85 vehicle-accessible campsites, paved double boat ramp, fishing docks, playground, and fresh drinking water
  Facilities: Paved Boat Launch, Fishing Dock, Pit Toilets, Water Pump, Fire Rings, Tables, Playground
  Access: Paved Premier Lake Rd off Hwy 93/95 (2WD)
  Coordinates: 49.9417, -115.6556 Official page
• Quartz Lake & Yankee Lake Backcountry Campsites
  4 walk-in backcountry wilderness tenting pads on small premier trout lakes accessed by trail
  Facilities: Wilderness Tent Pads, Pit Toilet, Pack-in Only
  Access: Hike-in trail from Premier Lake (Foot Access)
  Coordinates: 49.955, -115.632 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

• Alces Lake
• Arrow Lakes
• Baynes Lake
• Beatrice Lake
• Bednorski Lake
• Big Fish (Dunbar) Lake
• Botts Lake
• Box Lake

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