Rock Island Lake fishing

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

Rock Island Lake is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) in the Kootenays region, sitting at 1197 m elevation, with access typical of the region. The map view has precise coordinates and driving directions.

Rock Island Lake is a medium lake in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 96.4 ha and runs to 26.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1197 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

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

Rock Island Lake at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-1
Elevation
1197 m
Maximum depth
26.4 m
Surface area
96.4 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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island Lake

Getting to Rock Island Lake

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

Coordinates: 51.5408, -120.3297

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Rock Island 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 Rock Island Lake

Rock Island 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 Rock Island Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Rock Island Lake

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