Trout Lake (Lardeau) fishing

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

Located at the head of the Lardeau River valley, Trout Lake is the ancestral nursery of the legendary Gerrard rainbow trout. Surrounded by towering Selkirk Mountain glaciers, this deep fjord-like lake produces exceptional trophy angling.

Trout Lake (Lardeau) is a big water in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 2700 ha and runs to 240 m at its deepest point, sitting at 717 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 4 to 15+ lbs and the stock is Pure Gerrard Rainbow Trout.

Open Trout Lake (Lardeau) in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Trout Lake (Lardeau) at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
4-31
Elevation
717 m
Maximum depth
240 m
Surface area
2700 ha
Lake size
Big Water (>500ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Kokanee, Dolly Varden
Trout strain
Pure Gerrard Rainbow Trout (Historic Gerrard Spawning Valley)
Typical size
4 to 15+ lbs (Pure Gerrard Strain)
Size class
Trophy Monster (5 - 10+ lbs)
Stocking
Wild Self-Sustaining Fishery
Boat launch
Gravel Boat Ramp
Motor rules
No Restriction
Ice fishing
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Trout Lake (Lardeau)

Fish the historic home waters of the world-famous Gerrard rainbow trout strain..

Troll Apex 4.5/5.0 lures and bucktail flies along the steep mountainous drop-offs. Cast large streamers and leeches around creek mouths.

Best times of year at Trout Lake (Lardeau)

Getting to Trout Lake (Lardeau)

Paved and good gravel access via Hwy 31 from Meadow Creek / Kaslo or Galena Bay.

Coordinates: 50.6, -117.45

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Trout Lake (Lardeau) fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Release all Gerrard rainbow trout over 50 cm in designated seasons. Strict bait ban in effect.

Historic Gerrard Trophy Water.

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

Ice fishing at Trout Lake (Lardeau)

Trout Lake (Lardeau) 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 Trout Lake (Lardeau)

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Trout Lake (Lardeau)

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