Waneta Reservoir fishing

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

Waneta Reservoir is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) in the Kootenays region, sitting at 1351 m elevation, with access typical of the region. The map view has precise coordinates and driving directions.

Waneta Reservoir is a medium lake in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 220.0 ha and runs to 43.2 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1351 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Gerrard & Westslope Cutthroat & Premier Rainbow Strains.

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

Waneta Reservoir at a glance

Region
Region 4 - Kootenays
Management unit
MU 4-1
Elevation
1351 m
Maximum depth
43.2 m
Surface area
220.0 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
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Waneta 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 Waneta Reservoir

Getting to Waneta Reservoir

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

Coordinates: 50.1942, -119.365

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Waneta Reservoir fishing regulations

WANETA RESERVOIR’S TRIBUTARIES

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Waneta Reservoir

Waneta 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 Waneta Reservoir

Local shops and lodges in the Kootenays

Trout lakes near Waneta Reservoir

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