Whiteswan Lake fishing
Fishing near Cranbrook, Nelson and the rest of the Kootenays. See all Kootenays lakes.
Legendary East Kootenay trophy fishery producing thick, hard-fighting rainbows in pristine mountain surroundings.
Whiteswan Lake is a large water in the Kootenays, the trout country reached from Cranbrook. It covers 1900.0 ha and runs to 52 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1170 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 5 to 10+ lbs and the stock is Premier & Gerrard Rainbow Trout. This is a catch and release fishery.
Open Whiteswan Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check
Whiteswan Lake at a glance
- Region
- Region 4 - Kootenays
- Management unit
- MU 4-25
- Elevation
- 1170 m
- Maximum depth
- 52 m
- Surface area
- 1900.0 ha
- Lake size
- Large Water (> 500 ha)
- Trout strain
- Premier & Gerrard Rainbow Trout
- Typical size
- 5 to 10+ lbs (Trophy Class)
- Size class
- Trophy Monster (5 - 10+ lbs)
- Stocking
- 30,000 yearlings
- Boat launch
- Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly)
- Motor rules
- Gas & Electric Motors Permitted
- Catch and release
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Open to ice fishing, confirmed
How to fish Whiteswan Lake
Targeting monster, trophy-class Rainbow Trout.
Trolling apex lures, fly fishing chironomids and leeches on the inlet marl flats.
Best times of year at Whiteswan Lake
- June - July
- September - October
Getting to Whiteswan Lake
Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park via Whiteswan FSR off Hwy 93/95. Multiple boat launches & campgrounds.
Coordinates: 50.1394, -115.4831
Boat launch: Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly).
Whiteswan Lake fishing regulations
Single barbless hook, bait ban. Rainbow quota: 2.
Special Trophy Water (Strict Size/Quota/C&R Rules).
Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.
Ice fishing at Whiteswan Lake
Whiteswan 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 Whiteswan Lake
- Home Bay Campground (Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park)
36 vehicle-accessible campsites, double-wide concrete boat ramp, day-use beach, and fish cleaning station
Facilities: Concrete Boat Launch, Pit Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables, Water Pump, Day-Use Beach
Access: Whiteswan FSR (2WD)
Coordinates: 50.136, -115.495 Official page - Alces Lake Campground (Whiteswan Park)
28 vehicle-accessible campsites on quiet Alces Lake, cartop boat launch, close to Lussier River
Facilities: Cartop Launch, Pit Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables, Water Pump
Access: Whiteswan FSR (2WD)
Coordinates: 50.118, -115.535 Official page - Packrat Point Campground (Whiteswan Lake)
16 scenic lakeside vehicle campsites, gravel boat launch, panoramic mountain vista
Facilities: Gravel Boat Launch, Pit Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables
Access: Whiteswan FSR (2WD)
Coordinates: 50.138, -115.472 Official page - Inlet Creek Campground (Whiteswan Lake)
14 vehicle campsites located at the eastern river inlet of Whiteswan Lake, ideal for fly fishing
Facilities: Cartop Launch, Pit Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables
Access: Whiteswan FSR (2WD)
Coordinates: 50.148, -115.421 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
Trout lakes near Whiteswan Lake
- Alces Lake 4 km away
- Premier Lake 25 km away
- Columbia Lake 28 km away
- Larchwood Lake 31 km away
- Connor Lake 34 km away
- Lazy Lake 36 km away
- Echoes Lake 38 km away
- Whitetail Lake 39 km away
- Upper Elk Lake 53 km away
- Lower Elk Lake 54 km away
Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.