Ice Fishing
Dylan Sherrard
Drop your hook in Kamloops, one of the best still-water and hard-water fishing destinations in the world. With dozens of lakes stocked annually by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, and a wide variety of species, fishing is a year-round affair. When winter settles into the Thompson Valley and the rushing waterways slow to an icy crawl, grab your lures and cast a line. Give ice fishing a try—you might just fall for this serene activity, hook line and sinker.
Top ice fishing lakes in Kamloops
Edith Lake
Edith Lake is a local gem nestled in grassland hills just a 25-minute drive south of Kamloops on Highway 5A. This lake is stocked with Fraser Valley and Pennask rainbow trout that swim in deeper water, as well as eastern brook trout, which tend to feed in the shallows. Edith has a reputation for fast-growing fish due to the abundance of insects. Watch Fishing With Rod's feature on ice fishing at Edith Lake for more information.
Heffley Lake
This lake is tucked in the rolling, forested hills, and features scenic bays. Bird watchers should keep an eye out for eagles, Osprey, hawks and falcons. Heffley Lake is a 30-minute drive northeast of Kamloops on the way to Sun Peaks Resort. For a guided fishing trip, book a tour with Elevated Fishing Adventures.
Lac Le Jeune Resort
Mary Putnam
Lac Le Jeune
Drill a hole, drop a line, and soak in the serene winter beauty of Lac Le Jeune. This frozen escape just 30 minutes outside of Kamloops is a prime spot for ice fishing, where rainbow trout and crisp mountain air make for the perfect day on the ice. For a cozy stay right on the lake, check in at Lac Le Jeune Resort. Don't forget to catch up with Fishing with Rod for the latest angler tips on ice fishing at Lac Le Jeune!
Monte Lake
Monte Lake is surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and rolling grasslands. It's well-stocked annually with approximately 25,000 triploid kokanee salmon and 15,000 blackwater rainbow trout. Monte Lake is a 35-minute drive southeast of Kamloops on Highway 97.
Paul Lake
Set in the mountains 25km (15.5mi) north of Kamloops, Paul Lake Provincial Park is stocked annually with kokanee and rainbow trout. This popular ice fishing lake is surrounded by ponderosa pine forests. For expert insights on ice fishing at Paul Lake check out Fishing with Rod's Youtube Video.
Tunkwa Lake
Located 40km (28mi) west of Kamloops off Highway 1, Tunkwa Lake Provincial Park is a premier ice fishing destination for rainbow trout. If you don't have your own gear, purchase a rod, auger, and fresh bait from the store at Tunkwa Lake Resort.
Walloper Lake
Drop your hook and fish for well-stocked rainbow trout. Just a 30-minute drive south of Kamloops on Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway), Walloper Lake is a jewel-like waterway surrounded by lodgepole pines. The day-use only lake is a popular spot for first-time ice fishers.
Plan your Kamloops ice fishing trip
When you go fishing in the Kamloops area, expect to catch rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, kokanee, bull trout, and burbot. Many of the lakes are stocked with trout, which attracts anglers from around the world. Cast a line and you’ll be hooked.
