Whiteswan Lake
"Whiteswan Lake is one of the premier trout lakes in the East Kootenay."
Location: 22 km east of Hwy 93/95 via a turnoff 10 km south of Canal Flats.
Surface Area: 378 ha
Max. Depth: 19.3 m
Mean Depth: 13 m
Elevation: 1127 m
Whiteswan Lake is a high yield fishery situated on a plateau in the Kootenay Range of the Rocky Mountains in Whiteswan Provincial Park. The scenic park is a popular destination throughout the year providing excellent camping, fishing, hiking and other recreational opportunities.
The Whiteswan Lake fishery has been managed for over 30 years. An extensive stocking program and spawning channel improvements has made this lake one of the premier trout lakes in the East Kootenay. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) annually stocks the lake with 10 000 Gerrard rainbow trout, 90% wild stock and 10% hatchery. Some of these trout can grow up to 10 kg (22 lb). Brook trout alsoinhabit the lake and average 20-45 cm (10-18 inches).
The best fishing time typically is in the spring and fall, however, strong winds and cold weather can make it difficult and less than pleasant. The shallows at the east end of the lake is a good place to work chironomids in May and June. In July and August, use full sink lines and troll leeches, Carey Specials, dragon and damselfly nymphs or other attractor patterns to access the depths where the trout are holding. Hatches of mayfly and caddis occur throughout the spring and summer. On calm summer evenings, casting an Adams, Tom Thumb or humpy to cruising trout as they take flies off the surface is a very rewarding and relaxing approach.
The Lake is also a popular ice-fishing destination during the winter. For hardware fishermen, gang trolls baited with maggot or worm, Apex lures, and Lyman plugs can also produce large trout.
Other attractions include nearby Alces Lake where a special ‘fly-fishing-only’ regulation maintains the lake’s productive fishery. Also, visit the Lussier River natural hot springs a short distance from Whiteswan Provincial Park. Continuing on Whiteswan Lake FSR will take you to Top of the World Provincial Park and more great fishing and backcountry recreational opportunities.
Facilities:
Whiteswan Provincial Park offers five lakeside or riverside campgrounds with a total of 114 camp/tent sites. Three walk-in or backcountry sites are located at Cave Creek on the north shore of the lake. The park also provides four boat launches, potable water, pit-toilets, firewood, and a sani-station.
Directions:
Follow Hwy 93/95 to the Whiteswan Lake Forest Service Road 12-km south of Canal Flats. Travel east past Alces Lake and you will reach the west end of Whiteswan Lake at km-24.
