The Quintessential Shuswap Family Fishery
Tucked away between Salmon Arm and Enderby, Gardom Lake is a true gem in the Shuswap’s crown of fishing lakes. Renowned for its serene beauty, abundant rainbow trout, and a unique, family-friendly atmosphere, Gardom offers an accessible and rewarding angling experience for everyone, from the seasoned fly fisher to a child casting their first line. This peaceful lake, with its special “electric motors only” regulation, promises a tranquil day on the water and some of the most consistent trout action in the region.
A Thriving and Accessible Fishery
Gardom Lake’s reputation as a premier local fishery is well-earned. The lake’s productive ecosystem supports a healthy population of rainbow trout, thanks in large part to an active stocking program managed by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Each year, the lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout, ensuring that there are always plenty of fish eager to bite. This makes Gardom an ideal destination for anglers looking for a high chance of success.
The lake itself is relatively shallow and undergoes a natural aging process that makes it rich in the biomass needed to support vigorous insect life—the primary food source for trout. This abundance of food allows the stocked trout to grow quickly, and while trophy-sized fish are not the main expectation, anglers are consistently rewarded with healthy, hard-fighting rainbows in the pan-fry size and larger.
One of the most defining characteristics of Gardom Lake is its enforced motor restriction. Only electric motors are permitted, which preserves the lake’s quiet and peaceful ambiance. This rule has shaped the lake’s identity, making it a haven for those wishing to escape the noise and wake of larger powerboats. The result is a safe and serene environment perfect for canoes, kayaks, car-top boats, and float tubes.
Techniques for Success on Gardom’s Waters
The beauty of Gardom Lake is that a wide variety of fishing techniques can be successful. Whether you prefer to troll, cast, or fly fish, there’s an approach that will work for you.
Fly Fishing: Gardom is a fly angler’s paradise. The rich insect life leads to fantastic hatches throughout the spring and early summer.
- Chironomid Fishing: This is a must-try technique on Gardom. Suspending small chironomid pupa patterns under a strike indicator is deadly effective, especially from ice-off through June. Experiment with different colours like black, red, and green to match the hatch.
- Mayfly Nymphs: Casting and slowly retrieving mayfly nymph patterns, such as a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear, along the drop-offs and weed beds can be very productive.
- Leech and Dragonfly Patterns: These larger patterns are excellent attractor flies. Stripping a leech pattern in olive, maroon, or black can provoke aggressive strikes, especially in the early morning or evening.
Trolling and Casting: For those using spinning gear, the options are just as effective.
- Trolling with Small Lures: Given the electric motor restriction, a slow troll is the natural pace. Small spoons, spinners, and plugs are all excellent choices. Troll a wedding band tipped with a worm or a small Apex or Lyman lure for consistent action.
- Casting from Shore or Boat: Casting small spinners or spoons towards structure like weed beds or drop-offs is a great way to connect with fish. The public access points provide good opportunities for shore casting.
- Bait Fishing: For a simple and effective method, especially for new anglers, nothing beats fishing bait under a float. A worm, a bit of shrimp, or PowerBait can be irresistible to the lake’s stocked rainbow trout.
Ice Fishing: When winter settles in and safe ice forms, Gardom Lake becomes a bustling community of ice anglers. The action can be fast and furious, with fish readily taking jigs, small spoons, or bait. It’s an excellent way to introduce the family to the joys of winter fishing.
A Fishery for All Seasons
Gardom Lake provides angling opportunities from the moment the ice melts until it freezes over again.
- Spring (April – June): This is prime time on Gardom. As the water warms, the trout become highly active and feed voraciously on emerging insects. The fishing can be spectacular.
- Summer (July – August): During the heat of summer, fishing can slow down mid-day. The best action will be found in the early morning and late evening hours. Trout will often seek refuge in the deeper, cooler parts of the lake.
- Fall (September – October): As the water cools, the fish become more active again, feeding heavily to prepare for winter. The fall colours around the lake make for a stunning backdrop to a great day of fishing.
- Winter (December – March): Gardom is one of the most popular and reliable ice fishing lakes in the Shuswap. The accessibility and strong trout population make it a perfect winter destination.
Planning Your Gardom Lake Trip
Access: Gardom Lake is conveniently located and easy to find. From Highway 97B, turn onto Gardom Lake Road and follow it south. There are several public access points managed by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD):
- Teal Road Boat Launch: This is the best option for those with small, trailered boats.
- Musgrave Road Lake Access: This is a hand-launch only access point with picnic tables. It’s a great spot to park and launch a canoe, kayak, or float tube.
Important Regulations:
- Licensing: All anglers aged 16 and over must possess a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing licence.
- Motor Restrictions: Remember, only electric motors are permitted on Gardom Lake (up to 7.5 kilowatts).
- Daily Quotas: Gardom Lake falls under the regulations for Region 8 (Okanagan). Always consult the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for daily catch limits and any other specific rules.
Lake Stewardship: Gardom Lake is a popular and heavily used resource. The Gardom Lake Stewards Society works to protect the health of the lake. Anglers can do their part by practicing responsible fishing, packing out everything they bring in, and respecting the sensitive shoreline habitats.
Whether you’re looking to introduce your family to the sport, enjoy a peaceful day of fly fishing from a float tube, or drill a hole for some winter action, Gardom Lake stands out as a true Shuswap treasure that offers a complete and satisfying fishing experience.