A Shuswap Gem for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee
Nestled in the scenic landscape between Falkland and the Shuswap Highlands, Pillar Lake is a tranquil destination offering some of the region’s most rewarding stillwater fishing. This crystal-clear lake, named for the striking geological rock pillar that stands sentinel nearby, is a haven for anglers seeking impressive Rainbow Trout and feisty Kokanee. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher, a trolling enthusiast, or a family looking for a peaceful day on the water, Pillar Lake promises an unforgettable experience.
An Angler’s Paradise: What to Expect
Pillar Lake is a mid-elevation lake of approximately 43 hectares (106 acres) with a mean depth of 8.2 meters (27 feet). Its clear waters and abundant insect life create the perfect environment for healthy, growing fish. The lake is managed as a family fishery and is regularly stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC with Rainbow Trout. Alongside the stocked rainbows, a thriving population of Kokanee, the landlocked sockeye salmon, provides an exciting and different angling challenge.
The lake is easily accessible via the Chase-Falkland Road and offers amenities that make for a comfortable and convenient fishing trip. The Pillar Lake Resort provides accommodations, campsites, and boat rentals, while a public day-use area offers a boat launch. It’s important to note that there is a 10 horsepower motor restriction on the lake, which helps to preserve its peaceful ambiance.
Gearing Up for Pillar Lake
Success on Pillar Lake often comes down to having the right gear for the target species. Here’s what you’ll need in your tackle box:
- For Rainbow Trout:
- Fly Fishing: A 5 or 6-weight fly rod with a floating line is a versatile setup. You’ll also want a variety of sink-tip lines to effectively fish different depths, especially when targeting fish with subsurface patterns.
- Spin Casting: A light to medium-light action spinning rod with a 4-6 lb test line is ideal for casting small lures and spoons.
- For Kokanee:
- Trolling: A light trolling rod with a sensitive tip is crucial for detecting the subtle bites of a Kokanee. A line counter reel is highly recommended for precise depth control.
- Downriggers: While not essential, downriggers are a significant advantage for getting your presentation down to the schools of Kokanee that often hold in deeper water.
Techniques for Success: How to Fish Pillar Lake
Targeting the Trophy Rainbows
Pillar Lake’s Rainbow Trout can reach impressive sizes, with fish over two pounds being common. The key is to match your technique to the season and the insect life.
- Fly Fishing: The north end of the lake features large, productive shoal areas that are a fly fisher’s dream.
- Chironomid Hatches: From late spring through early summer, chironomid hatches are a major food source. Fish a chironomid pupa pattern under a strike indicator, paying close attention to your depth. Start by fishing just off the bottom and adjust until you find the feeding zone.
- Mayflies and Caddisflies: As the season progresses, look for mayfly and caddisfly hatches. A well-presented dry fly during a hatch can be exhilarating. Patterns like the Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Tom Thumb are excellent choices.
- Dragonflies and Damselflies: The “bomber” hatches of large dragonflies and the prevalence of damselflies provide another exciting opportunity. Casting and retrieving large nymph patterns along the edges of weed beds can entice an aggressive strike.
- Trolling and Casting: Trolling small lures and spoons is a consistently effective method.
- Lures: Small plugs, Flatfish, and Kwikfish in natural colours that imitate small baitfish or insects are excellent choices. Troll these along the drop-offs and over the shoals.
- Spoons: Casting and retrieving small spoons like the Dick Nite or a small Krocodile can be productive, especially in the mornings and evenings when trout are more active in the shallows.
The Thrill of the Kokanee Fishery
Kokanee are a schooling fish, so once you find one, you’ve likely found many. The key to catching these silver bullets is a slow and precise presentation.
- Trolling: This is the most effective method for targeting Kokanee.
- Speed: Maintain a slow trolling speed, typically between 0.8 and 1.8 mph. This allows the Kokanee to follow and strike your lure.
- Attractors: A small dodger or a set of gang trolls is essential for attracting Kokanee. The flash and vibration draw them in from a distance. Use smaller dodgers in clear conditions and larger ones in lower light.
- Lures: Behind your attractor, use a short leader (12-18 inches) to a Kokanee-specific lure. Wedding Rings, small hoochies, and spinner rigs are all popular choices. Hot pink, fluorescent red, bright orange, and chartreuse are the go-to colours.
- Bait: Tipping your hook with a kernel of white shoepeg corn, a maggot, or a small piece of shrimp can significantly increase your hook-up ratio.
A Year-Round Fishery: When to Go
- Spring (April – June): As the ice comes off the lake, the fishing action heats up. Rainbow Trout are hungry after a long winter and can be found cruising the shoals. This is a prime time for fly fishing with chironomids.
- Summer (July – August): During the warmer months, both trout and Kokanee will move to deeper, cooler water. Trolling with downriggers becomes the most effective technique for reaching these fish. Early mornings and late evenings will see fish moving into shallower water to feed.
- Fall (September – November): The cooling water temperatures bring the fish back into the shallows, making for excellent fishing. The Rainbow Trout will be feeding aggressively to fatten up for the winter, and the Kokanee will be in their pre-spawn phase.
- Winter (December – March): Once safe ice has formed, Pillar Lake offers a fantastic ice fishing experience. Jigging with small spoons or jigs tipped with bait can produce both Rainbow Trout and Kokanee.
Know Before You Go: Regulations and Etiquette
Pillar Lake is located in Region 3 (Thompson-Nicola) of the British Columbia fishing regulations. It is essential to have a valid BC freshwater fishing license and to be aware of the current regulations, including:
- Daily Quotas: The standard daily quota for trout in Region 3 is 5. The daily quota for Kokanee is also 5. Always check the most recent regulations for any in-season changes.
- Boating: As mentioned, there is a 10hp motor restriction on the lake. Please be respectful of other boaters and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in and leave your campsite or day-use area cleaner than you found it.
Pillar Lake is a true gem of the Shuswap region, offering a classic BC interior fishing experience. With its stunning scenery, abundant fish, and tranquil atmosphere, a trip to Pillar Lake is sure to create lasting memories. So, pack your gear, hitch up the boat, and get ready to discover the magic of this incredible fishery.