Mastering the Depths: A Shuswap Angler’s Guide to Downrigger Fishing

A Shuswap Angler’s Guide to Downrigger Fishing

The vast, deep, and often intimidating waters of the Shuswap region hold a legendary fishery. Shuswap Lake, with its four sprawling arms, and the profound, fjord-like depths of Adams Lake are home to trophy-sized Lake Trout, powerful Bull Trout, acrobatic Rainbows, and schools of Kokanee Salmon. For many anglers, however, these fish remain an elusive mystery, lurking in a dark, cold world far beyond the reach of conventional casting and trolling methods.

The key to unlocking this incredible deep-water fishery is the downrigger. It is, without a doubt, the single most important tool for consistently catching fish in the Shuswap’s bigger lakes. This guide will serve as your detailed manual, taking you from the basics of the gear to advanced, lake-specific strategies that will help you master the depths and connect with the monsters below.

Why Use a Downrigger? The Challenge of a ‘Two-Story’ Fishery

As the sun warms the Shuswap through late spring and summer, the lakes stratify, creating two distinct environments: a warm upper layer and a deep, cold, oxygen-rich lower layer. The boundary between them is called the thermocline, and it is the comfort zone for most of the large predator fish we seek. While Rainbows and Kokanee might be found near the surface in early spring, they, along with Lake Trout and Bull Trout, retreat to the stable, cool temperatures of the thermocline as summer progresses.

This is where the downrigger excels. It solves three fundamental problems of deep-water trolling:

1. Precise Depth Control: A downrigger allows you to place your lure at an exact, repeatable depth. If you mark fish on your sonar at 72 feet, you can lower your lure to precisely 72 feet. You are no longer guessing; you are fishing exactly where the fish are.
2. Use of Light Tackle: The downrigger uses a heavy cannonball weight (8-15 lbs) to take your lure down. Your fishing line is attached to the weighted line via a release clip. This means you can use your favourite light-action Kokanee rod or medium-action trout rod. You fight the fish, not the heavy trolling weight, leading to a much more enjoyable and sporting battle.
3. Effective Lure Presentation: Without a downrigger, reaching 80 feet of depth would require letting out an enormous amount of line with a heavy weight or deep-diving plug, giving you little control. The downrigger keeps your lure in the strike zone consistently over long trolling runs, regardless of lure type.

Gearing Up: The Anatomy of a Downrigger System

A downrigger setup might seem complex, but it’s built around a few key components working in unison.

• The Downrigger: This is the winch itself. Manual downriggers are raised and lowered with a hand crank and are a great, cost-effective option. Electric downriggers retrieve the weight with the push of a button, a significant advantage when you need to check lines frequently or are fishing very deep. For the big waters of Shuswap and Adams, electric models are a worthwhile investment.
• The Cannonball: This is your weight, typically ranging from 8 to 15 pounds. Heavier weights result in less “blowback” (the angle of the line caused by water drag) and are necessary for deeper water and faster trolling speeds. Pancake-style weights track well, while round cannonballs are a classic all-purpose choice.
• The Line (Cable vs. Braid): Traditionally, stainless steel cable has been the standard. It’s durable but creates a “hum” in the water and suffers from significant blowback. Modern braided downrigger line (150-200 lb test) is a superior alternative. It’s thinner, silent, and has far less blowback, meaning the depth on your counter is closer to the true depth of your lure.
• The Release Clip: This is arguably the most critical component. This small clip attaches your fishing line to the cannonball cable. When a fish strikes, the line pops free from the clip, allowing you to fight the fish directly. There are many styles, from simple pinch-pad clips to more complex roller-style releases. Adjusting the tension is key: too tight, and a smaller fish won’t trip it; too loose, and the lure’s action will cause a false release.
• The Rod & Reel: A typical downrigger rod is long (8’6″ to 10’6″) with a soft, moderate action that allows it to maintain a deep “bow” or bend when under tension without tripping the release. A line-counter reel is highly recommended. It allows you to precisely measure your “lead”—the amount of line you let out behind the boat before clipping it to the downrigger.

Where to Troll: Finding Fish in the Shuswap’s Vastness

You can’t just drop a line anywhere. Success comes from trolling with a purpose, and that means targeting underwater structure. Your sonar is your eyes beneath the waves.

Key Structures to Target:

• Ledges and Drop-offs: Fish love to use these underwater cliffs as travel corridors and ambush points. Troll parallel to them, running your lures just off the edge.
• Points: Major points of land that extend into the lake create currents and concentrate baitfish. Troll in an “S” pattern across the front of these points.
• Underwater Humps and Islands: These are fish magnets. Cinnemousun Narrows in Shuswap Lake is a prime example of a current-rich area with excellent structure. The waters around Copper Island are also a classic hotspot.
• Creek Mouths: The inflow of cooler water and nutrients attracts bait, which in turn attracts predators.

Lake-Specific Strategies:

• Shuswap Lake: With its four arms, the options are endless. The Main Arm and Seymour Arm are renowned for their giant Lake Trout. The Salmon Arm has excellent trolling opportunities for Rainbows and Bull Trout. Don’t be afraid to fish open water between points, as suspended Kokanee schools will often have large trout lurking below them.
• Adams Lake: This lake is incredibly deep and cold. It is a premier fishery for Lake Trout and Bull Trout. The steep, rocky shorelines drop off into oblivion, so trolling parallel to the shore at your target depth is a primary strategy. The water clarity is exceptional, so longer leads (100+ feet) are often necessary.

How to Fish: Downrigger Techniques from Basic to Advanced

Here is a step-by-step guide to setting your line:

1. Select Your Lure: Choose your spoon, plug, or flasher/hootchie combo.
2. Set Your Lead: Let your lure out behind the boat. A good starting point is 25-100 feet. A shorter lead gives the lure more action from the boat’s movements; a longer lead provides a more natural, subtle presentation. Remember what your line counter says!
3. Attach to the Clip: With the cannonball at the surface, grab your fishing line and securely attach it to the center of the release clip pads.
4. Lower the Cannonball: Using the downrigger, lower the weight to your desired depth. Watch your sonar and aim for the thermocline or where you are marking fish.
5. Set the Rod: Once the cannonball is at depth, place the rod in its holder. Reel in any slack line until the rod takes on a deep, even bend, arching down towards the water. This pre-loads the rod for a solid hookset when the line releases.
6. Wait for the Bite: When a fish hits, the line will pop from the clip and the bent rod will spring straight up. This is your signal! Grab the rod and fight the fish.

Pro-Level Techniques:

• Stacking: This involves running two fishing lines off a single downrigger. You attach your main release clip to the cannonball and a “stacker” release clip to the downrigger cable 10-20 feet above the ball. This allows you to present two different lures at two different depths on one downrigger, doubling your offerings in the water.
• The “S” Troll: Instead of trolling in a straight line, weave your boat in a gentle “S” pattern. As you turn, the inside line slows and sinks, while the outside line speeds up and rises. This variation in speed and depth can trigger ferocious strikes from following fish.

Shuswap Lure Selection

• For Lake Trout and Bull Trout: Think big and bright. Large plugs like Lyman plugs in white, silver, or chartreuse are legendary. Big spoons from makers like Tomic, Apex, and Williams are also deadly. UV-enhanced finishes are a must-have in these deep, dark waters.
• For Rainbows and Kokanee: Downsize your offerings. Smaller spoons and plugs are effective. For Kokanee, a dodger or flasher followed by a small, pink or orange hootchie (squid), bug, or spoon is the go-to setup. Don’t forget to tip your Kokanee lures with scented corn.

Safety on Big Water is Paramount

The weather on the Shuswap’s large lakes can change in an instant. A calm morning can turn into a windy, white-capped afternoon.

• Always check the marine forecast before you go.
• Ensure your boat has all required safety gear, including PFDs for everyone on board.
• Be vigilant for floating logs and debris, especially during the spring freshet (May-June).
• File a trip plan. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

The world of downrigger fishing opens up a dimension of the Shuswap fishery that many never see. It requires an investment in gear and knowledge, but the rewards are immeasurable. The thrill of seeing your rod pop from the clip and spring to life, knowing a deep-water giant has taken your offering, is an experience that defines Shuswap angling. The fish are down there; the downrigger is simply the tool that lets you go and meet them.