A World of Fishing from the Bank
The shimmering waters of the Shuswap are not just for the boat-bound angler. Tucked along its vast and varied coastline, from the sun-drenched beaches of the main arm to the secluded coves and bustling riverbanks, lies a world of opportunity for the shore angler. With a little knowledge, the right gear, and a sense of adventure, you can access some of the most rewarding fishing experiences the region has to offer, all with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
This guide is your roadmap to shore fishing success in the Shuswap. We’ll explore the best public access spots, the gear you’ll need, and the proven techniques to entice the diverse fish species that call these waters home.
Why Fish From Shore?
Shore fishing offers a unique connection to the aquatic environment. It’s an accessible, affordable, and wonderfully simple way to enjoy the sport. It’s perfect for family outings, a quiet solo morning, or for those who simply prefer the stability of solid ground. In the Shuswap, the dramatic drop-offs and varied underwater structure close to the shoreline mean that trophy-sized fish are often well within casting distance.
Gearing Up for the Shuswap Shoreline
You don’t need a boatload of gear to be successful from the bank. A versatile setup will cover most situations you’ll encounter.
- Rod and Reel: A medium-light to medium-action spinning rod, typically between 6’6″ and 8′ in length, is the perfect all-around choice. This will give you the backbone to handle a surprise Lake Trout while still having the sensitivity to detect the subtle bite of a Rainbow. Pair it with a quality spinning reel in the 2500-3000 size range, spooled with 6-10 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
- The Shore Angler’s Tackle Box: Your tackle selection should be diverse but concise.
- Spoons & Spinners: No Shuswap shore angler should be without a collection of casting lures. Spoons like the Gibbs Croc and Dick Nite, and spinners like the Mepps and Panther Martin are essential. Have a variety of colours, from bright silver and brass for sunny days to darker or more vibrant patterns for overcast conditions.
- Bottom Fishing Rigs: This simple setup is deadly. You’ll need pyramid or egg sinkers (1/2 oz to 1 oz), barrel swivels, and pre-tied snelled hooks (size 4-8) or leader material to tie your own.
- Bait: Classic baits like dew worms, salmon roe (a local favourite, especially in the fall), and commercially available dough baits like PowerBait are all effective.
- Float/Bobber: Useful for suspending bait off the bottom in weedy areas or for fishing the “bobber and worm” technique that has caught countless fish.
- Essential Tools: A pair of pliers for removing hooks, a line clipper, a tape measure, and a net with a long handle for safely landing fish from rocky or steep banks.
Where to Cast a Line: Prime Shore Fishing Locations
The Shuswap is blessed with an abundance of public land and parks providing excellent shore access. Here are some of the top spots, categorized by area:
Salmon Arm & South Shuswap
- Canoe Beach: A popular spot with ample parking and a long, sandy beach. The area around the public wharf can be particularly productive, especially in the mornings and evenings. Look for Rainbow Trout and Northern Pikeminnow.
- Marine Peace Park (Salmon Arm Wharf): The long public wharf is a magnet for fish and anglers alike. It provides access to deeper water where you can target Rainbow Trout, and occasionally Burbot and Lake Trout, especially in cooler weather.
- Herald Provincial Park: A gem on the shores of the Salmon Arm. The day-use area offers extensive shoreline, including the point and the area around the creek mouth. Casting spoons or fishing bait off the bottom here can be very effective for Rainbows and Bull Trout.
- Sunnybrae: The shoreline along Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Road has several public pull-outs. The rocky “bluffs” in this area feature steep drop-offs, allowing shore anglers to cast into deep water where larger trout may be lurking.
North Shuswap
- Shuswap Lake Provincial Park (Scotch Creek): This large park has a massive beach and a boat launch area that provides excellent shore access. The waters here are relatively shallow, making it a great spot for family fishing.
- Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park: While famous for the salmon run, the banks of the Adams River outside of the peak spawning season can offer excellent fishing for Rainbow and Bull Trout. Be sure to check regulations as special restrictions often apply here.
- Public Access Points in Anglemont & St. Ives: Explore the various road-end public access points in these communities. These small, often unmarked spots can be hidden gems that see less fishing pressure.
Sicamous & Mara Lake
- Mara Provincial Park: Located on the southeastern shore of Mara Lake, this park has a beautiful beach and is a great spot for casting for Rainbow Trout and Pikeminnow. The water is clear, so longer casts may be necessary.
- Public Docks in Sicamous: The public docks near the Sicamous Narrows can be productive, especially during the spring and fall when fish are on the move between the lakes.
Proven Shore Fishing Techniques
Success from the shore comes down to two primary methods: covering water with lures or patiently presenting bait.
1. The “Cast and Retrieve” Game with Lures
This active and exciting method is all about searching for aggressive fish.
- Technique: Cast your spoon or spinner as far as you can. Let it sink for a few seconds – counting down to vary the depth on subsequent casts – and then begin your retrieve. The key is to vary your retrieve speed. A steady retrieve works, but often, a “stop-and-go” or erratic retrieve that makes the lure flutter and flash will trigger a strike.
- Where it Shines: This method is ideal for rocky points, drop-offs, and windy days when the surface chop can make fish more active.
2. The Patient Art of Bottom Fishing
This is a relaxed yet highly effective technique, letting the bait do the work.
- The Slip-Sinker Rig: This is the most effective bottom rig. Slide an egg sinker onto your main line, then tie on a barrel swivel. To the other end of the swivel, attach a 12-24 inch leader with your hook at the end.
- Technique: Bait your hook, cast out, and let the sinker settle on the bottom. Reel in the slack line until you can feel the weight. Now, you can either place the rod in a rod holder or hold it and wait. A fish will pick up the bait and be able to run with it without feeling the resistance of the sinker, resulting in a more confident bite.
- Where it Shines: Sandy or gravel bottoms, off public wharves, and at creek mouths where fish congregate to feed on drifting morsels.
3. Fly Fishing from the Shore
For the fly angler, the Shuswap shoreline offers ample opportunity.
- Technique: A roll cast is often all that’s needed to get your fly into productive water from shore. Focus on areas with drop-offs or visible cruising fish. Use floating lines with long leaders for fishing nymphs under an indicator, or intermediate/sink-tip lines to retrieve leech and minnow patterns.
- Productive Flies: Woolly Buggers, Leech patterns, and small minnow imitations are excellent choices for lake shores. In river areas, classic nymphs like the Prince Nymph, Hare’s Ear, and Pheasant Tail can be deadly.
Respect the Resource: Regulations and Responsibility
A great day of fishing ends with leaving the spot better than you found it.
- Know Your Regs: Always have a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing license. Be sure to read the specific regulations for the Shuswap region (Region 3), as rules on bait bans, barbless hooks, and retention limits can change and may be specific to the body of water you are fishing.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave no trace. Pack out all of your garbage, including discarded fishing line, which can be lethal to wildlife.
- Respect Private Property: The Shuswap has a mix of public and private shoreline. Only fish in designated public access areas and respect the property of shoreline residents.
Casting from the shores of the Shuswap is an invitation to experience the heart of the region’s fishery. It’s a chance to connect with nature, share a passion with family and friends, and with a little luck, feel the thrilling pull of a powerful Shuswap fish. So grab your rod, explore the coastline, and discover the angling treasures that await.