Fishing in the Columbia Valley
Lake Windermere Rod and Gun
The Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club offers recreational and educational opportunities year-round, including:
- Ice-fishing huts
- Fly tying courses
- Family-friendly fishing events
- Annual “Largest Fish” contest
Any questions? fishing@lwdrodgun.com
How to access the Club’s ice fishing huts
The Club maintains two ice fishing huts for member use: one on Lake Windermere, and one on Lake Lillian. These huts are equipped with wood stoves. Bring your own wood and tall stories!
If you are a club member and would like to book a hut for the day, please contact Bernie or Chris Raven at Maxwell Realty: 250-341-6044.
Family-friendly fishing events in the Columbia Valley
The Club hosts family fishing days every year, providing equipment and personal instruction:
- January: Family Fishing Adventure Day (members only), Lake Windermere.
- February: Family Fishing Adventure Day (members & non-members), Lake Lillian.
- June (Father’s Day): BC Family Fishing Weekend (members & non-members), Lake Lillian.
Annual “largest fish” contest
Club members of all ages and levels are invited to enter their largest catches in the Club’s annual fishing awards competition. Eligible fish must be caught within the Columbia Valley.
Trophies and plaques will be presented for the largest fish in the following categories:
Bull Trout
Brook Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
Bass
To enter your catch, sent the following information before December 31 to Kent Kebe at kent@lwdrodgun.com:
- Your name
- Your contact information
- The name of the lake/stream where the fish was caught
- The date the fish was caught
- A picture showing the fish length indicated by a measuring tape, its weight if possible (but not necessary, if you are practicing catch and release)
Fish conservation in the Columbia Valley
The Club has partnered with a Shuswap Indian Band lead project to enhance and restore Westslope Cutthroat streams in the Upper Columbia River, and investigate the possible reintroduction of White Sturgeon and salmon.
Our Abel Creek restoration and fish passage project has allowed fish to re-access stream areas for the first time in 40 years, following the removal of barriers. The Abel Creek project remains active. The impassable culvert is to be replaced in June 2023.
The club is working with Shuswap Band, the province and other local organizations on an aquarium classroom program for schools to enhance knowledge of fish life cycles, native fish species and fish habit. The club is also working on further egg rearing in Able Creek to enhance Kokanee populations.