Fishing hole of the week

Babine Lake (South)

The rainbow trout fishery offers great options for every type of angler. Fly fishers can float the section of water between Babine Lake and Nilkitkwa Lake, known as Rainbow Alley.

Fishing in Rainbow Alley can be some of the best in the province. Fly patterns that can work well are stoneflies, chinook and coho fry, and Epoxy Minnows and Stimulators.

There are three major hatches to watch for—caddisflies, stoneflies and mayflies.

When imitating these flies, it is important to know your insect’s patterns. For example, when emerging, damselflies will swim straight up and then to the edge, while dragonflies will swim to the edge before heading up.

Angler’s Atlas Field Staff member Kenneth Donaldson reports that the south end of Babine Lake, into Rainbow Alley, is great fishing. “I have fished at the Babine Lake end of Rainbow alley and caught more large Rainbows than when I have fished further into the lake (South of Granisle for example). This MAY be the fact that we were closer to the Rainbow Alley “funnel” and they were congregating there, but I would have expected these large Rainbows to congregate at the mouths of any tributaries, waiting for any injured fish releasing their eggs early.”

The salmon population contributes to the great trout fishing in this part of the lake. Donaldson says that during June or thereabouts, the trout from both Babine and Nilkitkwa Lakes migrate through the river to gorge themselves on sockeye fry.

Please be aware that several different restrictions apply. Please consult the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations and the salmon supplement regulations for more information.

LAKE ACCESS

There are four primary access points to Babine Lake—north of Burns Lake to Pendelton Bay Provincial Park; near Granisle at recreation sites and provincial parks; at Smithers Landing and at Fort Babine. Granisle is located north of Topley (on Highway 16), following the Granisle Highway.

Access to Smithers Landing/ Fort Babine from Highway 16 is from Eckman Road, about 5 km east of Smithers on the right (east). Turn here and follow for 53 km. (Note: The road eventually turns into Babine Lake Road). Turn left (north) onto the Nilkitkwa Forest Service Road, and follow for 44 km, to the turnoff to Fort Babine on the right (east).