Merritt/Kamloops “spring classic” trip?

**johnk** · November 7th, 2009, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by chauchey

Well...there you go. Just for the record, if I say something about fishing the Kamloops region and John say's different....you should probably go with what John says.

lol.

Chauchey, I'm not trying to dispute what you say. I just happen to know that lake very well and Mr. McVey rears the fish himself. I just can't wrap my head around "quality" fish that come to the dock every evening to be fed pellets. They have become such pets that anyone paying the fee to fish the lake is forbidden from harvesting fish over five pounds.

I went every July with clients from Tunkwa and over the years our group has gotten several fish between 10-14 lbs. and frankly you'll get more enjoyment out of a 4 lb. triploid.

Back before the lake was private, it was a great fishery with residents to 5 lbs. and typical longrunning fights of Interior rainbows. Coincidentally Corbett has always had great callibaetis and damsel hatches.

**professori** · November 7th, 2009, 01:42 PM

Troutpocket. I concur with John's assessment of the lakes south of Kamloops. I also have fished Corbett, and if I was paying to stay there, I would likely go to Courtenay Lake to actually fish. You could also travel a bit (25 minutes) north of Kamloops and stay at Knouff (Sullivan) Lake, one of the nicest and most pleasant resorts (IMO) in that area. Or give Heffley Lake (Hitchin' Rail resort) a go. There are a handful of good lakes in the area as well. As for guides, None of these lakes are so big or complex that you would need one, and if you are staying at one of the resorts, the resort staff themselves will be able ot provide you with the information you would need to be successful. I have also found that the other guests a these resorts are usually easy enough
to talk to if you are outgoing yourself, and can save you guiding expense.

**barney** · November 11th, 2009, 12:39 AM

I would suggest Roche Lake. It provides nice accomodation although not cheap along with restaurant facilities so dependant on your budget Roche offers good fishing with the option of several lakes in the vicinity that you would be able to access with your vehicle. If your looking for a guide Brian Chan offers guiding services and that's who I would contact. If your coming up for a short trip and don't want to be disappointed why not go with the best.

**johnk** · November 11th, 2009, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by barney

I would suggest Roche Lake. It provides nice accomodation although not cheap along with restaurant facilities so dependant on your budget Roche offers good fishing with the option of several lakes in the vicinity that you would be able to access with your vehicle. If your looking for a guide Brian Chan offers guiding services and that's who I would contact. If your coming up for a short trip and don't want to be disappointed why not go with the best.

Unfortunately, Troutpocket's timeline coincides with Brian hosting a weeklong trip to Wellesley Lake in the Yukon so a mid June guided trip would be out!

**Fish Finder** · November 11th, 2009, 10:37 AM

All great suggestions above. Although I have fished both Corbett and Minnie up on Douglas Lake Ranch. I found Douglas Lake Ranch to be far superior to CL. There are so many great "free" choices that hold big hard fighting fish, that with a little investigating online, and through fly shops you'll have no trouble finding a few in time for your trip. I think this thread is a great start. My

Finder

**chauchey** · November 11th, 2009, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by johnk

Chauchey, I'm not trying to dispute what you say. I just happen to know that lake very well and Mr. McVey rears the fish himself. I just can't wrap my head around "quality" fish that come to the dock every evening to be fed pellets. They have become such pets that anyone paying the fee to fish the lake is forbidden from harvesting fish over five pounds.

I went every July with clients from Tunkwa and over the years our group has gotten several fish between 10-14 lbs. and frankly you'll get more enjoyment out of a 4 lb. triploid.

Back before the lake was private, it was a great fishery with residents to 5 lbs. and typical longrunning fights of Interior rainbows. Coincidentally Corbett has always had great callibaetis and damsel hatches.

John, no worries man. I wasn't saying this in a negative way, I was simply making sure when this guy considered organizing his trip he didn't waste his thinking process on choices that should be taken. It was meant as more of a playful statement then anything else.
When you feed a fish pellets from the dock...not the lake I'd go to first. :doh: I didn't know that.

**troutpocket** · November 13th, 2009, 03:26 PM

Another big THANKS to all of you for the great suggestions and leads to keep me less productive than normal during the winter in the office!

I'm fishing my local lakes through the end of November when they close and have been catching a few decent 'bows but I can't wait to get a shot at BC bruisers.

cheers,
TP

**parbuster** · November 15th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Corbett Lake has it's fans and haters I for one am a fan. Yes, some of the fish are sluggish but lets be honest most of out Interior lakes are full of sluggish triploids!! Morgan Lake south of Savona is a "trophy lake" and those fish are hardly fighters that make any sort of decent run.

Our triploids are pretty weak fighters when you compare them to a wild rainbow.

Corbett is now $100 a day if you are not staying at the lodge. It's a bit pricey but at least you'll catch some decent fish. I've had plenty of great jumpers ar Corbett and I certainly don't think the rule of not being able to keep a fish over 5 lbs is unreasonable. Anyone keeping a large trout for food needs to give their head a shake anyways. Putthe damn thing back so someone else can experience the thrill of a big fish. 12 to 18 inchers are better eating and more plentiful so if you must keep one for food bonk one of those.

Bruce southern is a capable guide if you want one so is Gordon Honey.

As for lakes to visit I would recommend Corbett, Campbell, Morgan and Tunkwa

**potsNpans** · November 18th, 2009, 02:14 PM

Last season I had the opportunity to fish Roche for 5 days then drove south to Corbett
for 6 days on the water. I have fished both of these lakes a lot and thought this would be a great way to make an accurate sumation to age long controversy over Pellet Pigs and
Triploids ,at least for my own satisfaction. Although the fishing wasn't great on Roche we did manage a few Trip's that tipped the scale between 4.5 to just under 7lbs. Nice chrome fish and 2 of them went a bit into the backing. Off to Corbett... Fishing was typical for this lake but I would say that the number of Larger fish is in decline. It is my opinion after fishing both lakes within this short time frame that - BOTH LAKES WILL PUT A BIG SMILE ON YOUR FACE.

Check the websites of some of the resorts mentioned to see what your budget dictates.
I will quite often stay in a motel in Merrit and day trip surrounding lakes. So many great spots within an hours drive.

Peterhope and the Kane Valley lakes are other noteworthy destinations.

Oh ya. As for Triploids vs PP's, after reveiwing all the recorded data the winner is....

the one that got away. No clear answer here. My best answer is some fish fight harder than others. Both lakes had good numbers of good fighting fish and some just happened to have small tails.

**Thumbtack** · December 7th, 2009, 09:03 AM

You could also look at the area north of Kamloops . The Thuya lakes area has lots of lakes and is quiet and the lodge would be a good base and they have boats on fifteen lakes in the area.