Here is a list of some frequently asked questions that we receive when guests ask us about the fly fishing on the Ranch Lakes. Please read through and enjoy some of the knowledge and information given here. If you have a specific question, we always welcome and promptly reply to our resort based emails throughout the entire calendar year.
A Triploid Trout is produced in some of the top hatcheries in BC. During the egg phase of a trout, the premature eggs are pressurized to a specific measure for a short time. This process creates a sterile trout thats main mission in life is to feed and grow at an exceptional rate. Instead of the preoccupied spawning phase, foraging becomes priority.
A managed and monitored stocking program is firmly in place with most of the fisheries on the Ranch. Minnie, Stoney, Crater, Big & Little Sabin, Pike's, Mellin, Harry's Dam and Little Chapperon Lakes all receive periodic stocking when needed. Salmon and Wasley Lake are handled by the Province of BC. An average amount of fish that may be introduced to a lake depends on it's size and depth. For example, Stoney Lake may take 2000 fish, where Harry's Dam may only receive 300. [learn more about our premier fee fisheries...]
Well, depending on a season to season basis, Stoney, Minnie, Wasley and Pike's have been known to produce jumbo size trout. Salmon Lake also produces some big fish every year. Wasley, Minnie and Stoney Lakes have all produced fish over the 10 pound mark. [visit our blog for the latest reports...]
Without taking up the whole page listing flies that have caught numerous fish, we will list some all around favorites that work on all the lakes. Pumpkin Heads, in sizes 8 to 12. Blood and Black Bead Head Leeches, sizes 2 to 12. Bead Head Maroon Mini Leeches, sizes 8 to 12. Static Bag Chironomids, sizes 10 to 16. Black Snow Cone Chironomids with red wire wrap, sizes 8 to 14. Dark Olive Bottom Walker Dragonfly Nymphs, sizes 2 to 8. Gold and Yellow dubbed Baggy Shrimp, sizes 8 to 12. [visit our blog for the latest reports...]
Fly rods and reels in weights 5, 6, and 7 and lengths of 9 feet and up are perfect on these lakes. Prevailing winds and hard fighting fish dictate this. Floating, slow sinking intermediate, type 3 sinking and extra fast type 6 or 7 fly lines have the total depths covered. To choose only two lines, we would recommend floating lines and a good selection of leader lengths (9 to 20 feet) and extra fast sinking lines to monitor the deeper darker waters. Tippet strengths of 4 to 6 pound on the floating rigs, and tippet strengths of 5 to 10 pound on the sinking rigs. The larger the fly, the heavier the tippet in most applications. Fish usually "freight train" bite larger patterns from the forward on direction, making the chance for break-offs much higher.
By keeping a fish in the water as much as possible fish mortality is minimized. Soft release style nets, pliers or surgical forceps and barbless hooks ensure great survival. By simply pulling a fish straight into the air by it's tail, to remove it from a net can also cause spinal injury. Lightly supporting fish under their belly and gently holding the tail, over the water line, is superior catch & release/fish handling practice!
You sure can! Just send us an email at info@douglaslake.com and we'll be happy to answer you the best we can.