A great family fishery that is nestled within the community of West Kelowna is Shannon Lake. Located on the Old Okanagan Highway it is only a few minutes away from downtown West Kelowna. This lake offers fantastic ice fishing opportunities. During the winter months the lake tends to freeze over enough to pursue ice fishing by late December and into mid February.
Shannon Lake is home to Rainbow Trout, Perch and Large Mouth Bass. Approximately 3000 Spring Catchable 3N (Triploid) Fraser Valley Rainbow Trout are stocked in this lake each year. Due to this, the size of trout in Shannon tend to average over 15 inches and some large fish do lurk in these waters. The Perch in the lake also grow to a decent size reaching over 12 inches. During the winter months the Bass are lethargic and catching them can be difficult.
Throughout this 16 hectare lake there are numerous shoals and drop off ledges that one can have success in targeting when ice fishing. When pursuing trout the northwest and the west side of the lake seem to produce the best. Work the weedy drop off ledges near the park entrance as the trout cruise this area feeding throughout the vegetation. The trout move between the deep water and the shallows, so positioning your presentation suspended higher within the water column just off the shallow shoal can bring success. When suspending your bait use a small silver spoon as a flasher to help attract the fish, followed with an 8 inch leader to the hook and bait. Every few minutes jig in slow 8 inch motions to get the fish’s attention.
The vegetated area on the north end of the lake near the golf course is where the Perch reside. Small jigging spoons, or small flashers with a 5 to 6 inch leader finished with shrimp or krill as bait works well to entice the bite. Position your bait merely 6 inches off the bottom when fishing for these Perch. Bouncing the lure off the bottom a few times to stir up silt will help attract the fish as well.
Shannon Lake is a fantastic urban fishery that allows families to get out and enjoy the sport of fishing without having to drive a long distance. It’s a great option when you only have a couple of hours to go fishing. The park offers easy access with parking and all year bathroom facilities which is perfect for all ages of anglers! So the next time you have a few hours to spare when in West Kelowna check out Shannon Lake; it’s an urban fishery experience well worth your time!
For more information about fishing Shannon Lake please feel free to contact us or make a comment below. Don’t forget to share your fishing pictures and stories on our BC Fishn’ Facebook page!
Tight lines & Conserve our Waters!
Danny Coyne
Danny@BCFishn.com
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