When I moved to Kamloops, British Columbia in 1982, I was just a newbie to fly fishing, but had heard that this was the mecca for BC rainbow trout fly fishing. I talked to my boss about the lakes in the area and he has a couple of amazing stories of huge fish breaking his rod, stealing his line and causing him distress. I thought, “I would like that kind of angst.” He was referring to Pass Lake. At that time it was considered a trophy lake of considerable stature. Access was a very poor 4×4 road, there were 2 launches, neither of which were very good.
Some things have changed over the years. You no longer need a 4×4 to get to Pass. Since logging was opened further north, the trail has been improved and is somewhat maintained. There’s only one boat launch area, but it’s better than ever. There is a substantial forest camp with fire pits and latrines. Regulations have changed slightly to accommodate the increased pressure due to improved access. And there are triploids. Oh baby!
This treasure of a lake is located about 25 km north of Kamloops on the Lac du Bois road. The journey to and from Pass Lake is majestic in itself as you migrate and transition through approximately 4 geo-climatic zones. First, you make your way through the rugged desert hills of sagebrush and tumbleweeds of Lac du Bois Provincial Park. Below are productive grasslands of bunchgrass, juniper, and home to cattle and deer. As you approach Lac du Bois itself, the terrain becomes more of a park, rolling pastures dotted with shallow duck ponds, deciduous trees, and dryland Douglas firs. Finally you come to an interior forest of fir, pine, spruce and poplar. I must say that the view on the scenic drive home is a nice reward or consolation, even on the least productive fishing days.
Pass Lake has always been a moody lake. He rarely gives up a day when the fish are focused on their fly all day as if it was their last meal. I have been a skunk many times. For the persistent angler, it produces beautiful rewards. It is one of those lakes that has two types of fish. Small and big. The little ones will tease you while they are under 12″. Then they get hungry and are rarely seen until they are 20″ or more. There is always a reasonable expectation of catching a trophy sized fish and that is what keeps me coming back.
I found that late May, early June and September/October are the best times to spend. It can be productive during the summer months, but you may have to brave the darkness at the end of the night or get out of bed very early in the morning.
The lake is surrounded by shallows and productive slopes of marl. Late May chironomid hatches can turn fish into ravenous hunters amongst an aluminum hatch of small boats. I have seen times when 5 or 6 anglers all fished at the same time in a 250 meter long stretch of shoal on the north side of the lake.
Perhaps the most prolific hatching at Pass Lake is that of the mayfly, beginning in late May and culminating in mid-June. The key is to catch them with a floating line as they migrate to the surface to emerge as adults. Another staple food that large fish produce is the leech. The lake has a healthy population of leeches and fishing for this pattern throughout the season can be very productive.
As I said before, this lake is in a bad mood. It’s one of those lakes where you might not eat a bite all day, but still feel like next time will be your day. It is part of the mystique and appeal of Pass Lake.
Pass Lake was the first lake I fished in the Kamloops area and I knew one day I would catch a big fish. It took me 3 visits before I snagged a big one and now I am forever in love. The lure of trophy fish captures my soul and I make Pass Lake my destination of choice many times each season.