Osoyoos Lake

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shane Hoelzle on February 1, 2013 at 8:14pm

Hey Kevin! I have extensive knowledge on that lake. Most of the smallies in my photo gallery are from Osoyoos. It is an awesome fishery! I have had many 100+ fish days there. If you are going in late may or june, the north side of the lake (Canadian) will be better as the south side. The American side will be well into the post spawn time and that lake can just shut off then. The north side has cooler water flow from the incoming snow melt so it stays many degrees cooler and therefor will spawn a few weeks later. I have a ton of success on crankbaits on dropoffs and any rocks you can find. Also carolina rigs and spinnerbaits have all produced well for me. 

So what kind of stories have you been hearing about? 

Permalink Reply by Todd Parker on February 5, 2013 at 9:48am

Shane, I'm pretty sure that I've seen you in the back of Bassmaster mag holding up 1 or 2 of those 6+ smallies. Osoyoos is on my list for a visit this year as well. What month do you think would be the best time to go? Any issues with "crossing the border" on the water? Canadian fishing license required?

Shane Hoelzle said:

Hey Kevin! I have extensive knowledge on that lake. Most of the smallies in my photo gallery are from Osoyoos. It is an awesome fishery! I have had many 100+ fish days there. If you are going in late may or june, the north side of the lake (Canadian) will be better as the south side. The American side will be well into the post spawn time and that lake can just shut off then. The north side has cooler water flow from the incoming snow melt so it stays many degrees cooler and therefor will spawn a few weeks later. I have a ton of success on crankbaits on dropoffs and any rocks you can find. Also carolina rigs and spinnerbaits have all produced well for me. 

So what kind of stories have you been hearing about? 

Permalink Reply by Shane Hoelzle on February 5, 2013 at 10:23pm

Todd, Osoyoos has been great to me in mid may and september/october. Those 2 time frames have produced the best for me for both numbers and size. In May I am not referring to bed fishing either.

 

If you cross the border on the water, you do not have to check-in with customs as long as you do not touch land, anchor, or go up to another boat while on the water. Yes you will need a Candian "non tidal" fishing license to fish on that side of the border. I have never had any problems there with border crossing issues.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Lunde on February 7, 2013 at 3:11pm

Shane, 

Thank you for responding. It sounds like we should head up there in mid May so we can target some of those the brown bass donkeys. Mt oldest son has been wanting to fish there for about two years now since he saw some pictures of 7 and 8 lb brownies being caught out of that lake. I was also told on the south end there are some large green bass too. 

Is there a campground on the water you would recommend. And what can we expect weather wise?

Is the best fishing on the American or Canadian side? I noticed on the navionics it seems more shallow on the American side compared to Canada. 

If you don't want to discuss to many particulars on here, a PM would be great. Just to let you know I keep nothing. 

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on February 7, 2013 at 3:17pm

so you keep nothing?  Never?  C'MON MAN!!!!   Osoyoos will never be the same!

Kevin Lunde said:

 Just to let you know I keep nothing. 

Permalink Reply by Kevin Lunde on February 7, 2013 at 3:36pm

 Quote from Jake "so you keep nothing?  Never?  C'MON MAN!!!!   Osoyoos will never be the same!"

Jake that picture was taken in the mill pond on spirit lake with the boat almost against the shoreline.
As a matter of fact my son you see in the picture had to get out and push us off as when I was taken his picture we ran aground because it was very windy that day..  

I haven't kept a fish since my days of fishing Catalina and Clementie Island catching calico, white seabass and yellowtail off of the party boats out of san pedro at least 30 years ago.  

Tight lines  

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on February 7, 2013 at 3:55pm

I'm not sure I'm buyin that Kevin.  Kinda looks like the start of a vegetable garden that requires fertilizer behind your son there.  You win this time....but by golly I'm keepin an eye on you!

(plume of smoke appears and snake is gone without a trace)......

Permalink Reply by Kevin Lunde on February 7, 2013 at 4:21pm

Your alright Jake, 

Ever on the East side and want to hammer some slobs out of Long, look me up.