fishing at whiteswan lake

[moncton golden flames]

the girlfriend, dog and i are heading to whiteswan to do some camping and fishing next weekend. we have virtually zero fishing knowledge or experience. today, we each spent about $30 on a rod, reel and lures. we know we need to get a bc fishing license and will get it online. what we don't know, is how to properly operate and maintain our gear.

can anybody offer any advice for online tutorials or any other means of learning how to successfully fish? any advice or tips for whiteswan specifically? is a boat necessary or is fishing from shore going to be fine?

any help is really appreciated!

[keratosis]

Most of your questions depend on you asking yourself...
If you actually want to catch fish or not.
Just looking at the web site I would pack fly fishing gear and maybe some
hip waders.
You did say girlfriend right? Then I don't need to tell you about protection....



Bring lots of bear spray and bells. Bears love heat
and music with their meals.
Also make sure you bring a pair of comfy runners, as
you want to make sure you can out run her.

[carom]

if you want to see fish that you can't catch go check out the spawning stream on the eastern edge of the lake just past the parking lot on that side of the lake.

[4X4]

F@#$ it. Just bring lots of beer (in cans) and go to Lussier springs. When that gets tired, enter Whiteswan park and take a right up the dirt road. Go up about 3 km and then take another right on the grassy path. You'll find my (not so) secret spot where I camp every time I go there.

And if you insist on fishing, just bring some cheddar cheese or corn and a floater and a rod bell. That way you and the old lady can have some fun until the bell rings.

[PYroMaNiaC]

My husband and I just came back from there. Between the two of us, we probably have 40 years of experience fishing - lake, stream, ice, fly. We caught exactly one fish. (And we had a boat)

The only action (fishing action, you pervs) we had was first thing in the morning, and the hour before dark. Exactly the hour before dark - don't head back to camp early.

We've had better luck on previous trips though. In the past, black flies worked the best. If you don't have fly fishing gear, use a bobber (cheap and easy) to keep the fly up near the surface. We've also had the best luck nearer the shore at the west end of the lake. (Waders are a great idea, if you're fishing from shore.)

It's a challenge up there for sure. However, it's absolutly gorgeous there and worth the trip even if you catch nothing at all.

Have fun!

[Calgaryborn]

I havn't been up in that area in several years and it was to Fish lake rather than Swan lake. I do remember a natural hot springs along that road. It had a bit of a sulfer smell but was pretty cool anyways. Back then at least it was undeveloped other than somebody making a little pool out of river rock to give you an area to soak.

[stang]

I have been a casual fisherman for as long as I can remember, and all the only thing I have ever done is 5 of diamonds and beer! Lots of beer!

And make sure you think of the beautiful place you are fishing in.
So if you are out on the water, dont just throw your beer cans in....
Fill them up first so they sink to the bottom.