Tobacco Valley Fishing

As soon as the ice melts off Lake Koocanusa, fisherman begin launching their boats into the 90 mile reservoir anticipating yet another great fishing season. If you like the sport and are visiting the Tobacco Valley, don’t miss out on a Lake Koocanusa experience. Launch sites along the lake include Rexford Bench, Mariners Haven, Peck Gulch, Rocky Gorge and Koocanusa Marina. If you’re lucky, the locals might let you in on some smaller access sights to avoid the crowds.

The species of fish most sought after in Lake Koocanusa are the kokanee salmon, kamloop rainbow trout and the cutthroat trout. Murray Springs Fish Hatchery raises over 700,000 fish annually, mainly westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout, stocking Lake Koocanusa and other nearby waters. Kamloops begin running in the spring while the salmon have their big run in the fall.

Summer, of course, is the busiest time for fishing locally. Lake Koocanusa draws a large number of out-of-state as well as local fisherman every year from May to September.

The Tobacco Valley Rod & Gun Club sponsors an annual two-day fishing derby in early July on the 5th and 6th. For information call club president Rose Carvey at 297-3378.
Fishing regulations vary in the Tobacco Valley and visitors are encouraged to get copies.