Arrow-Kootenay Lake Reports

Dave Kimble and his fishing buddy Marc just got back from the Blue Knuckle Derby over in Nakusp, and it was blue knuckle weather! Here's Dave's report:

Hello Sheldon. This year’s Blue Knuckle derby in Nakusp definitely lived up to its name.

Saturday was about minus 8 and it snowed hard most of the day. When we headed in at 3:30 there were also waves over 4-feet and the snow was freezing as soon as it touched the boat. After a half-hour it calmed enough to get the boat up on a plane but I could just see out a four-inch hole I created by holding my palm against the windshield while Marc kept me on line with his hand-held GPS. Anyway, we hit three rainbows on Sat, all hitting a Kootenay #216 (black and white with gold Mylar) . Marc Chalut is pictured (photo) holding a 10-pound bow that ended Saturday in 3rd place. On Sunday we had warmer wind keeping the snow from sticking as badly. By 11 am the snow stopped and the four-footers started again. I took a 8-pound bull and later Marc lost a much larger bow (same fly) that only stayed glued about 15-seconds. We left before the ceremony knowing we might only get a draw prize. Overall, very miserable but still fun.

Dave Kimble

Thanks for the report and pic's Dave, sounds like another adventure!

Les Clarke also attended the Blue Knuckle derby and sent in this report:

Hi Sherm, Harold and I took part in the Blue Knuckle Derby this past weekend. Saturday was a write off, We got out to the buoy from Nakusp and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment, lifting the hood there was flames which we quickly extinguished, then used the kicker to get back to the boat ramp. I had the motor and leg rebuilt last year and I think they got the hydraulic lines for the leg too close to the exhaust-heat exchanger. Anyhow we pulled the boat, lifted the leg by hand and went and got Harolds boat. After a late start we headed north in the wind and snow, visibility was about 200 yds. or less. After several hours without a bite we decided to cross the lake and try the other side, this is when it really started to rock and roll. With the planner board doing 3ft. backflips off of 4ft. waves Harold tried to bring it in only to have the line break, goodbye planner board! The rest of the day was uneventful. Sunday we went south trying different lures and depths where we (photo) landed 2 dollys, 10 lbs. and (photo) 8lbs. on a flasher and hootchie at 140 ft., not large enough to enter in the derby but will be good to smoke. Les

Thanks for the report Les, good to hear you got the fire out! I guess there's a reason the regs call for a fire extinguisher on the boat!

Wayne Cross and his buddy Pete also made a trip to the derby in Nakusp and here's their report:

This derby was Jan 28 & 29. Very rough water and a few good fish. Here is a pic of me (Wayne) with a 4.7 lb (photo) rainbow and one with a 7 lb bull trout and Pete (also with Harbercraft) with (photo) a smaller rainbow. These were caught Jan. 28 near Half Way on the Arrow Lake. Best lure for this fishing was a cop car apex - 6" with 2 oz weight. No downriggers were used this time. These were not winners but still good fish. Bigger fish were caught so hopefully more pics will come from other derby entries. Wayne Cross

Thanks for the report Wayne!