Each year large numbers of kokanee and rainbow trout are released into Horse Lake. Anglers targetting kokanee may find that a few tricks will produce consistently.
Kokanee seem to prefer red and silver or pearl colours. When lure fishing try trolling a small spoon, like a Max Imperial in hot pink and fluorescent red. Because kokanee mainly feed on plankton, keep the lures and bait small. Corn kernels are popular bait.
Another trick is to troll in "S" curves. Vary your speed every so often, but generally keep it slow. Many lures and flashers work best at slow speeds. Vary your depth depending on the time of year, going deeper during the warm summer months. This is especially true for kokanee, which prefer water in the fifty degree farenheit (10 degrees celcius) range.
Anglers practising catch-and-release methods may wish to refresh their knowledge of proper release techniques to help ensure the survival of released fish.
While it's not quite ice fishing season, it won't be too far away. Horse Lake is a popular ice fishing destination, and is known for its big winter catches. Some really big lake trout come out of Horse Lake. Kokanee and rainbow trout are also productive targets all winter long.
Ice fishers may want to try a Williams Wobbler in various silver combinations to go after the kokanee and rainbow. A Ruby Eye Wobbler can work well, too. Around 12 inches or so, add a Glowhook with bait such as maggots, Powerbait or shrimp.
Lake trout respond to black and white combinations. Try a #4 Coyote spoon in black and white, sometimes with blue on them as well. Various colours of Buzz Bombs can work, or try a Canoe spoon in black and white, or blue.
The map of Horse Lake shows underwater structure, but can sometimes miss small shoals. The map below is no exception and one of the shoals is missing.
The shoal is in the south-western area of the lake, and if you bring this map into your local tackle shop, they can help find the shoal for you.
LAKE ACCESS
From 100 Mile House, follow Horse Lake Road east about eight kilometres.
Download URL: http://www.mapjungle.com/geoproduct/download/1465084?widgetID=18
Copyright 2011 by The Angler's Atlas
