Vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a sleek, elegant shape. Discover the stunning beauty of the Pennask Cutthroat Trout that make the pristine waters of Minnie Lake a top destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Nestled in the serene landscapes of British Columbia, Minnie Lake is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a few days there with close friends.
It turned out to be one of the most memorable fishing experiences of my life.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by more than one million acres of breathtaking views—sprawling fields and crystal clear waters. Horses galloped and chased each other in the meadow behind our cabin. And the fresh air and tranquility were a welcome escape from our everyday hustle.
We eagerly prepared our gear and set off to the weathered, plywood-patched docks that would launch us into the renowned fishing spots the ranch is famous for.
A Species of Trout Unlike any Other
Minnie lake is located in the heart of Douglas Lake Ranch. The ranch boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was first established as a working cattle ranch. Over the years, it evolved, embracing the natural beauty of its surroundings and becoming a premier fly fishing destination.
The ranch's legacy of stewardship and conservation has helped preserve its pristine environment, ensuring its waters remain teeming with life, but none that overshadow the Pennask cutthroat trout.
Known for their energetic spirit and impressive fighting abilities – which continue all the way to your net – the waters of Douglas Lake Ranch are brimming with these striking fish. They offer a thrilling challenge to both seasoned anglers and novices alike.
Originating from Pennask Lake in British Columbia, this species of trout has evolved in a unique monoculture environment. This allows them to grow large and thrive in highly productive lakes without competition from other fish species. Known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive nature, Pennask trout provide an exhilarating challenge and are a prized catch among anglers of all ability levels.
Over the next four days, we were filled with the excitement of casting lines and fighting these vigorous fish. Each catch was a testament to the rich aquatic life of the ranch. We could not help but admire the beauty of the fish we encountered.
The Pennask cutthroat trout has a sleek, silver body that gleams under the sunlight. Its elongated, graceful form allows it to cut swiftly through the water. This streamlined body is designed for agility, speed, and evading predators above and below.
As you peer at one in your net, the elegant shape is at once clearly functional but also adds to the overall visual appeal of the fish. It’s impossible not to admire their beauty.
The most notable feature is the vivid pink or red stripe running along its lateral line, which becomes more vibrant during the spawning season. This stripe contrasts sharply with the trout's darker olive-green back, creating a stunning visual effect.
I repeatedly found myself whispering, “Beautiful fish. What a beautiful fish.” An unconscious prayer.
Speckled Beauty
Adding to its appeal are the numerous black spots scattered across its back, dorsal fin, and tail. These spots are more concentrated above the lateral line, enhancing the fish's natural camouflage while adding to its beauty. The speckled pattern is a distinctive characteristic that makes each trout unique.
Fin Details
The fins of the Pennask cutthroat trout also add to its striking appearance. The pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins often have a hint of red or orange, providing a subtle but noticeable contrast to the silvery body. The dorsal and tail fins, dotted with black spots, complete the harmonious look from head to tail.
Chironomids or Leeches? You Choose
Pennask trout are mid-water foragers with a particular taste for chironomids and other invertebrates. This makes them highly susceptible to a well-chosen and well-placed fly. But like any trout, they’re fickle.
Using black leech patterns and trolling at 1.5 to 2 miles per hour yielded the best results in the July wind and heat. This was in stark contrast to our trip in June, where we netted fish after fish with snow cone midges.
I’m looking forward to seeing what September will bring!
Use a Two-fly Setup to Maximize Your Chances
One of the most effective techniques at Douglas Lake Ranch is a two-fly setup, whether trolling or chironomid fishing. This method allows you to cover more water and present different patterns simultaneously, increasing your chances of success.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up and fish with a two-fly rig…
Trolling with Two Flies
When trolling, the two-fly setup involves attaching a second fly to the leader using either a dropper tag or directly to the bend of the hook of the first fly. This setup is particularly effective because it allows both flies to be at a similar depth, covering more area and presenting multiple options to the fish.
Leader and Tippet: Start with a 9-foot leader. Attach the first fly, typically a heavier pattern like a black leech, to the end of the leader. Then tie an additional 18 to 24 inches of tippet to the bend of the hook of the first fly using a clinch knot.
Second Fly: Attach the second fly, such as a chironomid pattern, to the end of the tippet. This fly will trail behind the first, offering a different profile and movement that can entice strikes from curious trout.
Trolling Speed: Maintain a trolling speed of about 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. Adjust the speed based on the fish's activity and water conditions.
Chironomid Fishing with Two Flies
Chironomid fishing is highly effective in stillwaters and is particularly suited for targeting Pennask trout at Minnie Lake. The two-fly setup here can be rigged using a floating line and a long leader to reach the desired depth.
Indicator and Leader: Use a strike indicator to help detect bites. Start with a 10-foot leader (6 to 8 pound test) and tie on the first fly about 6 feet below the indicator. This fly can be a weighted chironomid pupa pattern.
Second Fly Placement: Attach a second fly about 12 to 18 inches below the first fly. This can be done by tying a short piece of tippet to the bend of the hook of the first fly or using a dropper tag. The second fly should be a lighter chironomid pattern.
Depth and Presentation: Adjust the depth of the flies by moving the indicator up or down the leader. Begin by fishing near the bottom and gradually work your way up through the water column until you find the feeding zone.
Gauge Water Depth with Your Forceps
No electronic depth finder? A practical technique to determine the water depth and effectively place your flies is to attach forceps to the end of your fly line and drop it into the lake until it hits the bottom.
This method helps you accurately gauge the depth without sophisticated electronics. Once the forceps reach the bottom, mark the line at the water's surface to know how deep it is.
Knowing the depth of water you’re in is crucial for setting the depth of your flies. It ensures the flies are presented in the trout's feeding zone, typically 1 to 2 feet from the bottom of the lake.
Remember: trout look up. They don’t look down. So, if you pull in your line and it’s covered in grass, you’re dragging the bottom. Chances are good the trout never even knew you were there.
Beware the Local Loon
In stark contrast to the serenity of Minnie Lake is a red-eyed, dagger beaked, fish stealing menace. Keep your eyes peeled for the local loon.
This bird is notorious for following boats and waiting for fish to be released so it can pursue tired fish, or even snatch them straight off your line.
With its distinctive black-and-white checkered back and eerie, mournful calls, it’s an expert diver and capable of swimming at speeds up to 20 miles per hour underwater. The loon that stalks this lake is a significant predator and large enough to be capable of consuming up to two pounds of fish per day.
It nests on the edges of the lake and is hard to shake when you’re floating near the shoreline. It’s rare to find it tailing you in deeper water, however.
Understanding and respecting its presence adds another layer of appreciation and excitement to your fishing experience.
Find yourself with a loon on your line?
Your best bet is to let it run. The fish will eventually shake (or get shaken from) the hook. Holding onto the line and trying to fight both the fish and the loon is a quick ticket to snapping your rod in two.
Fishing is Only One Part of this Experience
The trip was about more than just fishing. It was a time of camaraderie, with stories shared, laughter echoing across the waters, and bonds strengthened. Evenings were spent recounting the day's adventures and planning the next. Sharing meals and enjoying each other's company added a special touch to the experience.
Douglas Ranch offers not just a fishing trip but an opportunity to connect with nature and friends. It reminded us of life's simple joys and the value of taking time to enjoy them. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it one of the best fishing experiences of my life.
If you're looking for a place that offers exceptional fishing, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to create lasting memories with friends, Minnie Lake on Douglas Lake Ranch in British Columbia should be at the top of your list.
Our time there was extraordinary. We left with full hearts, promising to return for another round of fishing and fellowship.
Steve Ruppert is a passionate fly fisher and beginning fly tyer. His fly fishing journey began after joining friends on a trip to California. Nicknamed "the meat chucker," Steve embraced fly fishing and quickly discovered a new passion. He enjoys the challenge of catching Pennask trout at Douglas Lake Ranch in British Columbia, as well as the huge Lahontan cutthroat at Nevada's Pyramid Lake and Washington’s Omak Lake.
He cherishes the comforts of his custom Project M camper over cheap motels, providing a cozy retreat after a long day on the water. Steve is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping with his wife Caren and their two dogs, Buddy and Chuck. However, his granddaughter Virginia brings him the most sunshine in the often dreary Pacific Northwest.
Recently, Steve faced some health challenges but is grateful to be back on the water, doing what he loves most. His determination and passion for fly fishing have been instrumental in his recovery, and he looks forward to many more adventures ahead.
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