photosynthesis to produce lush submerged and
emergent green plant growth. This organic matter
provides the habitat for many trout food sources
as well as providing cover for juvenile trout. Each
winter, the decomposing vegetation provides the
nutrients for the next season of plant growth.
The typical small lake is shaped like a dinner
plate with shallow edges sloping off into a deeper
center area. The amount of shallow shoal area
in relation to the deep water area gives a strong
indication of relative productiveness. However there
is a fine balance between the amount of shallow
You can catch big trout from shore in British Columbia and other
Pacific Northwest lakes. However, a boat allows you to access
all areas of a lake and all depths. In addition, a boat allows you
to use electronics, which helps you find fish quickly.
water versus deep water area and survival of trout
in lakes that endure months of ice cover and/or
experience long hot, dry summer air temperatures.
The drop-off is the transition zone between the
shoal and deep-water areas of the lake. The slope of
the drop-off can vary from very gradual to an abrupt
angle almost approaching 90d degrees. The more
gentle slopes offer more diverse fish and fish food
habitat and fishing area for that matter. The drop-
off plays a crucial role during warm water periods
as the water temperatures drop significantly over
a short vertical distance and provide a refuge for
trout that seek cooler more oxygenated water.
Beyond the drop-off is the limnetic or deepwater
zone of the lake. The most productive stillwaters
are seldom deep, usually with maximum depths of
less than 20 meters. Some of the best western trout
fisheries are less than eight meters in maximum
depth. The most prominent trout food source found
in the deep-water zone is zooplankton. Common
zooplankton are the crustaceans Daphnia, Cyclops
and Bosmina, which are all quite visible to the
naked eye. Zooplankton gather in dense horizontal
layers or bands in the water column and fish just
swim through the masses for a nutritious and easily
captured meal. This deeper water can also be a
large refuge area for trout during the hot summer
months. The abundant supply of tiny zooplankton
in deep, cold water creates the situation known
to anglers as the summer doldrums, where the
fish are deep and gorging on food items that are
difficult to imitate with a fly. The deepwater zone is