Archive:Fishing/ClimbingTrip

Date: June 15^th(evening) - 17^th, 2007

Why go to Skaha pay 10$ for parking and 10$ for camping when you can come to Kamloops and do all that for Free. Do you like climbing and fishing and want to explore some of those smaller crags?

Here is what I propose. We go on a climbing/fishing trip. As you may know, Meghan and I have been living in Kamloops for the last 3.5 months. As soon as climbing season started, we began to explore the local crags. This involves talking to locals, getting photocopies from the local stores and exploring logging roads. Our efforts have been fruitful.

I am also an avid fisherman, so after a long, hot day of pulling rock, we can head to a lake, jump in, then cast a line. Maybe we can even catch dinner. I have a good idea of which lakes are good to fish from talking to locals (Meg’s Dad). I also have good maps of the back-roads in the area which I will post.

The Climbs

There are 2 crags near Kamloops that I have in mind, The Beach and Roche Lake. They are both beginner friendly and top-rope friendly.

Day 1: The Beach: Located near a rest stop 20 min West of Kamloops. Behind a large display, follow the path, over the hill, down and right. From the crag you can see a wonderful view of Kamloops lake. Climbs rate from 5.4 – 5.11, about 30 climbs, all sport.

After climbing at The Beach, we will head to our first lake which is near Roche Lake climbing wall. Our campsite is also next to the wall.

Roche Lake: Located about 25 min South of Kamloops. The crag has about 30 climbs rating from 5.8-5.11. All 5 of the 5.8 climbs are right next to each other and can have top-ropes set up on them. These are high quality sport climbs about 25m high, there is even a sweet overhand section.

Directions around Kamloops area

Directions

-Head East on the #1, 12th is a good road to use to get to the highway.

-Once you get to hope, you have two choices: Take the #5 Cochilhala($10 toll but way faster) or the number 3 (There will be big signs telling you where to go).

-Both routes should bring you through Merritt, and the #5 Cochihala for the last stretch.

-Once you get to Kamloops there will be an exit to get onto the 5a (old Merritt highway)(Same exit as the Aberdeen Mall), take this exit to get to the campsite. You will need to download and print these maps to find your way around. Click on them to get a better picture, and right click on them and choose, "save as", then print them

Details of the area around the campsite

Camping

The campsite is right next to the Roche Lake climbing area. There is no water source, but there is lots of room and a nice place for a fire. It is right at the end of the road, on the road. Here is my play by play on how to get there:

- Take the 5a (old Merrit highway, exit near Aberdeen Shopping mall).

- Follow it past a couple of lakes on your left until you see a sign on your left indicating Roche Lake.

- Turn left onto the dirt road, this is a nice fast road.

- Drive for about 20 min down this road until you get to your first major left turn, take the left. The road will start to get bumpy here so drive slow. If you go too far, don't worry, you will simply arrive at the Roche Lake fishing resort. Turn around and try again.

- Drive until you see a fork.

- Take the left fork. Now the road gets really crappy.

- Drive until you get to the end of the road and you have found the campsite.

- Please have the map on you.

Materials

Vehicle: A truck is the best, 4x4 is a bonus (We all know that Breaky will hit the four wheel drive as soon as he sees gravel), so are winches and a tow rope (for access to the more secret lakes). My truck is only 4x2 (basically a glorified small car) As long as your vehicle doesn’t mind some bumpy roads you should be okay. Always have a full sized spare tire handy in case of a flat.

Maps: I will try to post all necessary maps on the wiki which you can print, these are about 5 years out of date. I suggest buying a, “backroads mapbook” which can be found at any outdoors store of Canadian Tire. Hint: When driving on these roads use your odometer trip and the Km scale on your map to find turnoff roads and lakes

Floatation device: Fishing is a lot more successful if you are floating for a few reasons. 1) You won’t snag your lures and line on branches, weeds, submerged trees and rocks. 2) You can move around the lake easily. Most of these lakes do not have nice paths going around them. We will be using a canoe, other things that work include: kayaks, blow-up dingies, tubes, and life jackets……No powered vehicles.

Freshwater Fishing License: This is mandatory if you will be catching fish. If you catch a fish without a license you can get a fine and possibly charged with poaching. The money from these licenses go towards lake improvement projects and the restocking of lakes with fish. A year long license is approx $30 at any sporting good store, including Walmart, and 3 Vets. You can also get day licenses but they are not worth it.

Rods and Bait: The best place to go for a cheap rod is at Walmart or Canadian Tire. You can get a rod and reel for about $20. Mine has lasted 4 years now. Bait and lures can be bought in a kit for about $5-10 (I can teach people how to set them up). -I suggest some silver and bronze spinners as well as a small buzzbomber. Weights bobbers and worms work well too. -The two techniques that you can use are: Trolling, dragging your line slowly through the water or Casting, launching your lure then dragging it back.

Net: Bring a net to get the fish into the boat.

Knife: To gut the fish.

Club: To kill the fish.

Sign Up

Please mention your disponibility and climbing gear you will be bringing.

1. Stephen Lerch(Sorry we won't be sharing gear)
   
2. Meghan Trepanier
   

Cars

If you have space in your car, please post the spots. Passengers pay for gas. If you have a rope and/or rack, please indicate so that we can try and even out people with gear into cars with less gear.

Note: Passengers, contact your drivers a few days in advance to determine meeting locations/times. Contact info can be found on Member List. The onus is not on drivers to track down all their passengers.

• Stephen Lerch (3) [Leaving 4:00 pm Friday night from PointGrey]
  • Me
  • Meghan
  • Name

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• For people whom don't have a ride.

Note: Please add email or phone number and gear beside your name

1. Name
2. Name