Where the Wild Things Are: Spot These Fish and Fauna In and Around Okanagan Lake

Look for bighorn sheep from your Okanagan Lake boat rental.

Did you know that there are more than 300 species of birds, several fish varieties, and numerous shoreland animals that call Okanagan Lake home? Boating is the best way to see local wildlife. Pack your binoculars, camera, fishing gear, and beach clothes and get ready to spot the abundant fauna from the best seat in the house, right on the water when you rent a boat from Downtown Marina.

Here fishy, fishy

A popular fishing area, the 135-kilometre lake in the Okanagan is home to several species of fish, including kokanee, burbot, lake whitefish, and rainbow trout, some of which can reach up to 20 lbs. As the lake seems bottomless in some areas, it helps to pack appropriate fishing gear such as a downrigger rod. A freshwater fishing license is also required and is available through the BC government.

Birds of a Feather

A birder’s paradise, many birds of prey, water birds, and migratory species nest and feed along Lake Okanagan. Expect to see:

Golden and bald eagles
Ospreys
Rough-legged, ferruginous, and broad-winged hawks
Peregrine falcons
Northern goshawks
Canvasback, red-breasted merganser, and other duck and geese species
Common loons
Tundra swans
Blue Herons

On the Shore

While birds and fish are predominant in and around the lake, so are species of mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. See if you can spot these animals from the safety of your boat rental:

Black bears
Coyotes
Cougars
Moose
White-tailed deer
Bighorn sheep
Beavers
Western painted turtles
Great Basin spadefoot toads
Yellow-bellied marmots

Protecting Our Wildlife

The Okanagan is one of the most biodiverse regions in British Columbia. However, due to encroaching development, the introduction of invasive species, fire suppression, and lower rain levels, some of the area's wildlife are on the threatened or endangered list. Before you go out on the water, make sure to understand Okanagan hunting and fishing regulations and quotas, and leave no trace behind. Do not approach any wild animal, and instead use a camera with a long lens to capture all the beauty.

Best Places to Spot Fauna on the Lake in Kelowna

You don't have to travel to the hills to see abundant wildlife near Kelowna. Look for creatures big and small in local waterfront parks and nature reserves. Some parks also feature boat launches and moorage. They include:

Rotary Marshes Wildlife Park adjacent to Waterfront Park and our Kelowna marina.
Knox Mountain Park, located near the Sutherland Bay boat launch.
Raymer Bay Regional Park in West Kelowna has boat mooring buoys for day and overnight use.
Bear Creek Provincial Park on the North Westside has an overnight boat mooring area.
Kalamoir Regional Park has an accessible dock with a canoe and kayak launch.
Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour in Lake Country north of Kelowna features a viewing/fishing platform, boat launch, and courtesy dock for emergencies.

For more information on Kelowna tourism activities, read: More than a Boat Ride: 5 Things to Do on your Kelowna Okanagan Lake Adventure.