| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Kalamalka Lake is located at the northern headwaters of the Okanagan Valley. The lakes outlet is Lower Vernon Creek which flows for approximately 9 km in a north and west direction before it enters the north-east arm of Okanagan Lake. Water is a limited and valuable resource throughout the Okanagan Valley and especially so for Coldstream Creek, which is the only inflowing stream into Kalamalka Lake. This creek is a key fish bearing stream as well as a vitally important source of water for the valley. Coldstream Creek is the single most important stream for fish production while in contrast, Oyama Creek, is fairly large but devoid of any fish (Halsey 1974). The southern limit of the Kalamalka watershed is Ellison (Duck) Lake that is formed primarily by Upper Vernon Creek. The outlet of Ellison Lake forms Middle Vernon Creek that flows in a northerly direction for about 6 km before entering into Wood Lake. Wood and Kalamalka lakes are virtually connected by this system that is basically void of any suitable fish habitat. Kalamalka Lake is intensively utilized in the summer months for recreational purposes including boaters, water skiers and other water based activities. While water sports dominate the lake during the summer months, fishing for kokanee, rainbow trout and lake char is also a popular recreational pastime for many of the residents who live on the lake, particularly in the spring, fall and winter months.ﾠ |
