Where: Hazelwood Drive, 2.5 km north of Trail, BC Canada
Coordinates: 49.112499, -117.714869
When: All seasons
Access: Easy: parking is limited
Main Species: Rainbow
Secondary Species Walleye
Bingy Bay is a particularly beautiful and easily accessible fishing hole on the Columbia River. It is set beneath a grassy bank with tall cottonwood and fir trees, and the bay itself is a large back eddy at a bend in the Columbia River just upstream of Gyro Park.
To access this fishing hole turn left onto Hazelwood Drive off of Charles Lakes Drive in Sunningdale and park on the street. The Trail neighborhood of Sunningdale sits on a split upper and lower bench. This is a quiet suburban neighbourhood, and one of only a few in Trail where houses actually rest right on the shore of the Columbia River.
Because of the location and easy access it is a popular spot, but with so many great fishing holes on the Columbia River popular means you are likely to have it to yourself 75 percent of the time. On a particularly busy day you may end up having to share the spot with one or two others.
The large back eddy is relatively quiet and fluctuates seasonally with the water levels. Rainbow trout go into a feeding frenzy during spring attacking flying black ants and cicadae. In the warm summer months clouds of mayfly and caddis emerge and the rainbow adjust their diet, so as always imitate the food source.
During the shoulder season and in the cool winter months bottom bouncing is the preferred method for seasoned local anglers, but often a neoprene wrapped fly angler or Spey-caster will throw a sink tip with streamer off of the northern point.
Beyond Bingy Bay, access is mostly private property unless you walk or drive to the end of Hazlewood Drive. To the left and just below the upper bench there is a municipal building where you will find a trail leading down to the shore with a few other fine fishing holes.
About our fishing hole sponsor
Rossland Beer Company. After a fine day of fishing, how about some great conversation over an award winning local craft beer? The Rossland Beer Company is a popular gathering place for friends, family, and the many visitors that come to experience this beautiful alpine city. The Rossland Brewing Company uses Rossland Mountain filtered water, the healthiest yeast, and the freshest grains and hops available. Once you have your first taste, the beer and the company always bring you back for more.
