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Fishing in Gold Country
Aug 1st, 2006 FISHING IN GOLD COUNTRY The Gold Country Region is an angler, trolling or fly fisherman/women's paradise. Trout, Salmon, Steelhead, Char, Sturgeon, Burbot, Kokanee Perch and Whitefish are just some of the species you will find. This is the circle tour you'll want to experience. The scenery is spectacular, the fishing incredible. Notes before you start: Pick up a Freshwater Fishing regulations synopsis book for all the fishing rules and regulations. Be sure to have the appropriate fishing license. Different licenses are needed different species of fish. Report tagged fish to the Fish and Wildlife Regional Office in Kamloops at 1-800-388-1606. Please have information ready including tag number, and colour, fish length and weight and location of capture. Please respect all First Nations fishing ground. If you open a gate, be sure to close the gate. When fishing for Steelhead or Sturgeon it is catch and release only. Fishing is a favorite sport in this region and can be enjoyed by all. Have fun, and good luck in catching the big one! Lytton Stein Valley Provincial Park is a wilderness park where youâ€™ll find old growth forest and fantastic scenery. To access the park you must cross the Fraser River by the Lytton Ferry, which operates, from 5:30am till 9:50pm. Once you are on the west side of the Fraser River, head north for 5 km to a marked junction, Stein Valley Road. Turn left opposite the house marked â€œSite 5â€. Turn left again at the T. junction, past an abandoned log cabin. You are now on reserve land of the Nlakaâ€™pamux Nation. It is respectful to ask for permission to drive through their land. After crossing Van Winkle Flats and under a hydro line, you will reach the parking lot. Here you can fish for Whitefish, Salmon, Trout and Char. You will be glad to have made the trip. Spences Bridge From Lytton travel to on Hwy 1 approximately 40 km northeast to Spences Bridge. Nestled along the Thompson River you will find incredible fishing spots. In June the rivers opens for Rainbow Trout. Spences Bridge known for some of the best Salmon fishing and is famous for Steelhead, reportedly the strongest in North America. Camping spots include Acacia Grove RV Park and Cabins, Thompson River RV Park. 11 km west of Spences Bridge the Gold Pan Provincial Park is 10 km south. From Spences Bridge traveling north on Hwy 1 to a gravel access road. Travel up Venables Valley Road, where you will find Blue Earth Provincial Park. There is a Forestry recreation site with 5-6 rustic campsites. The Park water is not drinkable, so be sure to have your own supply. Here you will find trout averaging from 2 lbs. There is a car top boat launch and fly fishing or trolling are popular. Kayaking and canoeing is also very popular on the crystal clear water of this lake. Open year around depending on weather and road conditions. Enjoy the beauty of this area overlooked by the majestic Pavilion Mountains. Lower Nicola Traveling east from Spences Bridge approx. 45 km to reach Spius Creek Hatchery. This is an educational and recreational place to visit. This hatchery produces all the Salmon for the area and is open from 9am to 3 pm, 7 days a week year around. They have a picnic area so bring a lunch and enjoy the scenery surrounding of this hatchery. From Spius Creek Hatchery head south on Hwy 8 until you reach Lower Nicola. Turn off Hwy 8 at Aberdeen Road and head up to Chataway. It is about 43 km up to the resort. This is a slow traveling road and a 4X4 recommended for Winter Months. For the Fisherman/woman who wants a little adventure, Chataway lakes are for you! BCFS campsites are available. At Chataway Resort you can rent cabins but you have to bring all your own bedding, food, and anything else you might need. They do not have plumbing. There are a total of 11 lakes in the area and a 4X4 is needed for most. Antler and Echo lakes are hike in only and have small rainbow up to 4.5lbs. The best fishing is trolling, although fly fishing is popular. There are boat launches at most of the lakes, and you can also rent a boat if you chose at the resort. This is a spectalar fishing area for the outdoor enthusiast who enjoys the wilderness and an adventure. For more info: 250-378-0115 Merritt Continue heading south on Hwy 8 from Lower Nicola until you reach Merritt. The slogan here is â€œa lake a day as long as you stay.â€ There are approximately 200 lakes in the area. Some are privately owned so please be respectful. Here are a few to give you an idea of the fishing in this area. Lily Lake Follow Lily Lake Road, until you reach a sign marking Lily Lake Campsite. This is a rustic BCFS with 5 campsites. A cartop boat launch and a day-use area are available. Rainbow Trout up to three pounds are caught in the lake. The scenery is stunning as you enjoy fishing on this crystal clear lake. Nicola Lake This lake is located on Hwy 5A, 10 km northeast of Merritt. As you are driving along Hwy 5A there are rest areas along the lake with cartop launches and picnic sites. There is also a boat launch on the western shore at Monck Provincial Park.. Turn off Hwy 5A onto Monck Park Road and travel approximately 12 km through a narrow paved road to the park. Rainbow Trout up to 4 lbs and 1 lb Kokanee are found in this lake. The lake is iced over November to April; ice fishing is very popular here. Monck Park is open from March to November Douglas Lake Drive out Highway 5A, until you see the big church on the right hand side coming from Merritt. This is the turn-off onto Douglas Lake Road. This is a Private Fishing Resort, with 11 private lakes plus Minnie and Stoney. They have a catch and release policy. Rainbow up to 10lbs have known to be caught here. Cottages, Lakeside Yurts, RV sites and campsites are available. If you need a rowboat you can rent one. Check out their website at www.douglaslake.com or call for more information, toll free at 1-800-663-4838. Peter Hope Driving down Hwy 5A northeast of Merritt you will see Peter Hope Road. Follow this road until you reach the lake. You will see the BCFS campsite with 15 campsites available. On the Northern shore is the cartop boat launch. Iced over November to May. This is a great fishing area, Rainbow Trout up to 5 lbs have been caught here, and the camping area along the lake lets you pull your boat right up to your campsite. Stump Lake Located ~½ hr or approximately 40km from Merritt on Hwy 5A. You will see a public day use site and boat launch off of Hwy 5A. This lake consists of Rainbow trout, Brook Trout and Kokanee. The best fishing is in the spring and fall. Fish range to about 6 lbs. Fly fishermen/women fish both the south and north ends of this lake. Boats are motors are allowed. Iced over November to mid April. Marquart Lake/Lundbom From Merritt drive south on Hwy 97c approximately 15 minutes and you will find these lakes. A sign lets you know where to turn off. Marquart will be the first one you come upon. This lake has Rainbow Trout, Kokanee and Brookies, all ranging from 1-2lbs. The best fishing is in the spring and fall. One note about this lake, is also has horse corrals for you. Bring your horse and do some horse back riding, while your taking a break from fishing. Boat launching is available and there are 8 BCFS campsites. Lundbom Lake If you would like to try another lake Lundbom is 2 km east of Marquart. The fish in this lake are Rainbow ranging from 4-5 lbs. There are 2 medium sized campsites and a cartop boat launch. This is quite a small lake and the best fishing is in the spring and fall. Corbett Lake Country Inn Heading south on Hwy 97C approximately 18km from Merritt you will find this lodge at the junction across from the Kane Valley Road. This private lodge nestled in the trees makes for a fantastic getaway. This is a Fly fishing only and there is a charge for visitors not staying at the lodge. This lake is stocked annually with Rainbow Trout ranging from 2.5 to 6 lbs. The owner Peter McVey is not only a master chef trained in Europe, but he also knows his fishing. A certified casting instructor who will give guests casting instructions and local fishing advise. This is a fabulous lodge, and youâ€™re sure to catch that fish youâ€™ve always talked about. For more information: 250-378-4334. Kanes - “ Upper and Lower Lakes Heading south on Hwy 5A approximately 18.4 km you will come upon a sign for the Kane Valley Road. These lakes are ideal for fly fishing. Stocked annually Rainbow and Brook trout ranging from 4.5 lbs. There is a BCFS site at the Lower Kane Lake. Very rustic, and beautiful scenery while you enjoy some fantastic fishing. Harmon This lake is right next door to Upper and Lower Kane Lake. This is also a popular lake for fly fishing. The campground is right along the lake, pull your boat right up to your favorite camping spot. Rainbow Trout is caught here and they range about 3 lbs. This is also a BCFS campground. Enjoy nature and wildlife while youâ€™re out there trying to catch the big one! Kentucky/Alleyne Driving out Hwy 97C south, 38 km from Merritt you will find this Provincial Campground. It is a paved road 11 km from Hwy 97C. Rainbow Trout ranging from 4 â€“ 5 lbs is what you will find. When you are not fishing, popular activities are the walking trails, canoeing, paddling and kayaking. This is a wonderful Provincial Campground with 58 campsites. It is closed October to April. Paradise Lake This lake is located off Hwy 97C. It is situated 6 km off the Coquihalla Connector, half way between Merritt and Peachland. Here you can fly fish or bring your boat and troll around this scenic lake. Fishing in this lake you will catch for small Rainbow Trout. There is a cartop boat launch. They have cabin rental at the resort. For more information call: 1-250-483-6738 or check out heir website at www.paradiselakeresort.com. Coquihalla Lake Lodge Approximately 60km heading West of Merritt on the Coquihalla Highway you will find Coquihalla Lakes Lodge. There are two lakes here, which contain of Rainbow Trout. At these lakes fly fishing is recommended. You are catching fish from 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. Largest fish to be caught here is 5lbs. There is camping facilities plus cabin accommodations. For more information 250-578-2096 or visit their website at www.coquihallalakeslodge.com. For more information about other lakes in this area the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis book is a great resource. From Merritt heading out Hwy 8 approximately 8 km you will come to a junction 97C, turn off. You will then be on Mammette Lake Road. Mammette Lake Approximately 34 km from the junction on Hwy 8 is Mammette Lake. This is a lake youâ€™ll want to stop and fish. With Rainbow Trout up to 4.5 lbs, this lake has great fishing in the spring and fall. Trolling or fly fishing, whatever it takes to catch the big one. Ice fishing for Burbot is very popular. There is a cartop boat launch at the pull off along Mammette Lake Road. Weather permitting a Fishing Derby is held in January. Logan Lake This lake is located right in the community of Logan Lake. Drive out past the Lake to Meadow Creek Road and you come upon the campsite. This is some of the best fishing and itâ€™s right in town. Rainbow trout up to 18 lbs can be caught here. The best fishing is in the spring and fall. Thereâ€™s a boat launch but if you prefer there is a wharf, where you could cast. This lake is closed for the winter months. If you prefer to go out of town, head down towards the Coquilhalla Hwy on Meadow Creek Road. Just eat of Logan Lake on Hwy 97D is Paska Lake Road. 15km further along the road you will come to Paska Lake. Fishing is best in spring and fall and rainbow trout can be found here weighing up to 2 lbs. There are BCFS camping sites on the northwestern shore. Excellent fly fishing or trolling, what ever you choose. . Just past Paska Lake is a turnoff for Dominic Lake. This is about 7 km to the lake where you will find rainbow trout weighing up to 2 lbs. Spring and fall is the best time to fish but it is reasonable fishing throughout the summer months too. There is an undeveloped campsite on the east end as well as a resort with rustic cabins and boats and motors to rent. For more information call 250-371-2788. Dominic Lake 10 km on the Paska Lake Road is Face Lake. This fishing lake has Rainbow Trout up to 2 lbs. There is a boat launch area and camping facilities. The Mile High Resort, with cabins, boat rentals is also available. Spring and fall is the best time to fish this lake. Trolling or fly fishing is favorites for this lake. For more information call 250-371-2606. From Logan Lake heading east on Hwy 97C is Tunkwa Lake Road. Tunkwa Lake is approximately 14 km.from the junction. Fishing for Rainbow Trout 3 to 6 lbs, fly fishing or trolling is popular. The best time for fishing is in spring or fall. Camping and cabins are available and boat and motor rentals. This is a fantastic resort, just so you know: it can be very busy especially in the summer months. From Logan Lake heading westt on Hwy 97C approximately 59 km is Ashcroft. Barnes Lake Southeast of Ashcroft on Barnes Lake Road between Logan Lake and Ashcroft is where you will find this lake. This forest service site is RV accessible but has so services. It has a cartop boat launch. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout weighing approximately 2 lbs. Casting, trolling and fly fishing are the favorites of this lake. This is a popular lake for ice fishing in the winter months. Willard Lake This lake is also located southeast of Ashcroft on Barnes Lake Road between Logan Lake and Ashcroft. It has a cartop boat launch and 2 camping spots are available. Fishing at this lake is for Trout. Ice fishing is also very popular at this lake. Ashcroft to Hwy 1, east you will find Cache Creek. Cache Creek Marble Canyon Provincial Park Marble Canyon Provincial Park is approximately 25 miles or 40 km northwest of Cache Creek. There are three lakes, Pavilion Lake, Crown Lake, and Turquoise Lake. This is excellent fishing spot for Trout weighing up to 1lb. 30 Campsites are located here with picnic tables. Swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking are all for you to enjoy. Bedard Aspen Provincial Park A hike-in lake in a spectacular wilderness park. Located 40km west of Cache Creek, on the Upper Hat Creek Road. Bedard Lake is the centerpiece of the park. Bedard Lake you can hike in only from either the west or east, Rainbow trout is fished here. There are no camping facilities. Grab your fishing rod and put on your hiking boots and experience Bedard Aspen Provincial Park. Juniper Beach Provincial Park This is Thompson River fishing at its best. Located 20 km east of Cache Creek on Highway 1. Trout, Salmon and Steelhead are fished here, fishing for steelhead is best in July. This park consists of a 30 camping spots, full facilities, sani-dump and wheel chair accessible. It is open from February to November. This is the spot you want to explore on your circle route in Gold Country. Walchachin Rock and River Rustic Retreat Situated on the Thompson River this fishing area consists of Salmon, (3 runs a year) Trout, Steelhead and Whitefish. Fishing is from the shore only. Camping is available and RVs are welcome. This rustic retreat for it is one of those special spots to cast your line! From Walhachin back to Cache Creek, you head up Hwy 97 to Loon Lake Clinton Big Bar Provincial Park Big Bar Provincial Park is stocked with Rainbow Trout up to 6.5lbs. Located 42 km northwest of Clinton, off Hwy 97 on Big Bar Road. This 25 site camping facility is open May to October. Downing Provincial Park Heading 17 km off Hwy 97 on Kelly Lake Road you will find Downing Provincial Park. Best fishing for Rainbow Trout is mid May and late July and fish range from 2+lbs. There are 25 sites available for camping overlooking the lake and there are 10 sites for RVs. There is a picnic and day/use area, and a cartop boat launch. Explore the area lakes and rivers, fish for Brook and Rainbow Trout and some Kokanee. This is a great area to enjoy a day or two of fishing! Loon Lake Loon Lake is located approximately 50km northeast of Cache Creek. After you turn off Hwy 97, travel 27km along the paved road to the lake. There are numerous resorts in the area. Best fishing is in the spring and fall for Rainbow Trout ranging from 3lbs and up. This naturally stocked lake is great for fly fishing or trolling. Ice fishing is popular in this area. On your circle route of Gold Country fishing in Loon Lake is one of the finest. Lillooet Seton Lake BC Hydro Reservoir Drive west from Marble Canyon until you reach Lillooet. Fishing the reservoir for Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Sturgeon and Kokanee. You can also fish the Seton River for Steelhead, Pink Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Coho. What a fishing adventure for the outdoor fisherman/women. There is a campsite with 45 sites, water and firewood is available. Fraser River Right in Lillooet is the Frasercove Campground and the Cayoosh Creek Campground. You can fish on site for sturgeon on site at both of these campgrounds. The Fraser River Jet Boat Adventures has you fishing on a sturgeon safari for sturgeon 6-8 feet. Sturgeon fishing is open April to September; check Winners Edge for designated areas. The Sturgeon Fishing Derby is held every June/July. Fishing in the lakes and rivers fish for Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Dolly Varden. This part of Gold Country has it all. Come and experience Lillooet for a fishing adventure, one you will never forget!
Contact Information
Name:	The Synopis, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
Address:	Box 9363 STN PROV GOVT Victoria, BC, CA V8W 9M2
Phone:	1-800-663-7867
Web Site:	http://wlapwww.gov.b.ca/fw/fish/reg...

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