Fishing in the cariboo
BC’s Cariboo Region is a paradise for anglers that enjoy a bit of adventure. Thousands of lakes, rivers and freshwater bodies surrounded by a serene wilderness makes for a fishing trip that’s hard to beat.
The fishing here in the Cariboo is second to none in the province. A dizzying number of waters offer prime opportunities to catch world-class trout. Stillwater fly fishing is very popular in the region.
If you’re planning a fishing trip to the Cariboo, here’s when you might consider coming:
- Jan-Feb: The heart of winter attracts visitors from all over to try their hand at ice fishing, when the kokanee are more active than usual.
- May-June: Any time in late-Spring is beautiful here in the Cariboo. The lakes are fully thawed, and the fish are out and about feeding in accessible waters.
- July-Aug: Generally not considered the best time for fishing, the summer is one of the better seasons to enjoy what the region has to offer. And if you avoid the heat of the day, there’s still plenty of good fishing to be had. Keep in mind that July 1st is opening day for many streams in the Cariboo.
- Sept-Oct: The fall is prime fishing season in the Cariboo. The big fish will be out, taking advantage of cooler temperatures.
Aside from the fishing, the Cariboo offers something that’s hard to find these days. There is an experience that needs to be felt and enjoyed here in the Cariboo. Seeing the nighttime sky like you’ve never seen it before; experiencing a level quiet that is truly rare; breathing air that is fresh and untouched; meeting genuine locals that make you feel at home.
If you’re thinking about a fishing trip, the Cariboo needs to be in your plans.
bc’s fishing highway 24
As the most iconic fishing region in the province, it’s only fitting that the Cariboo is home to “BC’s Fishing Highway”. This nickname is assigned to BC Highway 24, a small highway that runs horizontally to connect Highway 5 and Highway 97. This highway is the main destination and area of interest among anglers far and wide.
The Fishing Highway cuts across the southeastern portion of the Cariboo. In the east, it connects to Highway 5 at Little Fort along the North Thompson River. Following Highway 5 south will take you towards Kamloops. To the west, the Fishing Highway connects with Highway 97, which cuts north across the entire Cariboo region.
BC’s Fishing Highway is hardly 100km long, yet boasts a staggeringly high density of fishing resorts, lakes and big, beautiful trout. If you’re planning a fishing trip to the Cariboo, make sure BC’s Fishing Highway through the South Cariboo is in your itinerary. Many visitors end up using 100 Mile House as their base camp for Highway 24 fishing trips, due to its tourism infrastructure, amenities and close proximity to the highway.
Must-Visit Lakes Along the Fishing Highway
Sheridan Lake
Sheridan Lake is known to be one of the best fishing lakes in the province – and there are a ton worth consideration. The lake is well-stocked with Rainbow trout that grow up to 17-17lbs, plus you’ll find wild Brook Trout.Bridge Lake
Bridge Lake is a great destination for wild Arctic Char, Lake Trout and Burbot Trout. Kokanee and Rainbows are re-stocked each spring. With a public fishing dock, the lake is also a great place for kayaking, swimming and exploring islands.Horse Lake
Horse Lake is a premier vacation spot, especially in the summer. You’ll find Rainbow, Kokanee, and Lake Trout, plus it’s a great place to enjoy the water and dock. Come in the winter, and Horse Lake becomes an ice-fishing hotspot.Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is a small lake that’s a little quieter and more scenic. Fly anglers and trollers love it here, searching for all kinds of trout. There’s even a public fishing dock.Hathaway Lake
Hathaway Lake is a very deep one in a more remote area further off the highway. There’s a relatively new fishing dock to take advantage of, plus a number of surrounding nature trails that are used all-year round.Irish Lake
Irish Lake is a small, peaceful lake where motors are not allowed. You won’t find any resorts on the lake either. Instead, the lake is a favourite among serious anglers ice fishing or fly fishing for Rainbow Trout.Dragon Lake
Dragon Lake is a nutrient-rich Stillwater fishery known for its trophy-sized Rainbow Trout. It’s a fly fishers paradise. Located just 4km south of Quesnel, Dragon Lake also has an area that freezes for half the year.Lac des Roches
Lac des Roches is a very scenic destination with a number of boat launches around the lake. This mid-sized lake is home to wild Burbot, plus its stocked with Rainbows that get to be quite big.Fish to Catch in the Cariboo
The Cariboo is one of the best regions in the province for trout fishing. With many lakes regular stocked, trophy-sized Rainbows and Kokanee are not overly tough to find. Then there’s a wide variety of wild trout to look for as well.
Here are some of the fish you can expect to find in the Cariboo:
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout is a species of trout that’s native here in BC and a member of the salmon family. Rainbows in streams are often just a few pounds, but when they dwell in Cariboo lakes, they’re known to surpass 15+lbs.
Rainbows are well-stocked in Sheridan Lake, Bridge Lake, Green Lake and Deka Lake, where they’re known to grow extra large. Most anglers fish for Rainbows with fly fishing or trolling techniques.
Kokanee
Known as both a salmon and a trout, Kokanee is the non-anadromous population of Sockeye Salmon, meaning they spend their entire lives in freshwater. Kokanee is well stocked in the region, with the hotspots including Deka Lake, Bridge Lake, Hathaway Lake and Horse Lake.
Trolling is a common technique for catching Kokanee, as they tend to congregate a little deeper where the plankton hangout. For gear, consider live bait, small spoons, dodgers or squid fly rigs.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout is a freshwater char that resides in North American lakes. These trout tend to gather in deeper, colder lakes, making jigging and trolling popular techniques for these fish. Hotspots for Lake Trour include Sulphurous Lake, Canim Lake, Horse Lake and Hathaway Lake. And like most of the fishing here in the Cariboo, the spring and autumn are best.
Brook Trout
The Brook Trout is another species of freshwater fish in the char genus of the salmon family. Not native in BC, these fish are typically found in Eastern Canada and the US.
Brook Trout are stocked in certain lakes in the Cariboo, and they’re known for being quite eager to take a fly or lure. They’ll bite under the ice, too! The best lake for Brook Trout is Snag Lake.
Burbot
Burbot is the only freshwater species of cod in North America. Despite often being called “Burbot Trout”, it is not a trout, and resembles something more of an eel with a long dorsal fin.
Burbot are most commonly found in Bridge Lake, Green Lake and Sulphurous Lake. You’ll find them around 40-60ft of water. The favourite time for catching Burbot is during the winter, in ice fishing season. Burbot are also nocturnal feeders, making later afternoons and evenings the best time to target them.
Bull Trout
Burbot is the only freshwater species of cod in North America. Despite often being called “Burbot Trout”, it is not a trout, and resembles something more of an eel with a long dorsal fin.
Burbot are most commonly found in Bridge Lake, Green Lake and Sulphurous Lake. You’ll find them around 40-60ft of water. The favourite time for catching Burbot is during the winter, in ice fishing season. Burbot are also nocturnal feeders, making later afternoons and evenings the best time to target them.
Arctic Char
Arctic Char is the world’s most northernmost freshwater fish with close ties to salmon and trout. They love deep, arctic lakes and can be found throughout the Cariboo. Bridge Lake will be one of your best bets for finding Arctic Char.
Populations of various species throughout the Cariboo will have their own fishing regulations. Some species are stocked while others are wild, and with some species in decline, more stringent regulations may be in place.
Before you go, always be sure to check-in with BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations for the most up-to-date information.
Fishing Lodges & Accomodations
The Cariboo region is abundant with fishing lodges and accommodations for your next visit. If you’re here to fish, there are numerous fishing lodges that offer guided tours, boat rentals, and all the support you’ll need.
You can stay in luxury lakefront properties or opt for a more rustic experience – the choice is yours. Bring your family, too! There’s plenty of wilderness to enjoy for everyone here in the Cariboo, with prime spots for mountain biking, hiking, watersports and skiing.
Here’s an overview of top fishing lodges in the Cariboo:
Fishing Lodges & Resorts Near Quesnel
Quesnel is an excellent home base for a fishing trip, especially if you’re got your family with you. Quesnel is the largest town in the Cariboo region, with all the amenities you’d need. Most of the best fishing lodges are found on Quesnel Lake, although the lake is closer to Williams Lake than Quesnel. Here are some resort options:
- Fishpot Lake Resort on Fishpot Lake
- Lazy Daze Resort on Ten Mile Lake
- Northern Lights Lodge on Quesnel Lake
- Elysia Resort on Quesnel Lake
- Blue Chute Cottages on Quesnel Lake
- Silvertip Lodge on Quesnel Lake
Fishing Lodges & Resorts Near Williams Lake
Williams Lake has a number of fishing lodges and accommodations around it, along with its namesake Williams Lake right in town. The lake has a number of lodges, resorts and motels, but they aren’t necessarily designed for fishing trips. Here are some options nearby Williams Lake:
- Ten-ee-ah Lodge Wilderness Resort on Spout Lake
- Woodlands Fishin Resort on Puntzi Lake
- McLeese Lake Resort on McLeese Lake
Fishing Lodges & Resorts Near 100 Mile House
100 Mile House in conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from BC’s Fishing Highway 24. Horse Lake is a popular hotspot along Highway 24 and is the closest major lake to 100 Mile House, located less than 20-minutes from town. Here are some of the best fishing lodges near 100 Mile House:
- Cariboo Bonanza Resort on Horse Lake
- The Horse Lake Inn on Horse Lake
- Moosehaven Resort on Hathaway Lake
- Fawn Lake Resort on Fawn Lake
- Sunshine Cottage B&B on Horse Lake
Fishing Lodges & Resorts Near Wells
The town of Wells is located east of Quesnel, very near Bowron Lake Provincial Park, home of the famed Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit. The nearby lakes including Bowron Lake offer some of the best fishing lodges and accommodation near Wells:
- Becker’s Lodge on Bowron Lake
- Bear River Mercantile cabin rentals on Bowron Lake
- Bowron Lake Lodge on Bowron Lake
Fishing Lodges & Resorts Near Fishing Highway 24
The highest density of fishing lodges, resorts and lakefront properties is BC’s Fishing Highway, the 100km stretch between Highways 5 and 97. This is where you’ll find the best fishing in the region. There are a staggering number of quality accommodations in the area, so here are just some of the standouts:
- Eagle Island Resort on Lac des Roches
- Sheridan Lake Resort on Sheridan Lake
- Sulphurous Lake Resort on Sulphurous Lake
- Hathaway Lake Resort on Hathaway Lake
- Wettstone Guest Ranch on Henley Lake
- Loon Bay Resort on Sheridan Lake
- Laughing Raven Resort and Campground on Burn Lake
- Cottonwood Bay Resort on Bridge Lake