Fishing in the North

Carp Lake

Carp Lake Provincal Park covers more than 48,000 hectares, tying Carp Lake to the McLeod River. The endless bays and islands offer a new experience each time out.

Angler’s Atlas member Kenny Donaldson wrote an excellent report for Carp Lake.

“Carp Lake supports a productive rainbow fishery for trout up to

6-plus lbs. Fly fishing, trolling and spinning all do well on this beautiful, island-studded lake.

“The trolling method which has served me well is with a small to medium, silver and red Willowleaf with a small lead weight at the front, six-foot leader and a medium-sized red and white Triple Teaser, trolled 75 to 100 feet behind the boat at

around 3-4 mph (vary the weight to find the depth that the fish are feeding).

“Be sure to try trolling round the sheltered sides of the islands. There is a deep bay (120 feet) at the northwest side of the lake, which the locals will never tell you about, that has yielded some impressive catches of limits and a minimum of 2 lbs. per fish, although downrigging to the fish depth is recommended.”

Read his full post on the Carp Lake page at anglersatlas.com.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, head north along Highway 97 roughly 140 km to the community of McLeod Lake. The turnoff to the park is Carp Lake Road on the left (west) side of the highway. This gravel road runs for 32 km to the park and is narrow in places. Please use caution along this road as it is also used by industrial traffic.

The park has two fully maintained campgrounds

three islands. They are provide an exceptional wilderness experience.

Babine Lake North

Babine Lake is home to a special strain of rainbow trout that grows much larger than common rainbow trout species. This strain of trout is part

of a rare ecotype called the Sutherland population.

These rainbow trout feed on kokanee and salmon fry, and grow quite large. There is limited information regarding the size of Babine Lake’s Sutherland population, and because it is a rare ecotype, anglers are encouraged to practise catch-andrelease when going after these

big rainbow trout to encourage the longterm sustainability of this species. Barbless hooks are also encouraged to improve survival.

Fisheries biologists and area stakeholders continue their research programs on Babine Lake to determine if the stock is sustainable at present levels. They look at the habitat and conduct surveys on tributaries as well.

Babine Lake is known for producing trophy char, rainbow trout and salmon.

Angler’s Atlas Field Staff member Kenneth Donaldson says that the trout

in Babine Lake, “are considered by many to be comparatively large and aggressive fish and have been known to bite on sockeye rigs (flashers and bead setup @ <30’) as well as plugs (green / yellow and blue worked for me) trolled at many depths. While you don’t need a downrigger, I think it just gives you more control on the repetition of what depth works.”

Donaldson adds that, “Willow leaf and small “lifelike coloured” lures, such as green and yellow work well at shallower depths.”

Early in the season the trout will inhabit shallow waters, but as the water warms up the fish migrate to deeper, cooler sections of the lake.

Don’t miss the popular Father’s Day Fishing Derby in June or the Babine Lodge Fishing Derby in July!

(Continued on next page.)

Babine Lake South

The rainbow trout fishery offers great options for every type of angler. Fly fishers can float the section of water between Babine Lake and Nilkitkwa Lake, known as Rainbow Alley.

Fishing in Rainbow Alley can be some of the best in the

There are three major hatches to watch for—caddisflies, stoneflies and mayflies. When imitating these flies, it is important to know your insect’s patterns. For example, when emerging, damselflies will swim straight up and then to the edge, while dragonflies will swim to the edge before heading up.

This MAY be the fact that we were closer to the Rainbow Alley “funnel” and they were congregating there, but I would have expected these large Rainbows to congregate at the mouths of any tributaries, waiting for any injured fish releasing their eggs early.”

LAKE ACCESS

There are four primary access points to Babine Lake— north of Burns Lake to Pendelton Bay Provincial Park; near Granisle at recreation sites and provincial parks; at Smithers Landing and at Fort Babine. Granisle is located north of Topley (on Highway 16), following the

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Bednesti Lake

Bednesti Lake is a popular recreation lake, close enough to amenities yet far enough for a relaxing retreat. Rainbow trout were last stocked in 2004 with the release of 10,000 of the Blackwater strain. These trout are known for being aggressive fighters. They tend to prefer larger prey such as dragonfly nymphs, snails, mollusks and non-salmonid fish. They feed in the shallows and tend to be more active during the day than other strains of rainbow trout.

When targeting these trout, try a spoon in a green and nickel finish such as a Krocodile. A flasher combined with a spoon can be highly effective, as it acts as an attractor.

Something to keep in mind hen fishing with spoons is to ensure that you are retrieving at the correct speed. Too fast, and your spoon will spin.

Please consult the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations for Bednesti Lake before heading out. A fishing closure is in effect between November 1 and

April 30, and all lake trout caught must be released all year. Also no set lines are allowed.

LAKE ACCESS

Bednesti Lake is west of Prince George, about 50 km from the city. Follow Highway 16 West to the front door of Bednesti Lake Resort. The lake contains several species of sport fish, including Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Lake Whitefish, Lake Trout, and Bull Trout.

One survey indicated that Northern Pike also exist, but extensive surveys by fisheries staff have concluded that it does not inhabit this lake.

Bowron Lake

Bowron Lake is one of several lakes that make up Bowron Lake Provincial Park, known around the world for its first class canoeing circuit. Although less known for the fishing, the lake has many species of sportfish and supports a reasonable fishery. Bob Monk, from Willis Harper Home Hardware

in Quesnel, says Bowron Lake can be a great fishery for bull trout—a catch and release fishery. “The bull trout target the sockeye and kokanee fry coming down streams,” says Monk. He suggests anglers try anything flashy with a quick retrieve.

He also suggests targeting the mayfly hatch in late June and early July.

Wedding Bands and Willow Leaves are popular lures, especially with a worm. Monk likes to use a 52 Buick for fly fishing. The fish move around the lake quite a lot, so while cruising, watch for areas where they are rising.

LAKE ACCESS

Bowron Lake is approximately 120 kilometres east of Quesnel. Follow

and continue for nearly 30 kilometres along a wellmaintained gravel road to Bowron Lake Lodge.

Bowron Lake Provincial Park has 25 campsites accessible by vehicle. Campsites are available on a first-come, firstserved basis, and there is a boat launch. If you are planning to canoe the circuit,

Cluculz Lake

Cluculz Lake is known more for its aquatic recreational activities and less for its fishing opportunities. However, Cluculz Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout and is worth a venture out.

Dragonfly nymph patterns are good to try for fly fishers. Gear fishers may want to try a chrome and fire spoon.

Please note that in 2008 Cluculz Lake has been made a catch and release only fishery for lake trout.

Consult the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations for more information.

LAKE ACCESS

The road network around the lake provides many access points. To access the east and south sections of Cluculz Lake, turn

left at Lloyd Drive (about 60 km from Prince George) and shortly after the turnoff, there will be access points to the east end of the lake. If you continue along Lloyd Dr. to the end of the road, you will come out at Somerset states and there is a small access point that will bring you onto the lake, near the island on the south west side. The western section of the lake can be

accessed via Maier Rd. off of Highway 16, and there are several locations along this road to pull off.

Please remember that there is extensive private property around the shores of Cluculz Lake, so be careful not to trespass.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

2,518 Hectares (6,222 Acres) 61 metres (200 feet) 767 metres (2,516 feet) August 1952 Feet

Cobb Lake

Cobb Lake is a popular spot about 70 km west of Prince George. The lake supports a healthy population of stocked rainbow and brook trout. In 2018 Coob was stocked with 20,000 brook trout and 10,000 rainbow trout.

Cobb Lake is a really good spot year round. In the fall, there is little pressure on the lake, and the trout are fattening up for winter. As the weather cools down after the heat of summer, the fish are beginning to be more active again. In the spring and

summer, there are plenty of choices. The lake is always good for small spinners. Anglers can also try Chironomid patterns and Flatfish.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, follow Highway 16 west for about 65 km, and then turn right (north) at Finnmore Road just before Cluculz Creek. Follow Finnmore Road for 6 km and you will see another road on the right (name unknown). This road is not plowed in the winter and may not

be suitable for driving. Continue along this road for a short distance and the recreation site turn off (right) is just past the creek. You can access the lake from there.

Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery initiative

The District of Vanderhoof is home to the Nechako White Sturgeon Hatchery, which is part of the initiative to recover healthy sturgeon populations in the Nechako River. The hatchery offers tours and information, and is well worth the visit.

You can see the sturgeon in their pools, learn about how they grow, and watch them up close and personal. The Recovery Initiative also offers school tours, as well as community projects designed to protect and enhance sturgeon habitat and recovery efforts. Stop by the hatchery, and visit their website at nechakowhitesturgeon. org.

210 Hectares (519 Acres) 10 metres (33 feet) 777 metres (2,549 feet) October 1982 Metres

Eena Lake

Eena Lake is an ideal location, both for its beauty and its high catch rates. There are several shoals, making it ideal trout habitat. Families and beginners will find this a great place to start. A couple of deeper areas at the north and south ends are perfect for angling in the heat of the summer when the trout go deep. Brian Smith, author of Fly Fishing BC’s Interior and Seasons of a Fly Fisher, says that the west side of the island is a great place to start at any

time.

The hatches on Eena Lake are a gold mine for fly fishers.

Chironomids, mayflies, damselflies, caddisflies and dragonflies are all available to the trout. The mayfly hatch in May and June is phenomenal.

Chironomids, shrimp and leeches are all staple patterns here.

Early and late in the season, try fishing the shallows and out from the shoreline debris.

Anglers Atlas member, KyleK, had this to say

about Eena Lake, “Been slaying the bows on this lake all fall trolling around in my man powered boat using various flies mostly reds, and blacks. They seem to love the Caddis Emergers, Red & Black Leeches & Buggers & stonefly nymphs. Try some of these flies and your bound to catch some fish at this lake. I’ve even caught some nice ones from the dock as well. Fish On!”

LAKE ACCESS

Eena Lake is located about 35 km north west of Prince George, near Nukko Lake. Follow Highway 97 north for about 15km to Chief Lake Rd, and turn left (west). Continue along Chief Lake Rd. for another 18km (Note: at the 13km mark the road forks - keep right at the fork). At Eena Lake Road turn left (west) and continue for 5 km. Make a left turn at Woods Road, and then right onto Quinn Rd. Access to the lake is at the end of the road.

54 Hectares (133 Acres) 23 metres (75 feet) 762 metres (2,500 feet) October 1988 Metres

Ferguson Lake

Ferguson Lake is a small lake within the City of Prince George, along the northeast edge of the city limits.

The lake had been stocked with brook trout for several

years, but starting in 2007, the lake is being developed as an urban fishery. Each year since then, volunteers from the Spruce City Wildlife Association released rainbow trout into Ferguson Lake. In

2018, 3,000 Rainbow Trout were released.

The club developed this location into a popular local fishery for anglers and educators. In 2009, a larger dock was installed, and since then it has become a

favourite local spot. It is easy to get to the dock and the fishing is fantastic. This lake has been designated a family fishing water by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Family fishing waters are so named because they are easily accessible and the lakes boast ample opportunities to fish from shore or a pier.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, head north along Hwy 97 to Kelly Road North, still within city limits. Turn left (west) onto North Kelly Road and continue for approximately 1 km, then turn left onto Ferguson Lake Road. Stay on this road (keeping right at the fork where it turns to gravel). The lake is located on the left side of road.

There is a small parking area and there is a dock on the lake. It is ideally suited for small watercraft, and no motors are permitted.

The lake is surrounded by a walking trail and nature preserve.

19 Hectares (47 Acres) 6.1 metres (20 feet) 777 metres (2,549 feet) 2007 Metres

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Fraser Lake

Fraser Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its unlimited recreational opportunities, beautiful scenery and great parks are a good complement to the fabulous fishing. Three beaches, including Beaumont Provincial Park, are great starting points for your fishing adventure. Kokanee, lake trout, burbot and rainbow trout are all present in Fraser Lake.

Because Fraser Lake is large and relatively deep, it does not suffer the summer doldrums as shallower lakes do. This makes for prime fishing all year.

When going after rainbow trout, local angler Mark Parker suggests that the best “all-around lures” will

be the Willow Leaf and Wedding Band, or a small Apex in any colour. A small F7 flatfish is also successful. Fly fishers will see best results with a muddler minnow or a leech pattern.

Anglers targeting kokanee can also use a Willow Leaf and Wedding Band.

There are many excellent fishing spots on Fraser Lake due to the many small bays. Parker suggests that fly fishers will do best among the weedbeds. “The area around the river mouth is great for trout, and the Ormond Creek area has prime trout fishing too,” says Parker.

LAKE ACCESS

There are several access points to Fraser Lake. Beaumont Provincial Park and a Forest Service Recreation Site are just two possibilities for accomodation.

Beaumont Provincial Park, accessed from Highway 16, provides 49 private campsites with open views of Fraser Lake. Facilities provided include flush toilets, water, wood, and sani-stations during the summer months.

The park also has a day-use area as well as a sandy beach for swimming. A new selfguided interpretive trail offers eight signs that provide information on plants, animals, and history of the area.

The Recreation Site on Peterson’s Beach also has a good boat launch. From Nautley, turn onto Stella Road and follow the directions. Or, through the Stellako Reserve, turn onto Stella Road.

Parker also notes that there is an excellent dayuse area right in the town of Fraser Lake along the highway. Picnic tables and a good boat launch are just a couple of the amenities provided there.

Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist. Base Map ©Province of British Columbia.

Ness Lake

Ness Lake, located near Prince George, is wellknown for its recreational opportunities and the Ness Lake Regional Park. However, it is less known for its great fishing opportunities.

Rainbow trout up to 6 pounds have been reported in Ness Lake, and brook trout and kokanee are plentiful as well. Over the past two decades, Ness Lake has been stocked each year with rainbow trout and brook trout. In recent years,

stocking program has included kokanee in their releases for Ness Lake. In 2018, 31,500 kokanee, and 20,000 rainbow trout were released. Brook trout will prefer smaller spinners such as a #0 Mepps or Blue Fox. Panther Martin lures may work well, and leech patterns are good flies to try.

Kokanee, as well, will tend to go after smaller lures, though the presentation will need to differ. Kokanee get scared easily and fast-moving objects

a predator, and they will flee. Keep your speed super slow for kokanee.

Jim’s Jig for early spring, or for late fall and winter, if you’re going after trout.

Visit the lake page for Ness Lake over at anglersatlas.com for more tips and tricks!

Regulations for Ness Lake limit kokanee to 10 daily.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, follow Highway 97 north to Chief Lake Road on the left (west). Turn here and continue along

for signs pointing to Ness Lake Community Hall on the right (north). (Note: Chief Lake Road turns into Ness Lake Road about twelve kilometres from the Highway).

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Norman Lake

Norman Lake is southwest of Prince George, and is part of the Chilako River Watershed. Dahl Lake Provincial Park borders its sandy eastern shore, where there is public access to this lake. Norman Lake is also a popular cottage retreat for many local residents. Several species of fish inhabit these waters, and the lake supports a moderate fishery. The lake has been stocked with rainbow trout in the past but not since 2002. Stocking details

are provided to the right.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, head west along Highway 16 for approximately 40km, where you will meet Norman Lake Road on the left side of the highway (south). Follow this road for roughly 20 km, which will bring you to the eastern shore of Norman Lake.

Dahl Lake Provincial Park borders the eastern shore of Norman Lake, and provides access to the lake. It is a dayuse park, with a sandy beach and picnic tables. No facilities are available at the park, but there is a convenience store on the Norman Lake Road, near the entrance to the park.

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Purden Lake

Nestledon the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, Purden Lake is deep and known for its clear water.

Since 1979 the lake has been stocked annually with rainbow trout. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC released 10,000 rainbow trout into Purden Lake in 2018 as well as 83,600 kokanee. Burbot are also abundant in the lake.

Angler’s Atlas member kbd635 was out on Purden Lake during the summer of 2015, and offers this report:

Last Sunday was the first time I could get out and try the Lucky Bugs and although I wanted

to do a more scientific analysis and fish one rod with the Lucky Bug and one with my usual Purden Lake fare, Ryan and Hunter had other ideas and wanted to both try the new lures! The Weather was hot, the water calm and I wasn’t expecting to catch much, but it was a good day out with my friend and the two kids.

I put one rod in with a black and white Bingo Bug trolling 100 feet behind the boat and was just setting up the second and Ryan had our first fish on! A nice stock rainbow which was well hooked and gave a good fight.

Not five minutes later

Hunter hit a fish, using a red and white Bingo, but lost it, but made up for it a little while later with one we managed to land. We continued to fish and were rewarded with three more fish, which we decided to release, since the two we caught were for Ryan and Hunters supper.

I must admit I’m always skeptical when new lures come on the market, offering “life like” action and new technology, but these lures do seem to entice fish to hit, and I was especially impressed since the conditions weren’t looking good for some sport.

Brian Smith, fly fisher and author, says that Purden Lake has “fair to good fishing May to August using mayflies, caddis and dragonfly nymphs.

Fish the shoals at the east end with these patterns and anglers will have good success.”

LAKE ACCESS Purden Lake Resort is located along Highway 16, about 60 km east of Prince George, and they offer year-round lake access. See purden.com for information. There is a provincial park with boat launch facilities along the northwestern edge of the lake (open between May and September only).

Ten Mile Lake

Justten 10 minutes northeast of Quesnel, Ten Mile Lake is well known for its provincial park, but also offers good fishing opportunities. The lake has been stocked every year for several decades. In 2019, 50,000 rainbow were released, as well as over 25,000 kokanee.

Ten Mile Lake is a great fishery for both rainbow trout and kokanee. The best time to fish this lake is in the spring. During the summer months, the fishing can be slow, so anglers may want to try going out in early morning or evening during this time of the season.

A popular technique for catching kokanee in Ten Mile Lake

is trolling a small pink flasher with a spoon, or a gangtroll using a snubber. Snubbers tend to be really helpful when targetting kokanee, because hooks without snubbers can do considerable damage to their soft mouths.

Fly fishing on Ten Mile Lake is also great. Early in the season, try chironomid and

nymph patterns. During summer and into fall, try switching to a 52 Buick or leech pattern for best results.

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LAKE ACCESS

From Quesnel, head north along Hwy 97 about 12 km, and look for the turnoff to Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park. Access to the lake is through the provincial park.

The park is located on the eastern shore of this lake with three sandy beaches, a boat launch and numerous camping sites.

Vivian Lake

Vivian Lake is a small jewel just north of Prince George. Home to brook and rainbow trout, the lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating and swimming. The fish are big and the lake is perfect for some tried and true fly patterns and lures.

Brian Ellison, from the former Vivian Lake Resort, noted

“Try a Ford Fender or a Wedding Ring in black or dark green,” said Ellison. He added that trolling is best in the area around the boat dock, right around the island, and in a shallower area just past the dock.

Fly fishers can try black leeches, chironomids and Doc Spratleys, again in dark colours. Ellison

said that bloodworms are also good patterns for Vivian Lake. Head out about 200 feet and cast from there, or drift down around the far side across from the resort, around the bay area.

Ice fishers are in for a treat. This popular ice fishing destination can be rewarding for patient anglers. It is helpful to remember that if you are drilling

Arlene Ellison says that there are often anglers on the lake as soon as the ice is thick enough. Use the public access.

In 2018, Vivian Lake was stocked with 8,000 brook and 7,000 rainbow trout, and the lake is a family fishing waterbody.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George, head north on Highway 97 to Chief Lake Road. Turn left and drive straight out. Do not turn at the sign to Chief Lake; continue straight. Approximately 5 kilometres after, the road turns to gravel. Vivian Lake Road is on the right hand side, but don’t turn here. Continue straight for approximately 500 metres to the public access road on the right hand side.

Please note that Vivian Lake Resort is now closed, and no longer operates as a public campground. Please respect the private property on Vivian Lake.