From sweeping mountain vistas to peaceful forested shores, the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia is home to some of the province’s most rewarding – and often underrated – fisheries. Stretching from the towns of Quesnel and Williams Lake to the quiet remoteness of Tatla Lake, the region’s waters offer a diverse range of angling experiences suitable for various levels of skill.
Cast for trophy-sized rainbow trout in stillwaters near Dragon Lake. Troll for kokanee on Chimney Lake, or fly-fish backcountry gems near Horsefly. The lakes of the Cariboo Chilcotin offer both accessibility and adventure.
Supported by regular stocking programs, many lakes feature boat launches, fishing docks, and well-maintained recreational or provincial park campsites – perfect for both weekend getaways and longer fishing trips. For detailed information on where to fish, what to expect, and how to get there, delve into the lakes listed below.
Near Quesnel
Dragon Lake
Description: Dragon, a broodstock lake for the Blackwater River strain of rainbow trout, is renowned for its trophy rainbow trout. Its weed beds and shoals allow the trout to flourish and grow large. The lake is near Quesnel, and has a good private campground.
Fishing: The lake has a popular stillwater fishery for stocked rainbow trout. With several boat launches and fishing docks, it is easily accessible to anglers. Dragon is known for its excellent fall fishing. From April 1 to May 31, there is no fishing southeast of a line between fishing boundary signs on opposite shores of the bay at the mouth of Hallis Creek. The daily quota for trout is one.
Directions: The lake is only five kilometres from downtown Quesnel. From Quesnel, head south along Highway 97 to Quesnel Hydraulic Road (east). Follow this road as it goes around the northeastern shore of Dragon Lake. As you drive south, keep an eye out for the public boat launch and fishing dock along the right side of the road.
Ten Mile Lake
Description: Ten Mile is well known for its provincial park, but it also offers good fishing. The park, located on the eastern shore of the lake, has three sandy beaches, a boat launch, numerous camping sites, and a fishing dock.
Fishing: The lake is stocked with both rainbow trout and kokanee. The best time to fish this lake is in the spring. As fishing can be slow during the summer, anglers may want to try going out early in the morning or in the evening during this season.
Directions: Ten Mile is about 14 kilometres north of Quesnel (an approximately 12-minute drive). From Quesnel, head north along Highway 97 about 12 kilometres, and look for the turnoff to Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park. Just west of Highway 97, access to the lake is through the provincial park.
Marmot Lake
Description: Located in the Nazko River watershed west of Quesnel, Marmot is a popular fly-fishing destination. The community of Nazko maintains a campground, with plenty of campsites.
Fishing: Marmot is stocked with rainbow trout. As there are other good fishing lakes close by – including Bishop (Brown), Crater, and Fishpot – making Marmot your base camp will give you lots of options if Marmot’s fishing is slow.
Directions: Marmot is about 97 kilometres west of Quesnel (approximately a 75-minute drive). From Quesnel, follow the route marked West Quesnel, which will take you west across the Fraser River. At the end of the bridge, turn to the right to follow the sign saying “Nazko.” Follow this road for about 88 kilometres, until you come to the Nazko General Store. The lake is located across from the store.
Near Williams Lake
Dewar Lake
Description: Dewar Lake is known for its scenic beauty and high catch-rates of fish. It also sports a recreational area with four campsites and facilities for recreational vehicles.
Fishing: Dewar offers a family fishery for stocked rainbow trout. The boat launch can accommodate small boat trailers (a 4×4 is recommended to launch). There is no ice-fishing because of dangerously thin ice due to aeration. Trout fishing is catch-and-release using single barbless hooks, and there is a bait ban.
Directions: Dewar is about 29 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake (approximately a 24-minute drive). From Highway 97, take the Horsefly Road East, then turn right onto the Spokin Lake Road for roughly 400 metres; the site is on the right.
Chimney Lake
Description: Located about 30 minutes southeast of Williams Lake, Chimney Lake is a popular recreational destination. Known for its scenic beauty and kokanee fishery, it’s part of a larger recreational area and rural community that also includes Felker Lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, power boating, golfing, water skiing, hiking, and biking. There is also a disc golf course located across the road from the Chimney Centre Recreation Site.
Situated on two side-by-side lakes, the Chimney and Felker Lake Recreation Sites consist of three campground sites: Felker Lake, Chimney North, and Chimney Centre.
Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout or kokanee, as well as burbot. There is a boat launch for fishing access.
Directions: Chimney Lake is about 33 kilometres southeast of Williams Lake. From Williams Lake, take Highway 20 West, turn south on Dog Creek Road for seven kilometres, and then turn east onto Chimney Valley Road for 20 kilometres.
Jackson Lake
Description: Jackson Lake spans 36.9 hectares and features a varied recreational site. A boat launch area transitions into individual treed sites along the lakeshore. The boat launch has been improved for cartop boats. The main access road has a few potholes, but has been improved for access by motorhomes and campers.
Fishing: Jackson Lake is stocked with rainbow trout. There is a bait ban, and only artificial flies may be used. Boats may use electric motors only (maximum 7.5 kilowatts).
Directions: Drive about 64 kilometres – approximately 50 minutes – northeast of Williams Lake along Highway 97. From Highway 97, head east on Beaver Lake Road (near McLeese Lake), then turn south onto Jackson Lake Road, and follow it for 3.5 kilometres to the lake.
Raven Lake
Description: Raven is a popular destination known for its excellent fishing. A large campground along the western shore of the lake features numerous lakeshore campsites in two separate sections, each with its own entrance.
Please note that all Mountain Pine Beetle-affected trees have been removed, resulting in an open area with minimal shade. As the site has been replanted, staying on designated sites and roads will help protect the new growth.
There are two separate boat launches; both are suitable for boat trailers.
Fishing: Raven is stocked with brook and rainbow trout. The eastern brook trout average around one kilogram (two pounds). Rainbows weigh up to 2.5 kilograms (five pounds) and sometimes larger. Trolling with Gibbs Wedding Bands, Luhr Jensen Hot Shots, and spinners is effective. Raven can also be an excellent fly-fishing lake, and is very popular for winter ice-fishing. There is an engine power restriction of 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower).
Directions: Raven Lake is about 85 kilometres (an approximately one-hour drive) west of Williams Lake. From Williams Lake, follow Highway 20 West past Riske Creek, and turn right onto 1300 Road. Follow this (new bypass) road for 17.75 kilometres then turn right, and follow this road south for two kilometres. The first entrance is on the left, and the second entrance another 200 metres further.
Fir Lake
Description: This small, higher-elevation lake sports a large, well-defined recreation site with 18 campsites and a rudimentary boat launch. There is a second parking area, and beyond that limited space to turn trailers.
Fishing: Fir Lake has a good stocked rainbow trout fishery.
Directions: Fir is about 75 kilometres (an approximately 80-minute drive) west of Williams Lake. From Williams Lake, follow the Soda Creek Road down across the Fraser River onto 100 Road. Follow 100 Road to kilometre 64, then turn left onto the Rosita Forest Service Road. The access road to Fir Lake is approximately eight kilometres down this road, in the middle of a large cut block.
Near Horsefly
Hen Ingram Lake
Description: Hen Ingram has a medium-sized, busy recreation site with defined campsites along the lakeshore. It also has a boat launch that is good for small to mid-sized boats, with adjacent parking. The main access road has been improved over the last couple of seasons, making it much easier for larger units to access – but it can be muddy.
Fishing: The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has kokanee. It’s a popular spot for fly-fishing, spinning, and trolling, with trout averaging 25 to 45 centimetres (10 to 18 inches) in length. Early spring is a favoured time, but fishing remains decent throughout the season.
Directions: Hen Ingram Lake is about 42 kilometres (an approximately 55-minute drive) northeast of Horsefly. From Horsefly, follow the Z road past Jacques Lake, turn south (right) onto the Hen Ingram Road, and follow it roughly 18 kilometres.
Quesnel Lake
Description: With a maximum depth of up to 610 metres (some 2,000 feet), Quesnel is the deepest lake in B.C., and may be the deepest inland fjord lake in the world. It is the source of the Quesnel River, a major tributary of the Fraser River. With many recreation sites, a BC Park Site, and a couple of private resorts, there are plenty of options for accommodations around this lake.
Fishing: Quesnel has an excellent large-lake fishery. Thanks to an older spawning age that gives them ample growing time, and an abundance of food sources, mature Quesnel Lake rainbow trout can attain weights up to 9.2 kilograms (20 pounds) or more – some of the largest rainbow trout in B.C. Fishing for trophy rainbow and lake trout draws anglers from around the world.
Quesnel is a massive lake, covering some 275 square kilometres. While you might assume that downrigger trolling is the best way to catch its trophy rainbow trout, that’s not necessarily true. Fly-fishing can be just as effective right from the shoreline (where rainbows feed on insects), along the lake’s tributaries where they’re feeding or spawning, or even from a boat out in the deeper parts of the lake.
From March 1 until May 31, there is no fishing southwest of a line between fishing boundary signs on opposite shores of Horsefly Bay, and no fishing in the North Arm of the lake, north of a line between Watt and Service creeks. The daily quota for lake trout is five (any size); for rainbow trout, two (none over 50 centimetres); and for bull trout, catch-and-release only. There is a bait ban, and barbless hooks only.
Directions: Quesnel Lake is about 42 kilometres (an approximate hour’s drive) northeast of Horsefly. Public road access to Quesnel Lake from Highway 97 is just north of 150 Mile House. Turn east onto Horsefly-Likely Road. From here, there are two primary access points to Quesnel Lake: along the Horsefly Road or the Likely Road.
The Likely Road is five kilometres from the Highway 97 turnoff, and leads to the town of Likely at the westernmost tip of Quesnel Lake.
The Horsefly Road meets the town of Horsefly before it passes by several gravel roads that lead to access points along the southern edge of the lake.
Near 100 Mile House
Greeny Lake
Description: An accessible recreation site is located on the northern shore of Greeny Lake. The site provides camping, boating, and angling.
Fishing: Greeny Lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Fish from the fishing dock (upgraded in 2022 for increased accessibility) or watercraft. Boaters should be aware that vessels are subject to an engine power limit on this lake (7.5 kilowatts, or 10 horsepower).
Directions: Greeny Lake is about 37 kilometres (a roughly 30-minute drive) north of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, travel north on Highway 97 to Lac La Hache. Turn east on Timothy Lake Road, and follow it for approximately 15 kilometres to Greeny Lake.
Horse Lake
Description: Located in the Land of Hidden Waters, part of the South Cariboo, Horse Lake is 18 kilometres long. A popular holiday spot, the lake features shoreside resorts and a campground. The east end of Horse Lake is home to groves of aspen, which put on a spectacular show of colour each autumn. In winter, ice-fishing is a popular pursuit.
Fishing: Horse Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee. As well, many big lake trout come out of this waterbody. Kokanee and rainbow trout fishing are productive all winter.
Directions: About 18 kilometres (an approximately 15-minute drive) southeast of 100 Mile House, take Horse Lake Road off the Cariboo Highway.
Irish Lake
Description: The recreation site at Irish Lake is managed as day-use only. It features a new dock and boat launch. Irish Lake is popular for fishing, bird-viewing, canoeing, and kayaking, but no overnight camping is permitted.
Fishing: Fishing for stocked rainbow trout may be unpredictable, but Irish Lake has the potential to offer a quality fishery. With an abundance of invertebrates throughout, the lake is popular for fly-fishing. Power is electric motors only, with a maximum of 7.5 kilowatts. In winter, thin ice is a danger due to aeration.
Directions: Irish Lake is about 19 kilometres (an approximately 18-minute drive) southeast of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, travel south along Highway 97 and turn east onto Highway 24 (the Fishing Highway) toward Lone Butte. Travel approximately 13.7 kilometres along Highway 24 (about three kilometres past Lone Butte), and turn right to access Irish Lake. Travel 300 metres and turn right. Travel another 600 metres to the recreation site.
Fawn Lake
Description: This is a popular spot to fly-fish, in particular for rainbow trout. The lake is relatively small, and known for its calm waters. Ice-off usually occurs in late April or early May. There are two boat launches. Fawn Lake Resort offers lakefront log cabins as well as treed recreational vehicle and camp sites. The resort also offers boat, kayak, and canoe rentals.
Fishing: Fawn Lake has a good general fishery with lots of burbot and stocked rainbow trout. Only electric motors (maximum 7.5 kilowatts) are permitted. The daily quota for trout is two.
Directions: Fawn is about 28 kilometres (an approximately 28-minute drive) east of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, head south along Highway 97 and turn left onto Highway 24. Follow Highway 24 for about 25 kilometres and turn left (north) onto Fawn Creek Road, then continue about two kilometres to the side road on the right (east) which leads to Fawn Lake.
Hathaway Lake
Description: Hathaway is a deep, calm, five-kilometre-long lake. It has less angling pressure than some of the other lakes along the Fishing Highway. There are no motor restrictions on the lake, and it has an easy-access boat launch. The lake is located within driving distance of other fishing lakes in the Cariboo. Two resorts on the lake’s southern end offer cabins and campsites with recreational vehicle hook-ups.
Fishing: Fish for stocked kokanee and rainbow trout, as well as burbot. Lake trout are catch-and-release only. Near the northern end of the lake, there is a day-use recreation site with a fishing dock and boat launch.
Directions: Hathaway Lake is about 43 kilometres (roughly a 38-minute drive) east of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, follow Horse Lake Road to Mahood Lake Road, and turn left. Continue along this road for about 10 kilometres to where it meets the southern tip of the lake and continues to wrap around the western shore.
Sheridan Lake
Description: Sheridan is on Highway 24 (the Fishing Highway). Directly north of the lake lies the Interlakes District, where visitors can find basic amenities. For accommodations, there are camping and cabin options around the lake.
Fishing: Well known for its sedge hatch, which usually happens between mid-June and mid-July, Sheridan’s fishing can be spectacular. There is a new fishing dock at the Recreational Sites day-use area, located near Loon Bay Resort. Follow a short trail to the dock and picnic area. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Directions: Sheridan Lake is about 37 kilometres (an approximately 32-minute drive) southeast of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, follow Highway 97 south and turn left (east) onto Highway 24. Continue driving to the town of Sheridan Lake, about 30 kilometres to Sheridan Centre at the northwest corner of the lake.
Bridge Lake
Description: The first stocking of kokanee in the province occurred at Bridge Lake in the early 1990s. With high survival and rapid growth rates, the kokanee fishery turned out to be an immediate success. Today, Bridge Lake is very popular, and renowned for its prime kokanee fishery. The lake also affords good angling for rainbow trout, burbot, and lake trout. Bridge Lake Provincial Park has a small campground with 13 drive-in and three walk-in campsites, and a small boat launch.
Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout and kokanee from the fishing dock or watercraft. The fishing dock is accessed via the Beaver Trail at the Ice Caves along Highway 24. Take care: the dirt trail to the dock has steep slopes and obstacles. The daily quota for lake trout is one.
Directions: Bridge Lake is about 50 kilometres (an approximately 40-minute drive) southeast of 100 Mile House; watch for signs at the southern end of Bridge Lake along Highway 24. The nearest communities are 100 Mile House, Sheridan Lake, and Little Fort.
Green Lake
Description: One of the larger bodies of water in the southern Cariboo, this is a popular spot for family vacations. The low flushing rate, chemical composition, and warm shallow waters of the lake contribute to the greenish hue that gives the lake its name. Green Lake Provincial Park has three different campgrounds: Emerald Bay (51 sites), Sunset View (54 sites), and Arrowhead (16 sites). The lake has three boat launches.
Fishing: Green Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee. While not generally considered a “hot spot,” it has great fisheries when the pH is lower. Green Lake is also a great base for exploring other fishing lakes in the area. From March 1 until May 31, there is no fishing northeast of the line between boundary signs on opposite shores of the bay at the mouth of Watch Creek.
Directions: Green Lake is about 50 kilometres (an approximately 40-minute drive) south of 100 Mile House. From 100 Mile House, take Highway 97 south, and turn left onto 83 Mile Road; continue along this road until you reach the lake.
Big Bar Lake
Description: Stocked since the 1970s, Big Bar is very productive, with many trout reaching 2.3 kilograms (five pounds). The fishing is best during spring and fall, since the water warms considerably in summer and trout retreat to the cooler depths. With a surface area of 227 hectares, there are plenty of fishing spots to explore. If you’re looking for even more fishing, nearby Little Big Bar and Beaverdam lakes are also stocked. Big Bar Lake Park also features 27 frontcountry campsites that overlook the lake.
Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout from the dock or using a watercraft. Note, there is a speed restriction of 10 kilometres per hour for watercraft, and no towing.
Directions: About 80 kilometres (an approximately one-hour drive) south of 100 Mile House, Big Bar Lake is easily accessible via Highway 97. Travel south from 100 Mile House and then turn right onto (gravel) 59 Mile Beaver-Dam Road for about 34 kilometres.
Near Tatla Lake
Horn Lake
Description: Horn Lake is located southwest of Tatla Lake and south of Highway 20 between Williams Lake and Bella Coola. The area is known for its spectacular mountain views and rocky shorelines. Horn Lake has the largest developed B.C. Forest Service campsite in the Chilcotin, offering 14 gravelled lakeside sites, along with a boat launch and parking area.
Fishing: Horn Lake is known for its excellent stocked rainbow trout fishing. It also has bull trout and suckers.
Directions: Head one kilometre east from Tatla Lake on Highway 20, and turn south onto the Tatlayoko Lake Road. Travel roughly four kilometres, and then turn right onto the Bluff Lake Road. Continue about 12 kilometres to the Horn Lake Recreation Site (an approximately 20-minute drive).
Author: Olivia Gordon