Bittern Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Bittern Lake sits in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, out in British Columbia. It sits at 850 metres above sea level. It measures about 61 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 3.9 km of margin, front to back. 48 km away sits Houston, the nearest town. Then Telkwa, 72 km, and Smithers, 82 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Bittern Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Reported across Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako: sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and pink salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Bittern Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 13°C, while January sits near -8°C. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. That shapes the year on Bittern Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Bill Nye Lake is 2.1 km distant. Signs at Bittern Lake carry more weight than any list.