Blue Lake Fishing near Clearwater, British Columbia

• Overview

  Look for Blue Lake in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District part of British Columbia. It sits at 1,106 metres above sea level. Small at around 3 hectares: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Thompson-Nicola Regional District. You are 57 km from Clearwater. After that come Valemount at 88 km and Barrière at 105 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Blue Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Thompson-Nicola Regional District cover Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and rainbow trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Blue Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -9°C and August at about 13°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Blue Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Expect a 720 m walk in from where the car goes. Mapping records toilets within 880 m. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Phyllis Lake, 1 km out. Check the current arrangement for Blue Lake.