Fishing Canyon Lake in Stikine Region, British Columbia

• Overview

  Canyon Lake is a Stikine Region water, in British Columbia. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. About 2.42 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Around 12 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. For a base, Smithers sits 175 km out. Kamloops sits 808 km out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Canyon Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Stikine Region include Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and mountain whitefish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Canyon Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 11°C and January near -11°C on the long-run figures. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. On average, mid May opens the water and early November closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Canyon Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Slamgeesh Lake at 20 km is the sensible second choice. For Canyon Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.