Fishing Dartt Lake in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Dartt Lake lies within the bounds of Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia. It sits at 1,570 metres above sea level. Small at around 5 hectares: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our Thompson-Nicola Regional District list. Some 21 km away sits Merritt, the nearest settlement. Then Logan Lake, 25 km, and Aberdeen, 46 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Dartt Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Thompson-Nicola Regional District include Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and Coho salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Dartt Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put August near 13°C and December near -7°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near mid November in autumn. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. That is the shape of the year on Dartt Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Shuta Lake is 1.4 km off. Rules at Dartt Lake are worth checking on the day.