Drywilliam Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Drywilliam Lake falls in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, part of British Columbia. Everything around it is mixed forest. At some 1.01 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. With about 4.8 km of edge, you can try several depths in one session. The town to know is Vanderhoof, 44 km out. Kamloops is the closest city, 479 km away. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Drywilliam Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name 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. Drywilliam Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 14°C and January reads -11°C. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Drywilliam Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A car park lies 390 m away, so the walk in is short. Overnight stays are possible 830 m away. Toilets are 380 m away, which matters on a long session. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Stag Lake, 3.5 km away. Where Drywilliam Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.