Ermine Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Ermine Lake is a Regional District of Fraser-Fort George water, British Columbia side. It stands 883 metres above sea level. Around 16 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. It is a small entry by Regional District of Fraser-Fort George standards. The nearest place of any size is Prince George, 62 km away. Then Mackenzie, 106 km, and Vanderhoof, 111 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Ermine Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. County-wide records name Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and mountain whitefish. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Ermine Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -10°C in January to roughly 14°C in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about mid November in a typical year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Ermine Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, McEwan Lake is 3.7 km off. Nothing here settles the position at Ermine Lake for certain.