Fishing Fossil Fish Lake in Peace River Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Within Peace River Regional District, British Columbia, you have Fossil Fish Lake. The bank is 1,611 metres above sea level. It covers about 2 hectares, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Peace River Regional District are larger. The closest town, Tumbler Ridge, is 68 km away. Beaverlodge lies 113 km off, Wembley another 124 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Fossil Fish Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Peace River Regional District, recorded fish include mountain whitefish, longnose sucker and largescale sucker. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fossil Fish Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 11°C and January at -9°C. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Ice-out usually falls in mid May, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The season between ice runs from about mid May to early November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on Fossil Fish Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Wapiti Lake at 4 km is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Fossil Fish Lake.