Guyishton Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Out in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, sits Guyishton Lake. It stands 853 metres above sea level. At about 52 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. The full circuit measures close to 3.2 km on foot. The closest town, Burns Lake, is 7.6 km distant. It is 536 km to Kamloops, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Guyishton Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Across Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, recorded fish include sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Fish Guyishton Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 13°C and January reads -11°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Expect Guyishton Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. You can camp 450 m off, which suits an early start. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. The nearest alternative is Wardrop Creek, 6.2 km out. Check the position on Guyishton Lake before loading the car.