Hamilton Lake near Merritt: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  You will find Hamilton Lake in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia. This is mixed forest country. Surface area is around 26 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. A shoreline of some 3.3 km keeps the choices simple. Nearest place of any size is Merritt, 12 km away. Kamloops is the closest city, 67 km away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Hamilton Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Open biodiversity records for Thompson-Nicola Regional District list 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. Hamilton Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -6°C in January to roughly 16°C in August. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Hamilton Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Lundbom Lake at 1.7 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Hamilton Lake are worth checking on the day.