Johnny Lake in Cariboo Regional District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Johnny Lake lies within the bounds of Cariboo Regional District, British Columbia. It sits at 938 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 5.86 sq km, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The shoreline runs about 21 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Few waters listed in Cariboo Regional District are bigger. The nearest town is Anahim Lake, 73 km away. Then Bella Coola, 122 km, and Burns Lake, 125 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Johnny Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Cariboo Regional District include sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon and bull trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Johnny Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 13°C, the coldest about -10°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late April. Averages suggest open water from about late April through to roughly mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Johnny Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Cow Lake, 5.9 km away. Treat access at Johnny Lake as something to verify.