Lions Lake near Mackenzie: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lions Lake is a Regional District of Fraser-Fort George water, British Columbia side. Height above sea level is 678 metres. Around 35 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. The full circuit measures close to 3.4 km on foot. The nearest town is Mackenzie, 9.5 km away. Further out sit Chetwynd (106 km) and Fort St. James (115 km). There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lions Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and mountain whitefish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Work Lions Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -12°C and July at about 15°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan around that when you fish Lions Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Should this one be busy, Lost Lake is 9.4 km off. Check the current arrangement for Lions Lake.