McDiarmid Lake Fishing near Princeton, British Columbia

• Overview

  McDiarmid Lake is a Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen water, British Columbia side. The water sits 1,309 metres up. At roughly 2 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen list. Start from Princeton, 30 km down the road. Merritt lies 46 km off, Hope another 66 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on McDiarmid Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen records list sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, Coho salmon and common carp among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. At McDiarmid Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -6°C to 15°C. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Count the season from break-up, usually early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On McDiarmid Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Stedman Lake, 2 km away. Nothing on McDiarmid Lake should be assumed from this page alone.