McGillivray Lake near Sun Peaks: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  British Columbia holds McGillivray Lake, in Thompson-Nicola Regional District. It stands 1,399 metres above sea level. Roughly 95 hectares: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 6.1 km of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Few waters listed in Thompson-Nicola Regional District are bigger. Sun Peaks sits 5.7 km from the bank. Further out sit Chase (12 km) and Pritchard (19 km). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on McGillivray Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Survey and observation records for Thompson-Nicola Regional District include Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, rainbow trout and pink salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Fish McGillivray Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 13°C in August and bottoms out near -8°C in January. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about mid November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. On McGillivray Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A boat ramp sits 780 m away, so trailered boats can get on. Fishing from a pier is possible 360 m away. Overnight stays are possible 320 m away. Public toilets are recorded roughly 300 m off. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Little McGillivray Lake is 0.9 km off. Check the current arrangement for McGillivray Lake.