Murdoch Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find Murdoch Lake in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia. It sits at 874 metres above sea level. Roughly 77 hectares: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 3.7 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Burns Lake lies 37 km from the water. Kamloops is the closest city, 530 km away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Murdoch Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako cover sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Murdoch Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 14°C, while January sits near -10°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about mid November. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. At Murdoch Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Sedge Lake is 1.3 km distant. Check the position on Murdoch Lake before loading the car.