Otterson Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In British Columbia, Otterson Lake belongs to Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. It lies 829 metres above sea level. The water covers some 77 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. There is roughly 3.6 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. The closest town, Fort St. James, is 42 km away. Mackenzie is 90 km away, with Vanderhoof at 92 km. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Otterson Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako include sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and pink salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Otterson Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 14°C in July and bottom out at -12°C in January. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late April. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near early November: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That is the shape of the year on Otterson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, 28 Mile Lake at 5.4 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Otterson Lake are worth checking on the day.