Pothole Lake near Merritt: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Pothole Lake is one of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District waters in British Columbia. It lies 947 metres above sea level. With some 12 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Shoreline comes to about 1.3 km, small enough to learn in a day. Supplies mean a trip to Merritt, 26 km off. After that come Princeton at 54 km and Peachland at 61 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Pothole Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Thompson-Nicola Regional District include Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and Coho salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Work Pothole Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about -7°C. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early April. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That is the shape of the year on Pothole Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Crater Lake sits 2.5 km off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Pothole Lake.