Roaster Lake Fishing in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia, is where Roaster Lake sits. The water sits 1,581 metres up. At 9 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Compared with other British Columbia water on our list, it sits high. Lillooet sits 75 km from here and is the nearest stop. Further out sit Hanceville (83 km) and 100 Mile House (98 km). There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Roaster Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Thompson-Nicola Regional District cover Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and Coho salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Roaster Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 10°C, with January the cold end at about -9°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid May. Open water usually runs from mid May until about early November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Plan around that when you fish Roaster Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Swan Lake, 9.1 km away, makes the obvious fallback. Signs at Roaster Lake carry more weight than any list.