Savory Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, this is Savory Lake. It sits at 676 metres above sea level. It runs to roughly 33 hectares — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. A shoreline of some 2.9 km keeps the choices simple. Burns Lake lies 42 km from the water. Fort St. James is 70 km and Vanderhoof 74 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Savory Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name 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. Read Savory Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -11°C in January and 14°C in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That is the shape of the year on Savory Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Loch Garry, 1 km away. Check the position at Savory Lake before loading the car.