Smokee Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  British Columbia holds Smokee Lake, in Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. Elevation runs to 849 metres. With some 35 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The bank runs about 3.8 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. The town to know is Smithers, 138 km out. Then Telkwa, 149 km, and Terrace, 168 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Smokee Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, recorded fish include sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, pink salmon and Chum salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Smokee Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 14°C and January at -10°C. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It sets the rhythm of the year at Smokee Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Damsumlo Lake, 6.2 km away. Check the current arrangement for Smokee Lake.