Stake Lake in Thompson-Nicola Regional District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  This water sits in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, British Columbia. The land about it is mixed forest. It measures about 25 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The bank runs about 2.4 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Nearest town is Aberdeen, 17 km off. The nearest city of size is Kamloops, 21 km away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Stake Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Thompson-Nicola Regional District: 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. The shape of Stake Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 14°C; by January the average is down near -7°C. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Stake Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Parking within 340 m means no long carry with tackle. Mapping records toilets within 310 m. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try McConnell Lake, 1.8 km away. For Stake Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.