Surprise Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Surprise Lake lies in Thompson-Nicola Regional District, in British Columbia. It sits at 1,659 metres above sea level. The far bank is a conversation away, so keep low and quiet. Most waters listed here for Thompson-Nicola Regional District are larger. For supplies, Valemount is 72 km out. The nearest city of size is Kamloops, 183 km away. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Surprise Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Thompson-Nicola Regional District cover Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, rainbow trout and pink salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Surprise Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -10°C in January to roughly 10°C in August. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The lid usually goes in mid May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Ice usually gives way near mid May, and forms again about early November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Surprise Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. 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. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Slide Lake at 0.9 km is the sensible second choice. Ask locally about Surprise Lake if anything is unclear.