Fishing Whitton Lake in Cariboo Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Whitton Lake lies in Cariboo Regional District, in British Columbia. It stands 1,498 metres above sea level. At some 2.40 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The outline measures near 12 km, so local knowledge counts. It is among the larger waters listed here for Cariboo Regional District. The nearest town is Anahim Lake, 52 km away. Beyond it, Bella Coola at 90 km and Hanceville at 172 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Whitton Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Cariboo Regional District include sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, bull trout, Coho salmon and longnose sucker. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Read Whitton Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -9°C in January and 10°C in August. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid May. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near early 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 Whitton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Avalanche Lake is 6.5 km distant. Rules at Whitton Lake are worth checking on the day.