Photo by Destination BC/Blake Jorgenson
There are few family pastimes as timeless as fishing. The sport is especially revered in British Columbia, a province crisscrossed with some of the best fishing spots in the world.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, sprawling from the Pacific Coast all the way to the Cariboo Mountains near the province’s eastern border, bears some of B.C.’s most bountiful destinations for family fishing getaways. From the shores of Lac des Roches on the popular “Fishing Highway” to the mountainous majesty of Crooked Lake, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is the perfect backdrop for your next angling trip. Here are five resorts that will check all of your family’s boxes.
Crooked Lake Resort
Sitting on the shores of picturesque Crooked Lake near Horsefly, this resort is tucked away at the base of the Cariboo mountain range in the eastern part of the region. From the well-traversed Trans-Canada Highway, Crooked Lake is accessed first via Highway 97, and then through a series of country highways past 100 Mile House. Boasting ATVs, hiking, and swimming, plus snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowboarding in the winter, Crooked Lake has plenty of amenities, including a general store and boat rentals. With cabins, campsites, and RV hookups, it’s a prime spot to set up shop and fish for rainbow trout. Grab a canoe from the rental outfitters and take the family out for a paddle to catch some of the lake’s treasures.
Just half an hour from 100 Mile House, Loon Bay Resort is a stunning fishing retreat on Sheridan Lake. The bay has six cabins, along with full-hook up sites for RVs and rustic tent sites for a true backwoods experience. The resort is a one-stop shopping destination, offering motorboat, pontoon boat, canoe, and kayak rentals, as well as a healthy supply of fishing gear, including bait, tackle, lines, and more. These tools will come in handy to catch some of the lake’s trophy-sized rainbow trout, with many reports of fish coming in at over 10 pounds. Sheridan Lake is stocked regularly, so you’re likely to come home with a catch. The resort has grounds-wide Wi-Fi, meaning you can stay connected while enjoying the beauty of B.C.’s fishing country.
Marigold Fishing Resort sits on the edge of Loon Lake, a beloved family vacation spot for decades. Marigold has a variety of boats for rent, as well as lakeside cabins and campsites. Loon Lake isn’t just celebrated for its beauty, however; it’s also home to some of the region’s most stunning Kamloops trout. Hop in one of the resort’s boats and try trolling with spinning lures. Don’t worry if your family doesn’t have a stock of fishing equipment: guests at Marigold have access to a free rod and reel loan with the purchase of bait and tackle at the general store. Marigold is equipped with laundry services and free Wi-Fi, so whether you’re just out for the weekend or staying for a full week, you’ll be taken care of.
Fawn Lake Resort
Hidden away off Highway 24 near Lone Butte, Fawn Lake Resort is a gorgeous lakeside destination ringed with lush forests. The resort offers a spread of both modern and rustic cabins as well as a campground, so you can tailor your experience to your taste. The area is stitched with beautiful woodland and lakeside trails, with no shortage of classic B.C. scenery. Exploring these trails, whether by foot, bike, or horseback, is a must. Though Fawn Lake is relatively small, it’s an extremely active rainbow trout lake. While many fall around the two-pound marker, trout in excess of five pounds have been frequently reported. Fly fishing is the technique of choice at Fawn Lake.
Eagle Island Resort
Eagle Island Resort is located along Highway 24, popularly known as the “Fishing Highway.” Its name reflects the region’s well-stocked fishing lakes; including Lac des Roches, which hosts Eagle Island Resort on its shores. With RV, tent and cabin camping on the premises, the resort caters to every family’s comfort levels while providing access to the magic of the Cariboo region’s wilderness. Lac des Roches is renowned for its sunken islands and white shoals. Trophy rainbow trout can be found in this lake by trolling, casting from the boat or fly fishing, so take your time here and see which technique your family enjoys best.
