From towering mountain ranges to lakes of all depths and sizes, British Columbia’s geography offers something for every type of outdoorsman. Whether you’re looking for a quiet fishing excursion on a still lake or a sizable body of water to cruise on, there’s almost certainly a lake within daytrip-distance that fits the bill.
With summer on the way, it’s nearly time to dust off the boat and start planning for long, sunny days on the water. You’ll want to start researching now if you plan on reeling in some of B.C.’s most prized catches. Inspired by Toyota’s new 2018 Tundra, whose 4,535 kg towing capacity can handle virtually any boat you hitch to it, this list outlines some of the best spots in the province to cast your line and take to the water.
Atlin Lake
Atlin Lake is one of the rarest and most remarkable boating experiences to be had in British Columbia. Its name comes from a Tlingit word that means “big water”, which is fitting as Atlin is the province’s largest natural lake. The lake itself is around 137 kilometres long, fed by glacier water and surrounded by mountains and ice fields. This substantial size means power boats are the best way to see all of the lake’s bounties, and they’ll be your best bet for reeling in some of the lake’s monstrous trout. Fly-in trips and guided fishing tours can also be arranged. From waterfalls and glaciers to untouched islands, Atlin Lake is a pristine northern boating paradise.
Sheridan Lake
Sheridan Lake rests on Highway 24 (usually referred to as the “Fishing Highway”) in the well-forested Cariboo Chilcotin Region. Known for its multitudes of well-stocked fishing lakes, the highway runs just north of Sheridan Lake, which is prized for its legendary rainbow trout. Average trout weigh in at three pounds here, but trout weighing in at over 10 pounds are caught frequently as well. This lake is an easy and relatively short drive from most major hubs, and Sheridan Lake Resort offers 36 moorage spots plus a free boat launch – making it a great spot to settle in and spend the weekend.
Kootenay Lake
At 104 kilometres long, Kootenay Lake sprawls across the southeast region of British Columbia. Its west arm reaches all the way to the city of Nelson, and communities like Balfour, Kaslo, and Kootenay Bay ring its shores as well. This beautiful body of water sits between the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges, and due to its size, offers a lot of flexibility in terms of access and recreation. On the lake’s south-east shore, Boswell Harbour Public Launch is a great spot to put in. Further north on the 3A Highway are public launches at Kootenay Bay and Crawford Bay, while the western shore is serviced well by launches at Nelson and Balfour. With shallower water levels, this western arm is also a productive fishing spot for bull and rainbow trout. All levels of craft coexist here, so whether you’re putting in your sailboat or a smaller motor boat, Kootenay can accommodate it.
Logan Lake
What used to be a small mining community between Merritt and Kamloops has developed into one of the region’s most desirable multi-activity hotspots. Logan Lake is just under an hour’s drive from Kamloops, which makes it perfectly suited for day trips. At less than one square kilometer, the lake is cozy but boasts a healthy trout population thanks to a spawning channel and stocking activities. The area contains many fishing lodges that provide accommodations, boat rentals and tips on fishing locations and conditions. Additionally, the lake provides an eco-friendly environment for fish and fishermen alike by allowing only electric motors on the water. The mix of backroad and highway driving on the way to Logan can be challenging, and is well-suited to pickups like Toyota’s Tundra.
Shuswap Lake
There’s a reason why Shuswap Lake is a favourite summer boating destination for many. It’s a weaving network of bodies of water along the Trans-Canada Highway near Salmon Arm and Sicamous that provides some of the best backdrops for water recreation. Shuswap Lake connects to other bodies like Mara Lake and Little Shuswap, which makes it a great spot for pond-hopping in your boat. Public launches can be found at Marine Peace Park and Canoe Beach in Salmon Arm, Windsor Road in Sicamous, and other spots dotting the lake’s perimeter. This collection of lakes also offers stellar rainbow trout fishing, so be sure to bring your fishing gear.