BC’s lakes are in the midst of undergoing fish stocking, which means more freshwater fish than you can shake a stick (or rod) at this summer. As you dust off musty camping gear and prepare to hit the road, make sure your rods and reels are along for the trip. Discover Fishing BC provides information about fishing in the province allowing you to be strategic in your choice of campsite this summer so you can land dinner, catch and release, or at least spin a good fish yarn for seasons to come. Here are some of the best places to camp and fish in our province’s own backyard:

Spider Lake Provincial Park
Although the name may be daunting to arachnophobics, Spider Lake is an excellent venue for a family fishing getaway. Spider Lake is a day-use park and the perfect quiet fishing locale; especially since power boats are prohibited. Anglers can try their hand at catching Small Mouth Bass and Rainbow Trout in this pristine setting. Located west of Qualicum Beach on central Vancouver Island, this lake
has a steep bank perfect for launching kayaks and canoes. There is also a sandy beach for hours of vacation fun. Camping is available at Horne Lake Regional Campground about 10 kilometres away.

Rolley Lake Provincial Park
This warm water lake provides a break from urban life in a short drive from Vancouver. Rolley Lake Provincial Park is located 23 kilometres northwest of Mission and is stocked yearly with Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout. Named for newlyweds James and Fanny Rolley who came to the lake in 1888 and stayed for 10 years, this park has 64 treed campsites near the lakeshore.

Monck Provincial Park
Although Rainbow Trout and Kokanee are the most commonly caught, there are 26 species of fish in Nicola Lake, located in Monck Provincial Park just north of Merritt. In addition to fishing, this park offers an array of activities including windsurfing,
waterskiing and canoeing. With more than 120 campsites, this park is the perfect family spot, especially for those that like the heat. The park is located in one of the province’s hot spots and boasts warm, dry temperatures in the summer months.

Premier Lake Provincial Park
Fishing is good year round at Premier Lake located in the East Kootenays, at the foot of the Rockies. In the summer months you are most likely to catch trout, especially Eastern Brook and and Gerrard Rainbow. Premier is the largest of five emerald green lakes which include Canuck, Yankee, Cat’s Eye and Quartz. Both tent and vehicle campsites are available on the southern end of Premier Lake, perfect for a secluded fishing trip and a quiet weekend away.

Crooked River Provincial Park
Three beautiful lakes are located within Crooked River Provincial Park including Bear Lake, Square Lake and Crooked River itself. Some of the best fishing in the region takes place in this park; the lakes provide great angling for Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Rocky Mountain Whitefish. This large park is a favourite for campers who want to view wildlife. River otter, red fox, coyote and black bears
can be seen on a regular basis as well as bald eagles.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park
Less than three hours drive from the Lower Mainland, E.C. Manning Park offers an array of activities for the whole family. Located in the Cascade Mountains, this outdoor wonderland offers more than 70,000 hectares of parkland to explore. Those that want to combine hiking with their fishing can access Poland Lake and Nicomen Lake for Rainbow Trout, or easier to get to Lighting Lake offers good angling for small Rainbow Trout. The park has several campsites to choose from, but book early, as this is one of the province’s most popular parks.

The Learn to Fish Program

Learn to Fish programs are available at some provincial parks in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. This program was created for children ranging in age five to fifteen to learn basis angling skills. All fishing tackle is provided for a suggested donation of $5.00 per session.

For more information about Learn to Fish programs and a full list of stocked lakes and provincial parks, visit our Spring stocked lakes webpage.