Quesnel Lake

Fishing in Quesnel Lake – Just Amazing! 

Quesnel Lake Fishing Guide

Quesnel Lake British Columbia

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Quesnel Lake, with its pristine waters and abundance of big fish, is one of the most popular lakes in British Columbia and one of the most unique in all of Canada. It may also be one of the best-kept fishing secrets in North America due, in part, to its remote location.

Forged by glaciers and with a maximum depth of 610 meters (2000 feet), it is the deepest lake in British Columbia, though not the deepest in Canada – Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories holds that distinction. However, Quesnel Lake is considered to be the deepest freshwater fjord lake in the world.

This beautiful wilderness lake is located south of the City of Quesnel and situated against the backdrop of the snow-capped Cariboo Mountains, where it offers both breathtaking scenery and fishing that is unparalleled in Canada, or anywhere else for that matter.

There are many reasons why Quesnel Lake is such a popular fishing destination, but the main one is because of the large population of trout that live there. It is one of only a handful of places in the world that can boast of trophy Rainbow Trout in the 20-pound class and monster Lake Char (Lake Trout) in the 30 – 40-pound range.

The fish here have certainly benefited from the incredibly nutrient-rich waters and the location’s remoteness. Other species caught on the lake include Kokanee Salmon, Bull Trout, and Dolly Varden.

For the fishing enthusiast, in particular, the fly fisherman, Quesnel Lake with its numerous tributaries such as Horsefly River and Niagara River is something special. Fly Fishing the mouth of the rivers and creeks can be fantastic for popular species such as Sockeye and Chinook Salmon.

Some Quesnel Lake Fishing Tips

Though fishing from shore here can be very productive, many anglers prefer to go out on a boat or kayak because it allows them more mobility. As for technique, fly fishing remains popular in the region, but baitcasting, spin fishing, and even trolling are also great options at Quesnel Lake.

For those of you wanting to fish in this incredible location, booking a Quesnel lake fishing charter/guide is quite possibly the best option. A lake charter or guide not only can provide the boat, but also all of the fishing equipment and knowledge you’ll need to catch any fish in this amazing destination.

In addition to fishing guides on the lake, there are several fishing lodges and resorts offering all-inclusive fishing packages at reasonable rates. For many visiting the area for the first time, this may be the way to go.

In most cases, all of your meals and accommodations, along with fully guided fishing trips and all the tackle you will need, are included. Some of the lodges even offer an airport shuttle and special group rates.

Lake Char Lake Trout Lake Char

Bull Trout Bull Trout                         Chinook Salmon Chinook Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Kokanee Salmon             Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout

More About Quesnel Lake and Things to Do

The name “Quesnel” can be traced back to a French-Canadian fur trader by the name of Antoine Quesnel who was employed by Fort St. James to trap furs along the Fraser River and its tributaries during the 18th century.

Sure, the fishing is great on Quesnel Lake but there is plenty more to do here. Quesnel Lake is about a mile and a half wide and 2.5 miles long, so there’s plenty of space here to explore. You’ll witness natural beauty all around – breath-taking, panoramic views of this remote wilderness retreat with its mountain peaks and beautiful Cedar tree lines.

The first thing that you should do when visiting Quesnel Lake is to go for a hike. There are many different trails that you can take, and all of them offer something different. If you want to see wildlife, then the West Arm Trail is the best option for you. If you want to see some beautiful views, then the East Arm Trail is the way to go!

There are also designated campgrounds and sandy beach areas for walks. You can rent a canoe or kayak for those who want to explore the lake at their leisure. Perhaps watch an eagle take flight or maybe if you’re lucky enough to be here in autumn, take in the spectacular sights of spawning Sockeye Salmon or the rich colors that surround the lake.

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