Lucky fishers might snag a cutbow. Found exclusively in Anahim Lake, the cutbow is a cross between the cutthroat and bull trout.
Floatplanes are occasionally seen taking off and landing on Anahim Lake as they ferry anglers to outposts for a day of fishing on isolated alpine lakes. Lakes in the region are so numerous that fishing the same lake twice is unnecessary. Check out Hotnarko Lake, a fly-in only lake with phenomenal fly-fishing for rainbow trout. Local operators provide boat and motor rentals, bait, tackle and fishing licenses.
Dean River
Dean River begins at Aktaklin Lake and flows east and west through Nimpo Lake and Anahim Lake. It eventually empties into the Dean Channel and the Pacific Ocean. Escott Bay Resort on Anahim Lake provides guided fly-fishing for rainbow trout on the Upper Dean. Stewart's Lodge flies anglers into Abuntlet Lake, where the Dean River widens after exiting Anahim Lake. Abuntlet has outstanding fly-fishing. Dean River is classified water, so various restrictions apply.
Moose Lake Lodge is a fly-in only lodge, which offers guided fly-fishing for rainbow trout and cutthroat on the Upper Dean, Blackwater River, and Entiako River, as well as salmon, and catch and release steelhead fishing on the Lower Dean. For more river fishing, the Atnarko and Bella Coola Rivers flowing through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park are favorites for chinook, coho, and pink salmon, as well as trout and char. Fishing lakes are also found in the park.
Nearby Lakes
There are several lakes within short driving distances tfrom Anahim Lake. Once a classified trophy lake and well kept secret, Kappan Lake is west of Anahim Lake. Kappan has and two recreational campsites located along either side of the lake, beautiful beaches, and of course, superb fishing. Surrounded by mountains, this 6.5km/4mi long cold lake offers up rainbow trout weighing 1.3kg/3lb plus.
North of Anahim Lake on the Dean River Road are Medicine Lake and Poison Lake, both stocked with rainbow trout. There is a pullout at Medicine Lake that has an amazing view of Anahim Peak. Just north and east of Poison Lake is Lessard Lake, a favorite amongst fishermen seeking wild stock rainbow trout.
Charlotte Lake is about 40km/25mi south and west of Anahim Lake and offers superb fishing for rainbow trout reaching up to 4kg/9lb, as well as spectacular vistas that include the Coast Mountain Range. Continuing south on Highway 20 is Big Stick Lake (10km/6mi off Highway 20) and Clearwater Lake (on Highway 20).
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