Hundreds of lakes surrounding 100 Mile House offer year-round fishing that is so good that parts of Highway 24 has been nicknamed "The Fishing Highway". This corridor, just 10 minutes south of 100 Mile House, to the turnoff to Little Fort, is 97km/61mi long, and provides access to some of the world's best rainbow trout fishing lakes, plus a number of British Columbia's best fishing resorts, guest ranches and wilderness lodges.
Highlight Fishing Spots
Sheridan Lake and Trophy-Sized Trout
Sheridan Lake, approximately 40-minutes' drive southeast of 100 Mile House, along the Fishing Highway, is one of the three or four lakes in BC known as "trophy lakes" where Rainbow Trout grow to record sizes. Sheridan Lake is stocked with 300,000 Rainbow trout annually and is famous for its enormous Rainbows that can weigh in as much as 9kg/20lbs. Fed by underground springs, the lake provides an abundance of aquatic life on which the trout feed, allowing them to grow rapidly. Whether gear fishing, trolling or fly fishing on this lake, anglers will return home with big smiles on their faces and the itch to return for more.
Bridge Lake and Canim Lake
Ten km/6mi further east on the Fishing Highway is Bridge Lake, offering great fishing for Rainbow trout, lake trout, Kokanee and Ling cod (Burbot). Approximately 45-minutes' northeast of 100 Mile House, Canim Lake is stocked with Rainbow trout, Kokanee, Lake trout (Char) and Ling Cod. Interestingly, Canim is two miles longer than the famous Loch Ness in Scotland, but no monsters are in this lake other than huge lake trout lurking beneath the surface.
Other Great Fishing Lakes Near 100 Mile
With Green Lake, 108 Mile Lake, Deka Lake, Mahood Lake, Lac La Hache and hundreds of other additional lakes in the area, the angler can find one with all the needed amenities, or perhaps a remote lake for more peaceful pursuits. Several lakes are also well-known for superb fly fishing. Check with a local or at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre for tips.
Best Times to Fish
Local lore says fish feed most heavily during the times when the moon is between its new and full phases, every month throughout the year. Of course there are no promises or guarantees that you will catch something, but it's worth a try! Another local tip: apparently loons are only found on lakes with abundant fish, so be on the lookout or listen for these birds' call. Generally fishing is best shortly after the ice melts from the lakes, typically at the end of April and into May, depending on size and elevation of the lake. Anglers are advised that licenses are widely available in 100 Mile House and gear can be purchased or rented locally. Ask at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre for information on local fishing guides. Boat rentals are available at the lakeshore resorts.