Fishing at Shane Lake

Fishing in Prince George

Fishing with KidsStarting in the city, there are now two small lakes that are easily accessible and are stocked with catchable trout each spring. The stocking is co-ordinated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, who provide the fish for these lakes. One is Shane Lake in Forests for the World, and the other is Ferguson Lake in the north-east corner of the city. Both of these lakes have fishing docks so you can cast into these trout filled waters without a boat.

Within half an hour of town, there are several more lakes you can cast your rod into. Tabor Lake is a popular lake and is very productive. The lake is great in the spring and early summer. You can try just about any fly or lure. About 30 minutes past Tabor Lake, along Highway 16 is Purden Lake, with a resort on the south shore and a provincial park along the north shore. Eaglet Lake is also popular in the spring and fall while the water is still cool.

A cluster of great lakes, including Vivian, Nukko, Eena, and Ness Lakes are all waiting to be explored, a short drive north-west of the city. These are perfect for quick jaunts for a couple of hours, or take in a full day. If you're looking to stay longer, try Vivian Lake Resort and Campground for the camping as well as the fishing!

The area south of town is home to dozens of great fishing lakes of all sizes. Many of them have Forest Recreation Sites, too, which makes it easy to fish all weekend! With a backdrop of mountains in the east, and the rolling plateaus of the west, this is outdoor relaxation at its finest. Francis, Ste. Marie and Opatcho Lakes, all within a short drive of one another, are the stuff that weekend memories are made of. Try them all, and see what else you can find on your adventure!

To the west, several lakes are located a short drive off the highway, and include Cluculz, Bednesti, West (Nadsilnich) and Cobb Lakes.

FEATURED LAKES

Stocking at Ferguson LakeSHANE LAKE is located in Forests for the World, a natural park on Cranbrook Hill. The lake is stocked with catchable rainbow trout provided by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Catchables are in the one pound range when released. This is part of an urban lakes fishing program to provide easier access to fishing in the city.

Forests For The World is located within the City of Prince George, just minutes from downtown on Cranbrook Hill. The turnoff to the park is located along Foothills Blvd. at Cranbrook Hill Rd., between 5th and 15th Ave. Follow this road up the hill to Kueng Rd., and then turn left (south). The parking lot is located at the end of this road. At Shane Lake, there are fire pits, picnic tables and a shelter. The park also has 15 km of maintained trails for hiking and biking.

FERGUSON LAKE is small lake within the City of Prince George, along the north-east edge of the city limits. It is stocked each year with catchable rainbow trout (catchables are in the one pound range when released). A new dock was built in 2008 providing easy access to the lake, and has been designated a Family Fishing Water by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Family Fishing Waters are so named because they are easily accessible and the lakes boast ample opportunities to fish from shore or a pier.

From Prince George, head north along Hwy 97 to Kelly Rd North, still within city limits. Turn left (west) onto North Kelly Road and continue for approximately 1 km, then turn left onto Ferguson Lake Rd. Stay on this road (keeping right at the fork where it turns to gravel). The lake is located on the left side of road. There is a small parking area and the lake has a dock to fish from. It is ideally suited for small watercraft, and no motors are permitted. The lake is surrounded by a nature preserve and has a trail around the lake.