Nestled on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, Purden Lake is deep and known for its clear water. Since 1979 the lake has been stocked annually with rainbow trout. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC released 10,000 rainbow trout into Purden Lake in 2018 as well as 83,600 kokanee. Burbot are also abundant in the lake. Angler’s Atlas member kbd635 was out on Purden Lake during the summer of 2015, and offers this report: Last Sunday was the first time I could get out and try the Lucky Bugs and although I wanted to do a more scientific analysis and fish one rod with the Lucky Bug and one with my usual Purden Lake fare, Ryan and Hunter had other ideas and wanted to both try the new lures! The Weather was hot, the water calm and I wasn’t expecting to catch much, but it was a good day out with my friend and the two kids. I put one rod in with a black and white Bingo Bug trolling 100 feet behind the boat and was just setting up the second and Ryan had our first fish on! A nice stock rainbow which was well hooked and gave a good fight. Not five minutes later Hunter hit a fish, using a red and white Bingo, but lost it, but made up for it a little while later with one we managed to land. We continued to fish and were rewarded with three more fish, which we decided to release, since the two we caught were for Ryan and Hunters supper. I must admit I’m always skeptical when new lures come on the market, offering “life like” action and new technology, but these lures do seem to entice fish to hit, and I was especially impressed since the conditions weren’t looking good for some sport. Needless to say, I WILL be keeping a few of these lures in my box of tricks on future adventures! Brian Smith, fly fisher and author, says that Purden Lake has “fair to good fishing May to August using mayflies, caddis and dragonfly nymphs. Fish the shoals at the east end with these patterns and anglers will have good success.” LAKE ACCESS Purden Lake Resort is located along Highway 16, about 60 km east of Prince George, and they offer year-round lake access. See purden.com for information. There is a provincial park with boat launch facilities along the northwestern edge of the lake (open between May and September only).

Are there Lunkers in Purden?

Last weekend, while out on the lake for a recreational day, I noticed that there were numerous pings from what looked like large fish at about 85-100', so this weekend I took the rods and downriggers. Nothing was taking at that depth, so we guessed that they were most likely Burbot. once we started fishing on the surface, we caught a few smaller rainbows at around 20', with "trout killers" and without the signature 'Willow Leaf". (ALL fish were released) Maybe this weekend, we'll try a set-line to see if we can get a big Burbot....

Boat Launch at Purden Lake resort

Gorgeous day at Purden

Weather was stunning! Sunny and warm, with a little cloud cover. You can still see the Rockies covered in snow in the background! Water temp was 67°F and a lot of surface action. Caught 3 nice fighting rainbows with good colouring. All about the 1 to 1.5lb mark, but good fight. All caught with Willow Leaf and Red / white triple teazer. I might need to change tactics a little since those lures are becoming hard to get up here.....

Snow hanging around

Northern BC Parks says that Purden Lake Provincial Park is still snowed in. The park will NOT be open this weekend (May 10).

Purden Lake - ice off 2nd week in May

The ice finally cleared off in the second week of May. The cafe at Purden Lake Resort http://www.purden.com opened on Victoria Day Weekend for the summer, from 8:AM - 6PM. You can launch from the Resort (for a fee), or drive a few km west and then north to the Purden Provincial Campground, and launch from there. The water level is quite high, even for this time of year. Out on the lake you can see the ski runs on the mountain are just starting to melt thru to the ground.

Purden Lake

Hello, Fellow Anglers. I would like to find the secret lure for this Lake. I spent a few frustrating days trying to catch a few Rainbows. I've tried just about everything in my Tackle Box except Worms. Any sggestions would be appreciated. Tks. Fred.

Concrete boat launch located within Purden Lake Provincial Park.