STUART LAKE
British Columbia

Where is STUART LAKE?

STUART LAKE (54.5535, -124.6335), located in Omineca Region, British Columbia, Canada spans 36300.3 hectares (approximately 89702 acres or 363 square kilometers).

Which fish can I catch at STUART LAKE?

The most popular species caught here are Burbot, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local rules and regulations.

What does STUART LAKE have?

Our members have marked 2 Boat Launches at STUART LAKE. You can view these markers on the map.

About STUART LAKE

Stuart Lake is a large lake found in British Columbia's Central Interior. It measures over 65 km in length and more than 10 km across in some places, offering some of British Columbia's best freshwater fishing. Stuart Lake supports a good fishery for kokanee and large rainbow trout up to 5 pounds.

Three popular lures for catching big trout are the Coyote by Luhr-Jensen, Gibbs FST, and Williams Wobbler. Dan Moffat from Northern Hardware in Prince George notes that Apex has a new colour line that may work well in Stuart Lake. Most spots are productive, and around the many islands there are several drop-off areas that are worthwhile. Anglers may want to try the areas around Honeymoon Island (northeast shore) and Battleship Island (near Whitefish Bay along the south shore). There are several islands in the southeast arm of the lake that are productive, as well as around the bays of the north shore and the northwestern arm.

Trolled spoons in red and silver or pearl colour combinations can work well. Remember to troll slowly, varying your speed slightly, and work in “S” curves. Every Canada Day weekend the Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce hosts a big fishing derby. Call (250) 996-7023 for details.

LAKE ACCESS

From Prince George head west along Highway 16 past Vanderhoof until you meet Highway 27. Turn right (north) and follow until you reach the town of Fort St. James. There are several access points to Stuart Lake, but only three locations are profiled here. All have boat launches and are on the southern shore of Stuart Lake. Before crossing the Stuart River into Fort St. James (Highway 27), turn left (west) onto Sowchea Road. This road goes past two provincial parks—Paarens Beach and Sowchea Bay. Paarens Beach has a concrete boat launch at the south end of the park, and Sowchea Bay has a single lane concrete boat launch and limited parking.

The third access point is Whitefish Bay recreation site, located about half way up the lake, and is accessible by 2WD. Again, turn onto Sowchea Road and follow for about five km, then turn left (south) onto the Cunningham Forest Service Road. Follow this road for about 40 km, until you meet the Cunningham-Camsell FSR. Turn right (north), and follow it to the shores of Stuart Lake. The Whitefish Bay recreation site is an open site with a boat launch and space for 20 vehicle units.

Lodging and Camping

Welcome to Pitka Bay Resort! Your premier lodging, camping & fishing retreat located in picturesque Fort Saint James, British Columbia. Situated on Stuart Lake, Pitka Bay is private, serene & an ideal location for a couples getaway or family holiday. Come soak up the sun with us!

4605 Pitka Bay Road

10 sites spread along 300m of Stuart Lake shoreline. Gravel boat launch.

Turn onto the Sowchea Bay Road from Hwy 27 just south of Fort St James. Drive 5 km on the Sowchea Bay Road from the intersection of Hwy 27, turn left onto the Cunningham Forest Service Road (900 Rd). Drive to (9)43.5 km on the Cunningham Forest Service Road and turn right onto the Cunningham-Camsell Forest Service Road. Turn right again at approximately 1.7 km and continue for another 8 km to the site.

User Feed

Type
2 years ago
2 years ago

Caught this guy July 2022

4 years ago
4 years ago

Stuart Lake is a large lake found in British Columbia’s Central Interior. It measures over 65 km in length and more than 10 km across in some places, offering some of British Columbia’s best freshwater fishing. Stuart Lake supports a good fishery for kokanee and large rainbow trout up to 5 pounds. Three popular lures for catching big trout are the Coyote by Luhr-Jensen, Gibbs FST, and Williams Wobbler. Dan Moffat from Northern Hardware in Prince George notes that Apex has a new colour line that may work well in Stuart Lake. Most spots are productive, and around the many islands there are several drop-off areas that are worthwhile. Moffat says that “Stuart Lake is amazing if you can time it right.” He suggests that one of the best spots is at the mouth of the Tachee River. “Another good spot is on the north arm against all the cliff faces. There are huge rainbows in there,” he says. Kevin Grose from OK Tire in Prince George says, “Stuart Lake is a great lake for summer fishing, but you have to be careful because the weather changes fast.” Trolled spoons in red and silver or pearl colour combinations can work well. Remember to troll slowly, varying your speed slightly, and work in “S” curves. LAKE ACCESS From Prince George head west along Highway 16 past Vanderhoof until you meet Highway 27. Turn right (north) and follow until you reach the town of Fort St. James. There are several access points to Stuart Lake, but only three locations are profiled here. All have boat launches and are on the southern shore of Stuart Lake. Before crossing the Stuart River into Fort St. James (Highway 27), turn left (west) onto Sowchea Road. This road goes past two provincial parks—Paarens Beach and Sowchea Bay. Paarens Beach has a concrete boat launch at the south end of the park, and Sowchea Bay has a single lane concrete boat launch and limited parking. The third access point is Whitefish Bay recreation site, located about half way up the lake, and is accessible by 2WD. Again, turn onto Sowchea Road and follow for about five km, then turn left (south) onto the Cunningham Forest Service Road. Follow this road for about 40 km, until you meet the Cunningham-Camsell FSR. Turn right (north), and follow it to the shores of Stuart Lake. The Whitefish Bay recreation site is an open site with a boat launch and space for 20 vehicle units.

7 years ago
7 years ago

Sweet Macy Rae reeling another one in with her mom, one of her favourite things to do in the summer !

7 years ago

Just a girl and her dad enjoying a great summer day on the lake fishing and playing on the beach. This rainbow was caught from shore off honeymoon island while waiting for lunch.

7 years ago
9 years ago

Lake Trout through the Ice...

Lake Trout through the Ice Nothing like watching one of these guys on your sonar, streak up off the bottom, chase your lure, and hammer it as you pull it away from them. Then the fight is on!

9 years ago
Burbot
Confirmed by PMP53 on STUART LAKE
9 years ago
9 years ago

Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby

A wonderful weekend on Stuart Lake participating in Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby!

10 years ago

Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby

A wonderful weekend on Stuart Lake participating in Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby!

10 years ago

Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby

A wonderful weekend on Stuart Lake participating in Binche's 1st Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby!

10 years ago

Stuart Lake Winners

We've got our Second and Fourth Place winners of the Stuart Lake Fishing Derby, pictured here with their prize cheques!

10 years ago

Stuart Lake Fishing Derby

This 6 lb, 6 oz catch was enough for Jeremy Johnson and his wife to win Third Place at the Stuart Lake Fishing Derby!

10 years ago

Stuart Lake Fishing Derby

Tim Boyes with his Second Place catch, 6 lbs 8 oz, from the Stuart Lake Fishing Derby!

10 years ago

Fishing Derby Winners!

We have some pics of the Stuart Lake Fishing Derby winners! Congratulations to the winners, and a good time was had by all! Pictured here is Josh Hillman and his First Place catch with 8 lbs 7 oz.

10 years ago
10 years ago
Kokanee
Confirmed by Draagyn on STUART LAKE
10 years ago
10 years ago
10 years ago

Stuart lake on a Barbie rod

10 years ago