"Susan Lake is deep, cold and clear, with rugged mountain views and fantastic fishing. The stocked brook trout make Susan Lake one of the few brook trout lakes in the region.

Dave Burns, local guide, says that Susan Lake deserves its popularity. The fish are large and plentiful, and put up a good fight when hooked.

“There’s good shore fishing at Susan Lake, and kids can use spinners near the drop off. The back end is swampy, and the island at the west end is a good spot to start,” he says.

Burns says there are dozens of lures and flies that will entice the trout. “Trolling gang trolls works well, and I’ve had good luck with a Wedding Band and worm. Small spinners, Panther Martins, that type of thing, will also do the trick.

“Different flies will work depending on the day. I used to have good luck with black Beadhead Leeches and green Woolly Buggers. Damsel and Dragonflies are good choices, too,” Burns suggests.

By far, Burns’ favourite for Susan Lake is a topwater dry fly. “Black Ants, Stimulators, even Pale Morning Duns are definitely the way to go for Susan Lake.”

Susan Lake is big enough that it seems to support the pressure it receives. Burns says that the fishery is healthy, and he hasn’t seen any reduction in catch rate despite its popularity.

Susan Lake is a true four-season fishery. “Susan Lake is the most popular ice fishing lake around,” says Burns. “I prefer fishing in the summer, myself, but that said, one of the biggest brook trout I’ve ever taken from Susan Lake was through the ice.” Even though access is limited to snowmobiles in the winter, people manage to get out consistently, and manage to catch big fish.

Dave Burns is available for guided trips from full days to a couple of hours. Contact him at [email protected], or see his website at goldengillie.com

Lake Access

From Golden, travel north along the Trans Canada Hwy to Donald, about 25 km. Turn right onto Donald Road / Log Dump Road, and follow for about 12.5 km. Turn left onto Bush Forest Service Rd. and follow for about 9.7 km.

As always when driving back roads, please make sure you have updated maps, as logging roads change frequently. During the winter, please consult local snowmobile trail maps for updated access information.

There is a Forest Service Rec Site at Susan Lake, and although it’s small (3 campsites), there is a day-use area and rustic car-top boat launch. The dock on the lake has been rebuilt recently. "