Lake of the Day: Wilbur Lake

Wilbur Lake is a small lake west of Highway 95 and north of Mitten Lake. This relatively shallow lake is a high elevation body of water, set among a series of great fishing lakes. Local fishing guide Dave Burns says that Wilbur Lake is a trophy lake. “Here there is arguably some the best fishing in terms of big fish, but it’s harder to get a bite.” Burns suggests that “Chironomids are definitely the most productive patterns. Sometimes people also do well to pull a leech pattern from the weed beds back out to the depths.” There are specific times, it seems, when Wilbur does best, Burns notes, and when you hit it right, “you get a chance at a really nice fish.” He says that the trout here can be between five and ten pounds. Wilbur Lake is a “wonderful spot,” Burns says, “with a small dock and small drop-offs. It’s shallow for quite a ways out,” he notes. Wilbur Lake is stocked with Pennask rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. These are feisty, fighting fish, feeding heavily on chironomids. They tend to be most active in the evening, and prefer the mid-level waters for foraging. It is definitely worthwhile to take the time to learn chironomid fishing, and how it differs from other fly fishing patterns. Dave Burns and his guiding business, The Golden Gillie, can help. Burns can lead you to places you wouldn’t normally get to on your own. He’s available for small groups, and can be reached at [email protected]. See his website at goldengillie.com for more information. LAKE ACCESS Wilbur Lake is located west of Parson. There are several logging roads in the area, and your best bet is to consult a good road map for these roads. From Parson, follow the Crestbrook Main Road southwest. Stay on this road past the Spillimacheen North FSR and the turn off to Wilbur Lake will be on your right. There is a small recreation site at Wilbur Lake, with pit toilets and a small boat launch.