Pretty little Antler Lake, while not that deep or large, supports a thriving fishery. This popular spot just north of Gold River works well for a quick evening troll or a weekend getaway. As well as fishing, the lake offers beautiful natural landscapes and the opportunity to view wildlife such as bears, cougars, and deer. Be sure to pack the camera! Antler Lake offers abundant habitat in the form of shoals and aquatic plants, particularly at the southeast end at Yellow Pond, an ideal location to start your search. Richard Powell, avid local angler, notes that there is a sunken boat just after the first picnic spot. Keep your eyes peeled for that. Both cutthroat and rainbow trout are present in Antler Lake; the cutthroat are native, and the catchable-sized rainbows are stocked. [Check out the stocking tables included in this guide!] A creek at the opposite end of the lake empties into the Gold River. Coho can be seen spawning in the creek in the fall, and there are always Cutthroat Trout in the creek— check the top end, where you will also find pleasant little beaver ponds. The best time to fish Antler Lake is in the spring. Early fall is productive too, as the fish intensify their activity and feeding. All sorts of lures work well here, and your best bet is to stock your standards, though at times the cutthroat will prefer larger lures or Flatfish. Kwikfish or small spoons are good bets as well. For those casting or trolling flies on Antler Lake, there are a number of reliable patterns to have on hand. Leeches are always promising. Damsel and dragonfly nymph patterns work well for mid-summer. Caddisflies and sedges are also good mid-season patterns. Later in the season, egg patterns can work wonders.General searching fly patterns, such as Woolly Buggers, Careys, Halfbacks and the Spratleys imitate a range of food sources for rainbow and cutthroat trout. They make excellent attractors any time of the year. The flies can be trolled with a full-sink line close to the bottom. LAKE ACCESS Antler Lake is located 3 km north of Gold River off the Gold River Main Rd. (also known as East Rd. and Hwy. 28). Turn right at the fork in the road before the bridge. There is a cartop boat launch beside the lake and a picnic site. Power boats are not allowed. Camping is available at Muchalet Lake, about 8 km further up the road towards Woss, or at the Peppercorn RV Park in Gold River. A third camping site is a 400 metre hike to access the lake, so any boat must be carried that far. 4x4s are also recommended to ease access.