Several species of fish reside in Big Lake, including rainbow trout, burbot, lake trout (char) and kokanee. In 2015, 60,000 kokanee were released into Big Lake from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.’s fish stocking program. Trolling and lure fishing are the most common techniques for Big Lake, though flyfishers do well, too. Gang trolls or Wedding Rings produce well. Fly fishers may want to try a green Doc Spratley, a black Woolly Bugger with a little bit of gold ribbing on it or a leech pattern in black with red and olive colours. There is a small campsite on the north side of the lake. There is also public lake access on the south side. Silverhorn Lodge is located on the south side. Anglers, please note that there is a lake trout quota on Big Lake. Please consult the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations for information before heading out.

EVENTS

Big Lake Community Association has been holding an annual fishing derby in June for more than 20 years. Any profits from the derby go towards helping the community. Derby organizers discourage anglers from targeting lake trout. To help minimize the impact on the lake trout fishery, the derby awards a prize for largest rainbow trout.

LAKE ACCESS

Big Lake is northeast of Williams Lake. The most common route is outlined below. From Williams Lake, follow Highway 97 south to 150 Mile House and turn left (east) onto Horsefly Road. Follow this road for about five kilometres to Likely Road on the left (north). Continue along Likely Road for about 30 kilometres to Big Lake. There are well-marked signs pointing the way to the lodge and community hall.

Travellers looking for more information about the lodge can visit them online at www.silverhornlodge.com.