Boot Lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout, making for some great fishing. While fishing for brook and rainbow trout differs slightly, your gear does not need to be that specialized to catch these two species. Both brook and rainbow trout are great for fly fishers. Worms, leeches, mayflies and caddisflies are all good choices. A Parachute Adams can work particularly well for rainbows. Careys and Buicks are also good patterns to have on hand for Boot Lake.

Early in the season, the main food source will be leeches. Black, brown and maroon are good colour choices. As the season progresses, and as the insects start to hatch, you may need to do more investigating to determine what the fish are eating. Also keep in mind that when casting and retrieving, you will want to imitate your insect’s natural movement through the water. For example, a caddisfly, or sedge, will swim straight up to the water surface, whereas a chironomid will wiggle on their way to the surface to hatch. Much of the enjoyment of fly fishing comes from learning these movements and perfecting your technique.

Gear fishers will have ample opportunity on Boot Lake as well. Small lures in chrome and blue or chrome and red combinations can be great choices for rainbows. Please consult the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations before heading out.

LAKE ACCESS

Boot Lake is 64 km southwest of Dawson Creek on Highway 52. Access is 2WD. There is a Forest Service Recreation Site for campers. A boat launch, tables and toilets and 12 campsites are available at this user-maintained site.