Bowron Lake is one of several lakes that make up Bowron Lake Provincial Park, known around the world for its first class canoeing circuit. Although less known for the fishing, the lake has many species of sportfish and supports a reasonable fishery. Bob Monk, from Willis Harper Home Hardware in Quesnel, says Bowron Lake can be a great fishery for bull trout—a catch and release fishery. “The bull trout target the sockeye and kokanee fry coming down streams,” says Monk. He suggests anglers try anything flashy with a quick retrieve. He also suggests targeting the mayfly hatch in late June and early July. Wedding Bands and Willow Leaves are popular lures, especially with a worm. Monk likes to use a 52 Buick for fly fishing. The fish move around the lake quite a lot, so while cruising, watch for areas where they are rising. LAKE ACCESS Bowron Lake is approximately 120 kilometres east of Quesnel. Follow Highway 26 past the town of Wells. Just before reaching the town of Barkerville, Bowron Lake Road appears on the left (east) side of the highway. Turn here, and continue for nearly 30 kilometres along a well-maintained gravel road to Bowron Lake Lodge. Bowron Lake Provincial Park has 25 campsites accessible by vehicle. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a boat launch. If you are planning to canoe the circuit, reservations are required, and you can visit B.C. Parks website, at www.bcparks.ca, for further information.

Bear Aware Near Bowron

The Northern Hardware Fishing Counter posted that there have been multiple encounters with grumpy grizzly bears in the Two Sisters Forest Service Road near Bowron Lake. A "gentle reminder to be diligent out there. An incident like this can happen when you least expect it. There appears to be more bear encounters than in other years, so pack your bear spray and work in pairs if possible." https://www.facebook.com/Northern-Hardware-Fishing-counter-663316740352545/timeline/

Bowron Lakes Circuit Paddle Trip

For anyone seeking an adventure, try the Bowron Lakes circuit, a world-renowned canoe/kayak trip. Best of all, you start and end in the same spot, Bowron Lake. The trip completes a full circuit spanning ten lakes and 116 kms. Take four days or, to really relax, take eight days and make sure to cast a line in Wolverine Bay on Isaac Lake. For more reservations, visit Discover Camping BC. www.discovercamping.ca

Public boat launch.