If you
are looking to do some fishing in the Atlin area, you have some choices.
The Upper
and Lower McDonald lakes are situated about 19 kms. North of town, off the
Atlin Highway on the old Ruffner Mine Road. These lakes support grayling,
averaging between 5-10 oz.; they can usually be caught at the mouth of the
stream where the big lake flows into the small lake. Lake trout between 2
- 4 pounds are also present here.
Just before entering
town you can find Como Lake, a great little lake, on the left hand side
of the Atlin Highway. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout averaging around
2 - 4 pounds. Como Lake is the only lake in the Atlin area that is stocked.
There is a day use recreational with picnic tables and a sandy beach for
children to swim.
Float planes use the lake to land on when it's too windy for Atlin Lake.
Upper
and Lower McDonald Lakes:
At the
T-junction of town take a left and travel for some 19 kms., past the old town
of Discovery.
There you will find another junction where you take the left branch, cross
the bridge across Pine Creek and you will find there Surprise Lake. Here you
can fish for Arctic Grayling averaging between 2 - 4 pounds. This is also
a great spot for those of you who like to fly fish.
Heading
down the the Warm Bay Road you will find Palmer Lake at about 16 km. from
town. This is the place to fish for Northern Pike. These pike average around
4 - 6 pounds but if you have a good day, you could find yourself with a 8
- 10 pound pike on the end of your line.
You can also find Whitefish in this lake.
This is a popular lake with canoeists and is a nice picnic area.
And last,
you have Atlin Lake. This is BC's largest lake. In Atlin Lake, besides some
great scenery, you will find Lake Trout averaging between 4 - 6 pounds but
they can get as big as 40 pounds. Also you can go after Grayling and white
fish.
Last updated
14-may-04
A
few further notes:
You will
find forestry campgrounds at all the lakes listed ( click
here).
The only boatramps for Atlin Lake are the ones in town.
All these lakes, including Atlin lake are accessible for fishing from shore.
If you want to fish on Atlin Lake, it is recommended that you consult with
one of the local outdoor outlets in Atlin to advise you about the lake. (Atlin
General Store or Atlin Happy
Trails)
Or go out with one of our local charter
companies.
Photo:
Don
Photo:
Henri Schildknecht
Photos:
Hein and Wil de Vries
Photo:
Monkeyflower Adventures
Photo:
Photo:
Henri Schildknecht
Those
planning to fish in B.C. require a valid B.C. Freshwater Angling License,
available locally, and should be familiar with current regulations.
