Courtney Lake fishing

Fishing near Kamloops, Merritt and the rest of the Thompson-Nicola. See all Thompson-Nicola lakes.

A famous high-elevation trophy stillwater located south of Merritt in the Nicola Valley. Known for producing deep-bodied 4 to 8+ lb Pennask and Blackwater strain rainbows on chironomid pupae and micro-leeches. Premier quality-managed lake in the Nicola Valley producing thick, hard-pulling rainbow trout.

Courtney Lake is a small water in the Thompson-Nicola, the trout country reached from Kamloops. It covers 42 ha and runs to 14 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1030 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 4 to 8+ lbs and the stock is Pennask & Blackwater Rainbow Trout. This is a catch and release fishery.

Open Courtney Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Courtney Lake at a glance

Region
Region 3 - Thompson-Nicola
Management unit
MU 3-12
Elevation
1030 m
Maximum depth
14 m
Surface area
42 ha
Lake size
Small Water (< 50 ha)
Trout strain
Pennask & Blackwater Rainbow Trout
Typical size
4 to 8+ lbs (Trophy Pennask / Blackwater)
Size class
Trophy Monster (5 - 10+ lbs)
Stocking
8,000 yearlings
Boat launch
Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly)
Motor rules
Electric Motors Only (No Gas)
Catch and release
Yes
Ice fishing
Closed to ice fishing

How to fish Courtney Lake

High quality, hard-fighting larger trout.

Long fluorocarbon leaders with chironomids, dragon fly nymphs, micro-leeches in olive and wine.

Best times of year at Courtney Lake

Getting to Courtney Lake

Off Hwy 5A south of Merritt. Rec site with concrete boat launch and dock.

Coordinates: 50.0033, -120.6003

Boat launch: Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly).

Courtney Lake fishing regulations

Bait ban, single barbless hook, electric motors only, rainbow daily quota: 2.

Trophy Monster (5-10+ lbs).

Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.

Ice fishing at Courtney Lake

Courtney Lake is closed to ice fishing.

Whether a lake is open to ice fishing says nothing about whether its ice will hold you. Ice conditions vary year to year and across a single lake. Check locally before going out, every time.

Camping and rec sites at Courtney Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Thompson-Nicola

Trout lakes near Courtney Lake

Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.