Downton Lake (Reservoir) fishing

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

Tucked into the Thompson-Nicola region at 1182 m elevation, this is a small water (< 50 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Tap through to the map for the exact route in.

Downton Lake (Reservoir) is a small water in the Thompson-Nicola, the trout country reached from Kamloops. It covers 33.0 ha and runs to 17.7 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1182 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Pennask & Fraser Valley Triploid Rainbow Trout.

Open Downton Lake (Reservoir) in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Downton Lake (Reservoir) at a glance

Region
Region 3 - Thompson-Nicola
Management unit
MU 3-1
Elevation
1182 m
Maximum depth
17.7 m
Surface area
33.0 ha
Lake size
Small Water (< 50 ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout
Trout strain
Pennask & Fraser Valley Triploid Rainbow Trout
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs
Size class
Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs)
Stocking
Stocked / Natural Wild Production (FFSBC)
Boat launch
Gravel Boat Ramp
Motor rules
Gas & Electric Permitted
Ice fishing
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Downton Lake (Reservoir)

Targeting Rainbow Trout in Thompson-Nicola.

Chironomid pupae under indicator (#14-#18), micro-leeches, and traveling sedges along shoreline drop-offs.

Best times of year at Downton Lake (Reservoir)

Getting to Downton Lake (Reservoir)

Forestry road access in Thompson-Nicola (MU 3-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 50.8444, -123.0083

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Downton Lake (Reservoir) fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Standard regional regulations apply (check 2025-2027 synopsis).

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Downton Lake (Reservoir)

Downton Lake (Reservoir) is open to ice fishing under the regulations on file.

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 Downton Lake (Reservoir)

Local shops and lodges in the Thompson-Nicola

Trout lakes near Downton Lake (Reservoir)

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