Francois Lake

Francois Lake is a 110-kilometer-long natural wonder in the Lakes District of central BC. Plunging over 240 meters deep, its cold, oxygen-rich waters produce heavy wild rainbows and deep-dwelling lake char in a dramatic wilderness setting.

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

Francois Lake at a glance

Region
Region 6 - Skeena
Management unit
6-4
Elevation
715 m
Maximum depth
244 m
Surface area
25700 ha
Trout strain
Wild Nechako/Skeena Rainbow Trout & Native Char
Typical size
Lake trout/char run 20-30 lbs; wild rainbow trout are also genuinely good here, though the char are the bigger draw
Stocking
Wild Self-Sustaining Fishery
Boat launch
Concrete Boat Ramp
Motor rules
No Restriction
Ice fishing
No closure on file

When to fish it

Getting there

Paved Hwy 35 south from Burns Lake to Francois Lake ferry terminal, and gravel roads along North and South shores.

Coordinates: 54.05, -125.75

Regulations

Single barbless hook. Rainbow trout quota: 1 (over 50 cm). Bait ban in effect in river outlet zone. Check seasonal closures.

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

Camping and rec sites at Francois Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Skeena

Other lakes nearby

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