Gatcho Lake fishing

Fishing near Smithers, Terrace and the rest of the Skeena. See all Skeena lakes.

Gatcho Lake sits in the Cariboo region at 761 m elevation, a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Gatcho Lake is a medium lake in the Skeena, the trout country reached from Smithers. It covers 56.1 ha and runs to 49.2 m at its deepest point, sitting at 761 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout. Gatcho Lake is stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC alongside natural wild production.

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

Gatcho Lake at a glance

Region
Region 6 - Skeena
Management unit
MU 5-1
Elevation
761 m
Maximum depth
49.2 m
Surface area
56.1 ha
Lake size
Medium Lake (50 - 500 ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee
Trout strain
Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs (Quality Catchable)
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 Gatcho Lake

Targeting Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs) Rainbow Trout in the Cariboo.

Productive stillwater fishery. Early spring chironomid emergences (sizes #14-#18) in 12-18ft depths, followed by traveling sedge and damsel nymphs along weedlines in June. Fall leeches and scuds produce aggressive takes.

Best times of year at Gatcho Lake

Getting to Gatcho Lake

Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in the Cariboo (MU 5-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 52.9647, -125.7039

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Gatcho Lake fishing regulations

6-1 GITNADOIX RIVER CW GLACIER (Redslide) CREEK (unnamed tributary to Nanika River) GOSNELL CREEK HAYS CREEK (in Prince Rupert)

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Gatcho Lake

Gatcho Lake 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 Gatcho Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Skeena

Trout lakes near Gatcho Lake

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