Horsefly Lake fishing

Fishing near Williams Lake, Quesnel and the rest of the Cariboo. See all Cariboo lakes.

Horsefly Lake is a pristine, deep oligotrophic lake nestled against the Cariboo Mountains. Known for its crystal-clear water and large wild rainbow trout, it is a favorite for anglers seeking wilderness solitude and trophy fish.

Horsefly Lake is a big water in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 5600 ha and runs to 190 m at its deepest point, sitting at 785 m of elevation. Fish here typically run Rainbow trout unremarkable by BC standards here; the lake's real claim to fame is its depth and role as a nursery for Quesnel Lake's rainbows and the stock is Wild Blackwater / Horsefly Rainbows & Native Lake Char.

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

Horsefly Lake at a glance

Region
Region 5 - Cariboo
Management unit
5-15
Elevation
785 m
Maximum depth
190 m
Surface area
5600 ha
Lake size
Big Water (>500ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Kokanee, Bull Trout
Trout strain
Wild Blackwater / Horsefly Rainbows & Native Lake Char
Typical size
Rainbow trout unremarkable by BC standards here; the lake's real claim to fame is its depth and role as a nursery for Quesnel Lake's rainbows
Size class
Large Quality (2 - 5 lbs)
Stocking
Wild Self-Sustaining Fishery
Boat launch
Concrete Boat Ramp
Motor rules
No Restriction
Ice fishing
No ice fishing closure on file

How to fish Horsefly Lake

One of the Cariboo's deepest lakes, better known as a rainbow nursery than a trophy destination in its own right..

Troll apex lures, crocodile spoons, and large streamers along deep shoreline shelves and drop-offs. Fly fish river deltas during summer insect hatches.

Best times of year at Horsefly Lake

Getting to Horsefly Lake

Paved and maintained gravel road access from 150 Mile House via Horsefly Road.

Coordinates: 52.3667, -121.2833

Boat launch: Concrete Boat Ramp.

Horsefly Lake fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Rainbow quota: 1 (over 50 cm). Bait ban in effect in designated tributary bays.

General Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Horsefly Lake

No ice fishing closure is recorded for Horsefly Lake, so the general regional regulations apply.

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 Horsefly Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo

Trout lakes near Horsefly Lake

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