Little Shuswap Lake fishing

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

Located directly downstream from Shuswap Lake, Little Shuswap Lake benefits from constant current and nutrient transport via the Little River. It offers incredible action for trophy Gerrard rainbows and bull trout.

Little Shuswap Lake is a big water in the Thompson-Nicola, the trout country reached from Kamloops. It covers 1810 ha and runs to 60 m at its deepest point, sitting at 347 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 4 to 12+ lbs and the stock is Gerrard Rainbow Trout & Native Bull Trout.

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

Little Shuswap Lake at a glance

Region
Region 3 - Thompson-Nicola
Management unit
3-26
Elevation
347 m
Maximum depth
60 m
Surface area
1810 ha
Lake size
Big Water (>500ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Kokanee, Chinook Salmon
Trout strain
Gerrard Rainbow Trout & Native Bull Trout
Typical size
4 to 12+ lbs (Trophy Gerrard Outlet)
Size class
Trophy Monster (5 - 10+ lbs)
Stocking
Wild Self-Sustaining Fishery
Boat launch
Paved Concrete Ramp
Motor rules
No Restriction
Ice fishing
No ice fishing closure on file

How to fish Little Shuswap Lake

High-action river-fed lake holding heavy Gerrard rainbows staging near the Little River..

Troll bucktail flies on floating lines or light sink tips in the current seams near the river mouth. Flat-line troll spoons or Apex lures at 2.5-3.2 mph.

Best times of year at Little Shuswap Lake

Getting to Little Shuswap Lake

Paved Trans-Canada Hwy 1 access in Chase and Squilax / Talking Rock Resort.

Coordinates: 50.8833, -119.6167

Boat launch: Paved Concrete Ramp.

Little Shuswap Lake fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Rainbow quota: 1 (minimum 50 cm). Special closures near Little River bridge during salmon migration.

Special Trophy Water (Single Barbless Hook).

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

Ice fishing at Little Shuswap Lake

No ice fishing closure is recorded for Little Shuswap 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 Little Shuswap Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Thompson-Nicola

Trout lakes near Little Shuswap Lake

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