Patenaude Lake fishing

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

Tucked into the Cariboo region at 1082 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.

Patenaude Lake is a small water in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 20.0 ha and runs to 14.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1082 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout.

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

Patenaude Lake at a glance

Region
Region 5 - Cariboo
Management unit
MU 5-1
Elevation
1082 m
Maximum depth
14.4 m
Surface area
20.0 ha
Lake size
Small Water (< 50 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
Closed to ice fishing

How to fish Patenaude Lake

Targeting Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs) Rainbow Trout in 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 Patenaude Lake

Getting to Patenaude Lake

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

Coordinates: 52.3139, -121.1775

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Patenaude Lake 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 Patenaude Lake

Patenaude Lake is closed to ice fishing.

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 Patenaude Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo

Trout lakes near Patenaude Lake

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