Sheridan Lake fishing

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

Crown jewel of Highway 24, famous for heavy 5 to 12 lb wild-strain Blackwater rainbow trout.

Sheridan Lake is a large water in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 1650.0 ha and runs to 35 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1115 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 5 to 10+ lbs and the stock is Blackwater River Wild-origin Rainbows. This is a catch and release fishery.

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

Sheridan Lake at a glance

Region
Region 5 - Cariboo
Management unit
MU 5-2
Elevation
1115 m
Maximum depth
35 m
Surface area
1650.0 ha
Lake size
Large Water (> 500 ha)
Trout strain
Blackwater River Wild-origin Rainbows (huge fighters)
Typical size
5 to 10+ lbs (Trophy Class)
Size class
Trophy Monster (5 - 10+ lbs)
Stocking
150,000+ yearlings
Boat launch
Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly)
Motor rules
Gas & Electric Motors Permitted
Catch and release
Yes
Ice fishing
No ice fishing closure on file

How to fish Sheridan Lake

Targeting monster, trophy-class Rainbow Trout.

Trolling Lyman lures, Apex, Gibbs Croc spoons; fly casting large dragon nymphs and weighted leeches along marl shoals.

Best times of year at Sheridan Lake

Getting to Sheridan Lake

Hwy 24 (The Fishing Highway). Multiple public concrete boat launches, marinas, and resorts.

Coordinates: 51.5192, -120.895

Boat launch: Concrete Ramp (Trailer Friendly).

Sheridan Lake fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Rainbow quota: 2 (none under 40cm, max 1 over 50cm).

Special Trophy Water (Strict Size/Quota/C&R Rules).

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

Ice fishing at Sheridan Lake

No ice fishing closure is recorded for Sheridan 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 Sheridan Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo

Trout lakes near Sheridan Lake

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