Shuswap Lake

Shuswap Lake is one of British Columbia’s premier trophy stillwaters. Renowned for its unique four-arm layout (Main Arm, Salmon Arm, Seymour Arm, and Anstey Arm), the lake supports a massive kokanee and sockeye salmon prey base that fuels legendary growth in wild Gerrard-strain rainbow trout and deep-dwelling bull trout.

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

Shuswap Lake at a glance

Region

Region 3 - Thompson-Nicola

Management unit

3-26

Elevation

348 m

Maximum depth

161 m

Surface area

30960 ha

Trout strain

Gerrard & Wild Rainbow Trout (plus Bull Trout & Kokanee)

Typical size

5 to 20+ lbs (Trophy Gerrard & Bull Trout)

Stocking

Wild Fishery (Self-Sustaining Natural Reproduction)

Boat launch

Paved Concrete Ramp

Motor rules

No Restriction / Full Power Allowed

Ice fishing

Closed

When to fish it

• Spring (April-June)
• Fall (Sept-Nov)
• Winter Trolling

Getting there

Paved highway access via Trans-Canada Hwy 1 (Salmon Arm / Sicamous) with multiple public concrete boat ramps and marinas.

Coordinates: 50.9167, -119.25

Regulations

Single barbless hook required. Rainbow trout daily quota: 1 (none under 50 cm). Bull trout release only in selected arms. Check current Synopsis for seasonal closures near salmon river deltas.

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

Camping and rec sites at Shuswap Lake

• Shuswap Lake Provincial Park (Scotch Creek)
  ~275 vehicle-accessible campsites, large sand/gravel beach, day-use & picnic area
  Facilities: Boat Launch, Campground, Sandy Beach, Playground, Pit Toilets
  Access: Paved access via the community of Scotch Creek, north shore of the main arm (2WD)
  Coordinates: 50.90833, -119.43944 Official page
• Cinnemousun Narrows Provincial Park (Marine Access)
  Marine boat-in wilderness campsites at the junction of the 4 Shuswap Lake arms, docks & picnic shelters
  Facilities: Marine Boat-in Campsites, Docks, Pit Toilets, Picnic Shelters
  Access: Boat-in only (No Road Access)
  Coordinates: 50.985, -119.015 Official page

Local shops and lodges in the Thompson-Nicola

• Tunkwa Lake Resort, Logan Lake / Tunkwa, BC
  Lakeside cabins, boat rentals, woodstoves & waterfront launches
  Tunkwa Lake Resort website

Other lakes nearby

• Adams Lake
• Alleyne Lake
• Andy Lake
• Aylmer (Star) Lake
• Azure Lake
• Badger Lake
• Big O.K. (Island) Lake
• Birch Lake

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