Stuart Lake

Stuart Lake is a massive 66-kilometer-long waterway near historic Fort St. James. Connected to Trembleur and Takla Lakes, it forms one of the greatest wild salmon and char systems in North America, with trophy lake trout frequently exceeding 20 lbs.

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

Stuart Lake at a glance

Region: Region 7 - Omineca
Management unit: 7-25
Elevation: 680 m
Maximum depth: 95 m
Surface area: 35800 ha
Trout strain: Wild Rainbows & Native Lake Char
Typical size: 5 to 25+ lbs (Giant Lake Char & Rainbows)
Stocking: Wild Self-Sustaining Fishery
Boat launch: Concrete Boat Ramp
Motor rules: No Restriction
Ice fishing: No closure on file

When to fish it

Summer (June-Aug)
Fall (Sept-Oct)

Getting there

Paved highway access via Hwy 27 from Vanderhoof to Fort St. James.

Coordinates: 54.55, -124.6

Regulations

Single barbless hook. Lake trout quota: 1. Rainbow trout quota: 2. Check current synopsis for specific tributary closures.

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

Camping and rec sites at Stuart Lake

Paarens Beach Provincial Park
68 vehicle-accessible campsites, concrete boat ramp, sandy beach, playground
Facilities: Concrete Boat Launch, Vehicle Campsites, Sandy Beach, Pit Toilets, Playground
Access: Paved Sowchea Rd (2WD)
Coordinates: 54.432, -124.365 Official page
Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
30 vehicle-accessible campsites, concrete boat launch, dock, quiet bay
Facilities: Concrete Boat Launch, Dock, Vehicle Campsites, Pit Toilets
Access: Paved Sowchea Rd (2WD)
Coordinates: 54.458, -124.425 Official page

Local shops and lodges in the Omineca

Northern Hardware & Tackle, Prince George, BC
Central BC lake gear, ice fishing augers & fly tying materials
Northern Hardware & Tackle website

Other lakes nearby

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