Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) fishing

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

Tucked into the Cariboo region at 1283 m elevation, this is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Tap through to the map for the exact route in.

Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) is a medium lake in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 94.5 ha and runs to 18.8 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1283 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout.

Open Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) at a glance

Region
Region 5 - Cariboo
Management unit
MU 5-15
Elevation
1283 m
Maximum depth
18.8 m
Surface area
94.5 ha
Lake size
Medium Lake (50 - 500 ha)
Species
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee
Trout strain
Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs
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 Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

Targeting Rainbow Trout in Cariboo.

Chironomid pupae under indicator (#14-#18), micro-leeches, and traveling sedges along shoreline drop-offs.

Best times of year at Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

Getting to Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

Forestry road access in Cariboo (MU 5-15). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 51.9089, -120.5728

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) 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 Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) 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 Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo

Trout lakes near Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area)

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