Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) fishing
Fishing near Williams Lake, Quesnel and the rest of the Cariboo. See all Cariboo lakes.
Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) sits in the Cariboo region at 1139 m elevation, a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.
Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) is a medium lake in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 58.5 ha and runs to 25.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1139 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout.
Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) at a glance
- Region
- Region 5 - Cariboo
- Management unit
- MU 5-2
- Elevation
- 1139 m
- Maximum depth
- 25.4 m
- Surface area
- 58.5 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
- Open to ice fishing, confirmed
How to fish Whale Lake (Gustafsen 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 (Gustafsen Lake Area)
- May - June
- September - October
Getting to Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area)
Forestry road access in Cariboo (MU 5-2). Gravel Boat Ramp available.
Coordinates: 51.9089, -120.5728
Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.
Whale Lake (Gustafsen 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 (Gustafsen Lake Area)
Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) is open to ice fishing under the regulations on file.
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 (Gustafsen Lake Area)
- Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) Recreation Site
Rustic lakeside recreation access and campsites for Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area) in Cariboo.
Facilities: Boat Launch, Parking
Access: Maintained 2WD/4WD forestry road access in Cariboo.
Coordinates: 51.9089, -120.5728 Official page
Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo
- Lone Butte Sporting Goods, Lone Butte / Interlakes, BC
Fishing Highway 24 flies, gas, tackle & live lake reports
Lone Butte Sporting Goods website - Sheridan Lake Resort, Sheridan Lake, BC
Waterfront campsites, trailer-friendly launches & pontoon rentals
Sheridan Lake Resort website
Trout lakes near Whale Lake (Gustafsen Lake Area)
- Whale Lake (Canim Lake Area) 0 km away
- Christopher Lake (Canim Lake Area) 2 km away
- Beaver Lake 8 km away
- Beaver Lake (Swalwell Lake) 8 km away
- Mahood Lake 13 km away
- Squirrel Lake 13 km away
- Canim Lake 14 km away
- Connell Lake 18 km away
- Deception Lake 24 km away
- Gotchen Lake 26 km away
- Cruise Lake 35 km away
- Clearwater Lake 46 km away
Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.