Williams Lake fishing

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

Williams Lake sits in the Cariboo region at 1104 m elevation, a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Williams Lake is a medium lake in the Cariboo, the trout country reached from Williams Lake. It covers 96.0 ha and runs to 14.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1104 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Blackwater River & Pennask Wild Rainbow Trout.

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

Williams Lake at a glance

Region
Region 5 - Cariboo
Management unit
MU 5-1
Elevation
1104 m
Maximum depth
14.4 m
Surface area
96.0 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 Williams Lake

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 Williams Lake

Getting to Williams Lake

Forestry road access in Cariboo (MU 5-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 52.1167, -122.0719

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Williams Lake fishing regulations

Bella Bella: (250) 957-2363 Bella Coola: (250) 799-5345

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Williams Lake

Williams Lake 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 Williams Lake

Local shops and lodges in the Cariboo

Trout lakes near Williams Lake

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