Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC
Merritt’s Top Fishing Holes
Top Fishing Lakes & Camping Spots Within the Nicola Valley
Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC – Merritt’s Top Fishing Holes 2022 – Fishing & Camping surrounding Merritt BC. truly will provide you with a wide range of different species of fish when fishing in Merritt BC lakes. Along with unique desert-like temperatures and mild winters provides 12 months an extreme “Year Round” fishing destination spot. Because most lakes are located within an hour drive of Merritt, truly attracts a large number of anglers, campers, and even day-trippers. Furthermore, boasting friendly locals who are always willing to help, answer questions and point you in the right direction to the best fishing holes. Fishing & camping in Merritt BC. is your next destination spot here in Canada.
“Only problem you may face is choosing the lake!” Tania Stewart.
 Lazy summer days on Lundbom Lake. Pic by Tania Stewart. |
5 Favorite Fishing Spots
Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC at Harmon Lake
With a small forested site for launching small boats, Harmon Lake is the spot for fishing & camping in Merritt BC. Known especially for fly fishing rainbow trout, but also as a great place to camp. There are graveled camping sites for tents and motorhomes, a boat launch and parking area for day trippers. On site there are horse shoe pits, and a great family environment with a 24 – 7 site host. Harmon Lake is located in the beautiful Kane Valley, with lake trails, hiking paths, scenic views and to top it off, only 20 minutes from Merritt. Furthermore, “Dog friendly” to boot!
Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC at Lundbom Lake
Truly this recreational spot is ideal for camping, fishing, horseback riding, ATV/dirt biking, along with swimming. Located only minutes from Merritt, hence ideal for provisions or a shop-about in historical downtown. Additionally it is dog friendly, welcomes horses along with other amenities. The most popular species you find here are Rainbow Trout. Again, please inquire where you can fish and make sure to follow local rules and regulations. Lundbom Lake’s surrounding area provides excellent outdoor recreations that will provide you with countless trails, breathtaking scenery, while being only 15m from Merritt. This recreation site is very popular and offers a variety of sites, with sunny ones or shady ones. Importantly, many sites can accommodate fairly large units. Albeit, this is one of my “Top Fishing Holes” in Merritt BC.
 Bring your horses! Pic by Tania Stewart. |
 Dragon Flies at Alleyne Lake. Picture by Tania Stewart |
Kentucky-Alleyne Lakes for Fishing and Camping
Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park, is a beautiful lake with a surreal turquoise color. Popular for hiking, camping, fishing, and paddling. Hike around Kentucky Lake is kid-friendly and is a great hike for families. Easily accessible, located within a Provincial Park, these two lakes are ideal for anglers, hence making this a perfect place for family fishing. Interesting to note, Kentucky is stocked annually with 8000 Pennask Rainbows. Ideal for trolling with small lures and spinning gear is the most popular method used on the lake. Kentucky is considered to be somewhat slow, however it quite often produces large trout in the 4-5 lb. range. Furthermore great for summer kayaking, swimming, or just dipping your toes.
 Kayaking/fishing on Alleyne Lake. Photo by Tania Stewart |
 Fishing, swimming, camping! All is Good. |
Kayaking Lundbom Lake. Photo by Tania Stewart.
Nicola Lake – Kokanee, rainbow trout, and burbot can be found in this large cold lake
Located 15m from Merritt makes Nicola Lake one of the most recognized and favorite for anglers. Surrounded by mountains, deep crisp water is ideal for great fishing. Additionally for campers, Monck Park has full amenities located in a Provincial Park. With a boat launch for campers along with a sandy shaded beach, hiking trails. and a small general store. When not fishing, Nicola Lake offers a wide assortment of recreational activities including camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, wind-surfing and hiking.
 Large deep lake. Photo by Tania Stewart. |
 Nicola Lake fishing dock. Photo courtesy Tania Stewart. |
In addition to providing recreational opportunities, Monck Park protects a ponderosa pine, bunchgrass ecosystem and a volcanic rock cliff landscape.
 Monck Park Beach. Photo by Tania Stewart. |
 Perfect shade for picnics. Picture by Tania Stewart. |
For the Love of Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC
 Come and experience! Photo by Tania Stewart. |
Peter Hope Lake in the Nicola Valley
Added bonus Peter Hope Lake is located off Hwy 5A, Peter Hope is well known for fly fishing, stocked with Pennask rainbow trout that are known to put up a good fight. Bring a lot of bug dope, hence the abundance of insects. The campsite is located along the north shore of the lake and can accommodate motorhomes and large 5th wheels. There is a mix of sunny sites with a few shady sites also available. There are 2 boat launches available for use and a rustic playground for kids under adult supervision plus dog friendly. Peter Hope Lake is a popular site for fishing and camping in the summer. Closed to fishing in winter.
 Paska Lake-Shirley Reynolds Photo |
Brook Trout
This lake is fished year round, although most popular in fall/winter. Being aggressive and challenging will test your angler skills. Try using small spinners, worms, or bugs that are in the area. Grasshoppers or mayflies help, although harder to locate during the summer. Being a non-native species in British Columbia, these fish are stocked in selected lakes by Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Furthermore they are also stocked at the fingerling or yearling stage. Interesting to note, being sterile, these fish utilize all of their energy on growth so they can also become trophy-sized fish in a short span of time.
Big Fishing Story. Picture by Tania Stewart.
Rainbow Trout
Albeit Rainbow Trout as being one of the most popular fish in the Nicola Valley. While found in most lakes, during the summer months Rainbow Trout will head to the colder deep water’s. You can find them closer to the bottom of the lake. Try using bright colored spoons, half-back nymph, and small leech patterns. Spring/fall trolling lucky bugs will work. Insects, leeches, small fish, crayfish and mussels are just a few delicious treats a rainbow trout likes to munch on. And likes to live in cool freshwater.
Did you know? The rainbow trout is a member of the salmon family and can get quite large. The largest recorded rainbow trout was 25.8 kilograms! Tania Stewart.
 Kiss the Fish! Photo Julie Pollard |
 Ponderosa Sports Tackle. Pic Tania Stewart. |
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee are deep water fish, swim in schools and are attracted to flashers and dodgers. Fly rod with a small nymph or lucky bug lure some say is best for Kokanee, as they like to jump into the air while hooked. Prepare for the fight. Kokanee defiantly provide an excellent sport angling experience, while being a tasty treat. Kokanee are also forage for bigger fish such as Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Burbot.
Fact – These chrome beauties are a popular sport fish in BC, only second to Rainbow Trout.
 My friend Joanne caught a beauty at our site. |
 Photo curtesy of Tom Reynolds. |
The average size of Kokanee in BC ranges from 7 to 10 inches, but can reach over 20 inches in healthy ideal Kokanee fisheries. They are a fragile fish and do not handle catch and release well and their mortality rate is high even when handled and released the correct way. It is encouraged to limit your catch to feeding your family at dinner, not to just fill your freezer.
Fact- The word Kokanee comes from the Kootenay First Nation word meaning “red fish”.
Fishing & Camping in Merritt BC
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