This article introduces fishing conditions and practical tips at Nimpo Lake, located in British Columbia’s remote West Chilcotin region. It’s written for travellers staying at Nimpo Lake Resort who want a simple, local perspective before heading out on the water.
Always follow local regulations and check current conditions before heading out.
What lives in Nimpo Lake
Nimpo Lake has a long reputation as a good fishing lake. Anglers come for wild rainbow trout, and some stay for much longer than they first planned.
Nimpo Lake is a long, deep lake on the Chilcotin Plateau. It is part of the Dean River system: the river begins at Nimpo Lake and flows out toward Anahim Lake and eventually to the Pacific.
The lake itself holds wild rainbow trout as the main draw, known for being strong fighters and relatively easy to catch once you are on the water. Other trout species are present in the wider region, especially in connected waters and nearby systems.
Boats, gear and how we do it now
We no longer rent motorboats at Nimpo Lake Resort. If you want to fish the lake properly, the best option is to bring your own boat and motor, along with your fishing gear.
For registered guests, we keep a limited number of canoes and kayaks that can be used free of charge near shore. These are ideal for quiet evening paddles, exploring the bays and, for some guests, fly fishing along the edges in calm conditions. Life jackets must be worn at all times, and the lakeshore is not supervised, so all use is at your own risk.
Simple tactics that work here
Nimpo Lake does not require complicated tactics. Local reports and long-time visitors agree on a few simple methods that consistently produce fish.
Trolling is one of the most common approaches. Many anglers troll along drop-offs and around points with small spoons, spinners or plugs. Fly fishing from a boat or canoe is also popular, using classic lake patterns such as leeches, woolly buggers, dragonfly and damsel nymphs, and small attractor patterns.
If you are new to the lake, a simple plan is to start by trolling to cover water and get a feel for depth and structure, then switch to casting or fly fishing once you start seeing where fish are holding.
When to come and how to prepare
You can catch fish on Nimpo Lake throughout the open-water season, but some periods are easier than others. Spring and early summer bring cooler water, active fish and long evenings. Late summer may be slower during bright, hot afternoons, but early and late in the day can still be very good. Autumn often combines quieter water, cooler air and fish feeding well before ice-up.
Before you fish, please make sure you have a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing licence and have read the current regulations for Nimpo Lake and the Dean River headwaters section. Handle fish carefully, especially if you plan to release them.
If you are staying at Nimpo Lake Resort and have questions about timing, basic spots or local conditions, feel free to ask when you arrive. We cannot guide you on the water, but we can share general information and help you match your trip to the kind of fishing you enjoy.
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