Gwen Lake, Merritt
By Rodney Hsu
Located just south of Merritt, Gwen Lake is a relatively remote lake. It is an ideal lake for day access but limited camping is also available. It produces quality rainbow trout but It is not an easy lake to fish. If you have done some trout fishing in lakes, then perhaps you may want to take up the challenges which Gwen Lake offers.
How to Get There?
It takes approximately three hours to drive from Vancouver to Gwen Lake. From the Coquihalla Highway, take exit 276 (Comstock Road). Proceed up the mountain on the gravel road. From the exit to the lake, it takes around 15 minutes by car. There are two access points to the lake. The north access point is easier but only suitable for small boats such as car toppers and pontoon boats. The south access point is ideal for larger boats on trailers, but the road is much steeper and rougher. Both access requires at least an all-wheel drive with reasonably high clearance. Camping is available at the north end of the lake.
Fishing Season
Gwen Lake is stocked annually with Pennask rainbow trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. These fish are stocked as fry (1 to 2 grams) and they become catchable after one or two years. Fish that are three year old can be quite large. The fishing season starts in mid May, but it usually becomes productive in late May and early June. It produces well right into summer and throughout the season the fishing tactics change based on the hatches that fish are feeding on. Fall fishing can also be productive at times.
Fishing Techniques
Both fly fishing and spin fishing can be done at Gwen Lake. Fly fishing usually results in better catches as Pennask rainbow trout primarily feed on insects and other aquatic invertebrates.
If you are fishing with a spinning outfit, it is best done by trolling small lures around the lake. Try trolling along the drop-offs around the lake where fish tend to feed. Lures such as Flatfish, Rooster Tails, small spoons are commonly used. Local anglers also enjoy trolling with gang trolls rigged with dew worm.
Fly fishing techniques used depend on the hatches taking place at the lake, which can change throughout the system. During early spring and fall, fish primarily feed on leeches due to the lack of insect hatches. Feeding can be inconsistent so trolling micro leech patterns with intermediate or full sink lines is most likely the way to go.
Chironomid fishing usually starts when weather warms up in late May and early June. Anchoring your boat and fishing chironomid patterns under the indicator at the depth between 10 and 20 feet can produce consistent results. A 4 or 5 weight setup is most suitable for the size of rainbow trout found in this lake, which is between 14 and 24 inches long.
As the weather warms up, mayfly and sedge hatches begin to happen. When this occurs, dry fly fishing can be fantastic during the day.
As you can see, it is important to equip your boxes with all types of flies so you can match the exact hatches when visiting this lake.
Important Notes
Before your first fishing trip to Gwen Lake, please make sure you know the following information:
- You must have a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing license.
- Gwen Lake is located in Region 3 in the British Columbia freshwater fishing regulations.
- Gwen Lake is mostly on the Indian Reserve so please treat this access with respect by not leaving garbage behind after your stay.
- Like other small lakes, winterkills sometimes occur so it is best to check with your local tacklestores before planning a trip to Gwen Lake.
- Mosquitos can be very bad during the summer months, so dress appropriately and bring repellent. Make sure your vehicle is reliable as this is a remote area.
