Black Lake - Roche Lake Area

Introduction and Access:

Black Lake qualifies as one of the Best Fly Fishing Lakes in BC by the sheer beauty of its structure and the hefty rainbow trout it produces. Some of the most magnificent structure can be seen here and actually, the lake is not black at all as it has crystal clear water and an abundance of fishable shoals for triploid rainbows to 10lbs.

Formerly known as a brook trout lake but a few years ago (around the turn of the century or before), Black started to receive stockings of triploid rainbow trout. The fish have grown large and strong and now offers premier fly fishing for rainbow trout.

Getting into the lake looks worse than it actually is. The road to Black, Bog and Ernest Lakes is a turn left just as you reach the Roche Lake Provincial Park main campground off the Roche Lake Road. It's full of rocks and boulders and holes but for the most part the holes are hard bottomed and there is little chance of getting stuck (this is not a guarantee, just an opinion, I've seen some of you drive!!!) The lake is about a kilometer from the Roche Lake Road. You will see the first rustic campground/boat launch area there. The road continues around the north end of the lake where you can access the lake in a few places. The east end of the lake is suitable for rough camping too.

Approximate Size and Elevation:

Black Lake is only about 20 ha in size (approx 45 acres) and an elevation of about 1140m (3740'), very similar to all the lakes in the area except Hosli.

Recommended Flies and Lines:

Take a full complement of lines and flies. In the fall we hit fish on full sinking lines using the "Kissing Leech" and also on a dry line or slow sinker dragging chironomids and bloodworms in the marl on the shoals in water less than 3ft deep. I would also bet that a significant waterboatman hatch occurs sometime in Sept.

Special Notes:

I must say that my personal experience with Black Lake is limited. We will be back there this year to give it a little more attention. Look for more on this lake on our blog later this season.We do know that it receives an annual stocking of triploid rainbow trout and last year it also received a stocking of triploid Brook trout. It will be exciting to watch how they develop over the next couple of seasons.

We have also found that fishing can be rather lethargic at this lake. Persistence pays off but you also know that there are almost a dozen other lakes in the area that may be producing when Black isn't.

A note on camping: the area has been hard hit with Mountain Pine beetle which kills the pine trees and presents a significant fire hazard and/or a falling hazard. Please extinguish all campfires thoroughly and either burn or take your garbage out with you.

There appears to be no special restrictions at Black Lake (as per the 2006/2007) however it is still recommended that you check the upcoming BC Fishing Regulations for any particular questions regarding quota, gear and size limits.