"Campbell Lake" and "Scuitto Lake" are two productive "BC Fly Fishing lakes" in the Kamloops area. Some publications link them to the
Roche Area Lakes however, because they are actually part of the upper Campbell Creek watershed and have a separate access location, we have chosen to classify them to be in the
Kamloops Area Lakes.
The bottom line is that the nutrient rich waters of the upper Campbell Creek watershed grow big, fat, healthy rainbows up to 10lbs with the average being in the 3lb range. The waters are tea-coloured and sustain a permanent algae growth with the occasional large bloom early in the summer and in September that makes them unappealing to the eye. However, it is only when the large bloom is on that the fishing is really adversely affected.
Getting There:
Since the change of land ownership of the north side of Campbell Lake, access is now the same as to Scuitto Lake, just a little further down the road.
From Kamloops, travel east on highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) to the suburb community of Dallas-Barnhartvale. Turn at the Petro-Canada station in Dallas and follow the main road up through Barnhartvale. Stay left at the confluence of the Campbell Creek Rd and continue up the hill to Robbins Range Road. Follow the Robbins/Campbell Range road until you reach the Scuitto Creek Forestry Service Road and turn right. You will continue up to the plateau where the road runs into Scuitto Lake. Continue around Scuitto Lake, and over the creek to make your way to the Campbell Lake Forestry Campground.
Scuitto is approximately 21 km from the highway, Campbell will be another 3-4kms.
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Accommodation:
Scuitto Lake: The lake is a reservoir, subject to draw-down in the summer which gives it an eerie appearance. There is a lot of open area in which to access the lake, particularly the north and north-east end of the lake.There are a number of spots along the north shore to launch your car-top boat.
There is rough camping permitted but no facilities. The lake does remain very popular and is also a haven for dirt bike riders and all-terrain vehicles. It can also be a good staging area for deer and moose hunters in the fall.
Campbell Lake: There is a Forestry Service campsite on the south shore. It has out-houses, log tables and fire-pits. The road from Scuitto Lake can be challenging when the road is wet or thawing. A two wheel drive vehicle will make it most of the time. There is a car-top launch available
What to Use?
Depending on the season, these lakes can be fly-fished effectively with these four main fly patterns.
Casting: Chironomid, leech, shrimp and caddis. Chironomids, micro-leeches, shrimp and caddis pupa are mostly fished on a dry line with a long leader, with or with out a strike indicator.
Both lakes also concede a phenomenal caddis hatch, starting in mid-June and carrying over to early July. Shorten up your leader (12' or less) and try casting a deer hair sedge (tom thumb)or large traveling sedge near the weed beds and shorelines.
The fall is productive on micro-leeches and dragons. If you hit it right you can also witness a very active water boatman hatch.
Trolling: Use a full sinking line with large leeches, spratley,large dragonfly nymphs, scuds, or a booby fly. Troll slowly or you can even wind drift when appropriate. Later in the season, Campbell Lake gets quite weedy. You may need to change to a slow/intermediate sinking line or try a dry line with a long leader tailing behind a strike indicator.
Check the BC Fishing Regulations. for bait, gear and limits as both lakes may be regulated over and above the regular rules.
