A Shuswap Fishing Giant
Stretching over 35 kilometers through the forested valley east of Enderby, Mabel Lake is a true giant of the Shuswap region. This long, deep, and refreshingly wild body of water is a world-class fishing destination, offering a diverse and exhilarating experience for anglers in pursuit of massive trout and the legendary salmon runs of the Shuswap River system. From the patient troller exploring its deep-water haunts to the fly caster working a vibrant creek mouth, Mabel Lake promises grand adventure and the potential for a fish of a lifetime.
The Allure of Mabel Lake’s Depths
Mabel Lake is not your average Shuswap fishery. As the headwaters of the lower Shuswap River, it is a vital part of the salmon life cycle. Its cold, clear, and exceptionally deep waters create the perfect habitat for a range of prized game fish. The lake’s character is defined by its dramatic, forest-lined shores, a significant lack of shoreline development compared to other regional lakes, and the powerful influence of the Shuswap River, which flows in at the north end and out at the south. This connection makes it a critical highway for migrating salmon, a fact that shapes the entire ecosystem and the angling opportunities within it.
A Multi-Species Paradise
While many Shuswap lakes are known primarily for rainbow trout, Mabel Lake boasts a rich and varied fishery that keeps anglers returning year after year.
- Chinook Salmon: This is the undisputed king of Mabel Lake. From mid-August to mid-September, a significant run of Chinook salmon enters the lake, preparing for their final journey up the Shuswap River. These are powerful, hard-fighting fish that can reach sizes well over 30 pounds, offering a truly world-class angling challenge.
- Rainbow Trout: The resident rainbow trout of Mabel Lake are plentiful and can grow to impressive sizes by feeding on the abundant kokanee and salmon fry. They are available year-round and are known for being strong fighters.
- Lake Trout: In the deep, cold holes of the lake, monster Lake Trout lurk. These predatory fish can reach immense sizes, with a record catch tipping the scales at a staggering 55 pounds. Targeting “lakers” requires specialized techniques and a bit of patience, but the reward is a true trophy.
- Bull Trout: As a native char species, Bull Trout are a prized catch for their beauty and aggressive nature. They are often found in the deeper sections of the lake and near the mouths of tributary creeks.
- Kokanee and Sockeye Salmon: These smaller land-locked and sea-run salmon provide a crucial food source for the larger predators and can also offer fun fishing opportunities, especially for those trolling.
Mastering the Waters: Techniques for Success
The sheer size and depth of Mabel Lake mean that a boat is essential for serious anglers. Trolling is, without a doubt, the most effective and popular method for covering water and connecting with the lake’s diverse inhabitants.
Trolling Strategies:
- Downriggers: A downrigger is your best friend on Mabel Lake. It allows you to present your lure at precise depths where fish are marking on your sounder. This is crucial for targeting Lake Trout in the summer and for getting your gear down into the cooler water where all species will be holding during the heat of the day.
- Lures for Trout: When targeting Rainbows and Bull Trout, trolling with large plugs, spoons, and Apex-style lures is highly effective. Pay attention to the alevin (salmon fry) migration in the spring; using lures that “match the hatch” with silver and white patterns can lead to fantastic results.
- Lures for Salmon: During the Chinook run, large plugs and spoons that imitate baitfish are the go-to. Popular choices include Tomic plugs, Lyman plugs, and large Gibbs-Delta spoons in various colours.
- Flatfish & Kwikfish: When going after the deep-dwelling Lake Trout, trolling large T-55 or T-60 Flatfish or Kwikfish lures can produce a wide, tantalizing wobble that these behemoths find irresistible.
Casting and Fly Fishing:
While trolling dominates, there are excellent opportunities for casting and fly fishing.
- Creek Mouths: The areas where tributary creeks enter Mabel Lake are natural hotspots. In the spring, trout congregate here to feast on emerging salmon fry. Casting small spoons, spinners, or fly fishing with fry patterns can be incredibly productive.
- Shore Fishing: While challenging due to the steep shoreline in many areas, Mabel Lake Provincial Park and other access points offer opportunities for casting from the beach. Fishing with bait under a float or casting lures during the low-light hours of morning and evening can yield results.
- River Fishing: The Shuswap River, at both the inlet and outlet, provides fantastic fishing opportunities, especially during the salmon run. Be sure to be aware of all specific river regulations.
A Calendar for the Mabel Lake Angler
- Spring (April – June): As the lake warms, trout fishing picks up significantly. This is the prime time to fish the creek mouths as rainbow trout gorge on salmon fry.
- Summer (July – Mid-August): Fishing can be excellent, but you’ll need to go deep. This is the heart of the trolling season for Rainbow, Bull, and Lake Trout.
- Late Summer/Early Fall (Mid-August – September): This is the main event. The Chinook salmon run begins, drawing anglers from all over. The excitement during this period is palpable.
- Fall (October – November): As the waters cool, trout fishing can pick up again as they feed heavily before winter.
Planning Your Expedition
Access & Facilities:
- Mabel Lake Provincial Park: Located on the eastern shore, the park offers a large campground and a boat launch, making it a popular base for fishing trips.
- Mabel Lake Resort & Marina: Situated on the western shore, this full-service resort offers cabin and RV accommodations, a marina with slip rentals, boat rentals, fuel, and a store.
- Rivermouth Marina: Located at the south end of the lake where the Shuswap River exits, this marina offers slip rentals, boat rentals, fuel, and a convenience store. It also has a free public boat launch.
- South Mabel Marina: Another key access point offering marina services and fishing supplies.
Essential Regulations:
Fishing regulations on Mabel Lake and the connecting Shuswap River can be complex and are strictly enforced, especially concerning salmon. It is the angler’s responsibility to know the rules before fishing.
- Licensing: A valid BC freshwater fishing licence is required. To retain salmon, you must also have a Salmon Conservation Stamp.
- Hooks: Only single barbless hooks are permitted in Mabel Lake.
- Salmon Openings: The Chinook fishery is not open year-round. It typically opens in mid-August and closes in mid-September. Always check the official Fisheries and Oceans Canada regulations for exact dates and limits, as these can change without notice.
- Trout Limits: Refer to the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for Region 8 for daily quotas on all trout and char species.
Mabel Lake is a destination that commands respect. Its size, depth, and the power of its fish require a well-thought-out approach. For those who put in the effort, the rewards are immense—a true wilderness fishing experience in the heart of the Shuswap.