Ice Fishing in Anahim Lake – A Winter Adventure in the Chilcotin Mountains in British Columbia

In winter, the Chilcotin become a breathtaking paradise, showcasing snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers and lakes, and countless opportunities for various winter activities.
 
Our accommodations are situated right on the water. The resort overlooks the Dean River, and the apartments are positioned directly on Anahim Lake. By mid-January at the latest, winter typically becomes cold enough for the river and lake to be completely frozen, making it safe to walk on the ice.
 
What is ice fishing?
Numerous opportunities arise to take advantage of the newly reclaimed ice. Ice fishing is especially popular from mid-January to early March. This centuries-old tradition involves fishing through a hole in the ice, making it a tranquil and meditative activity that requires both patience and skill.
 
The waters in our region are home to various fish, including rainbow trout and salmonids, which are considered game fish. Each species uniquely appeals to anglers, and all are highly valued for their culinary delights.

Axel drills a hole in the ice for ice fishing

Ice Fishing Equipment
Don't worry if you don't have your equipment. We rent all the necessary ice fishing equipment at the resort. You will need:
- Ice auger: For drilling a hole in the ice
- Ice fishing rod: A short, sturdy rod
- Bait and bait: Depending on the species
- Ice fishing stool or camping chair with an insulated cushion or fur: For comfort on the ice
- Warm clothing: Including waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat
 
Please note: Before you start ice fishing, you need to have a valid British Columbia fishing license. These licenses can be bought online. We are happy to assist you with this.
 
The safety of our guests is our highest priority, so please always follow the following safety instructions:
- Always verify the thickness of the ice before stepping onto it.
- Never fish alone.
- Check local weather conditions.

Team Red Cariboo busy with ice fishing

The joy of togetherness
Our boss, Axel Opper, knows the best ice fishing spots and is eager to share these insider tips and other valuable tricks with our guests.
 
Ice fishing is not only a personal adventure but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the winter landscape in the company of friends and like-minded individuals. The cozy gathering on the ice, waiting together for a bite, and sharing stories creates unforgettable moments.
 
After a successful day of fishing, you can prepare your catch in our communal kitchen. We even have a smoker that our guests can use to prepare their catch particularly deliciously. This makes ice fishing an all-around enjoyable experience that combines the joy of fishing with the pleasure of cooking and eating together.

Our freshly caught fish while ice fishing

Ice Fishing Team Event
In mid-March, we went ice fishing with the team and had a blast. We took our quad bikes out onto the ice, drilled several holes, and built a cozy fire to warm up. However, we didn't even get a chance to relax by the fire because we were catching so many fish. After a short time on the ice, the fish were already biting the bait. We returned to the resort fully loaded and thrilled with our catches, and we've now frozen plenty of fish for the coming season.
 
We look forward to welcoming you soon to our resort for an unforgettable ice fishing adventure!