Chilko Lake is about 40 miles from Tatla Lake following the Tatlayoko Lake Road, turning onto the Chilko Lake Road to reach the lake. Chilko Lake is the largest, and highest freshwater lake in North America nestled among some of the highest mountains in British Columbia serving up some spectacular scenery. Glacial melt feeds the lake giving it its stunning blue color and in turn feeds into the Chilko River, known throughout for its rare milky green tint. The Chilko Lake area is said to have its own weather, and is known for mostly sunny, albeit windy, climate. Chilko Lake offers lots of lodging at world class resorts, and also has two government campsites with boat launch on the lake. Chilco Lake stretches nearly 60 miles long and is considered by some to be the prettiest lake in British Columbia. It also has big fish! Rainbow Trout up to six pounds and Bull Trout up to 10 pounds. Chinook and Sockeye Salmon return to the lake each year to spawn near the outlet so salmon fry provides lots of food for the trout, as well as the abundant insect hatches. Chilko Lake is inside the Ts'ylos Provincial Park created only recently but sections of the upper Chilko are on private property. The river is considered one of British Columbia's finest catch and release fly fishing rivers where you can test your line against Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout and Dolly Varden to 10 pounds. There are several resorts along the river and lake ranging from rustic to luxurious and offering horseback riding, fishing, rafting, wildife and bird photography, hiking, boating tours and so much more. The Chilko River is a wild river running eventually into the Chilcotin River near Alexis Creek and is world famous for river rafting. It isn't advisable to go on the river without a motorized boat and you may want to contract a guide to find the best fishing holes. Guide Outfitters in the area will willingly take you horseback riding up into the incredible mountain ranges where alpine flowers abound and the view goes for miles. Some also offer big game hunting.


Follow the links, and see what the West Chilcotin is really like!