Scenic Views · Fishing · Camping & Hiking · British Columbia
François Lake
One of BC's longest and deepest lakes, south of Burns Lake, with wild scenery, wildlife and a free ferry to the Southbank. Known for rainbow trout, lake trout and kokanee.
What visitors say
François Lake stretches about 120 km through the forested hills south of Burns Lake, and visitors say the views and wildlife are worth the drive. It's a big, deep, cold lake, and it feels wild and quiet.
The lake is open to angling under BC's freshwater fishing regulations. It's known for rainbow trout, lake trout (char), kokanee and burbot, and reviewers describe the fishing as good, especially in summer. Check the current regulations for quotas and any closures before you go.
Highway 35 runs from Burns Lake to the free François Lake ferry, a short crossing to the Southbank that opens up more lakes to the south. There are campsites and boat launches around the lake, and François Lake Provincial Park at the east end offers boating, camping and picnicking.
This is remote country, so plan for fuel and supplies in Burns Lake, and expect large, cold water that can get rough in wind.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 51 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.