Ootsa Lake Literature
Ootsa Lake, also sometimes referred to as the Ootsa Lake Reservoir, is a large lake located in west-central British Columbia, Canada. It’s part of the Nechako Reservoir system, which was created by the construction of the Kenney Dam on the Nechako River in 1952.
While the official name is the Nechako Reservoir, Ootsa Lake is the largest of the original lakes that were incorporated into the reservoir system, and its name is often used informally to refer to the entire body of water.
Here are some key facts about Ootsa Lake:
- Location: West-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 140 kilometers south of Smithers
- Size: 89 square kilometers (34 square miles)
- Depth: Up to 186 meters (610 feet)
- Activities: Fishing (known for its rainbow trout), boating (large boats recommended due to unpredictable weather conditions), access to several boat launches
Ootsa Lake is a popular destination for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout, which can grow up to 10 pounds in size. The lake is also well-suited for boating, although due to the unpredictable weather and the possibility of strong winds creating large waves, large boats are recommended for safety. There are several boat launches available around the lake.
It’s important to note that accessing the shoreline of Ootsa Lake can be difficult in some areas.
The lake is situated near Tweedsmuir North Provincial Park and Protected Area and Entiako Provincial Park, offering opportunities for combining a visit to the lake with exploring these natural areas.