Lundbom Lake Merritt BC: Best Free Campground Fly Fishing — Chironomid Hatches & Stocking Data
British Columbia Thompson-Nicola
Recommended Fly Patterns
Chironomid, Sedge, Damselfly, 52 Buick
Lundbom Lake: BC’s Quintessential Fly Fishing Lake
Lundbom Lake near Merritt, BC, is the kind of lake that defines Interior British Columbia fly fishing. A small, productive stillwater with a free campground right on the shore, it draws dedicated fly anglers every spring for some of the most rewarding chironomid fishing in the province. If you have ever seen a line of float tubers silhouetted against a dawn sky, there is a good chance it was at Lundbom.
Lake Facts
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 32 hectares |
| Maximum Depth | 10 m |
| Campground | 18 sites, free (first-come, first-served) |
| Regulations | Single barbless hook, 2 fish daily limit |
| Location | Near Merritt, BC |
The Chironomid Hatch
Lundbom Lake is renowned for its exceptional chironomid hatches in April and May. Chironomids (non-biting midges) are the primary food source for the lake’s rainbow trout, and when the hatch is on, the fishing can be extraordinary. Float tube anglers anchor over productive shoals at dawn, suspend chironomid imitations under strike indicators, and wait for the subtle take that signals a trout has intercepted the fly on its ascent from the lake bottom.
This style of fishing demands patience and precision — matching the correct chironomid size, colour, and depth is critical. But when you get it right, consistent catches of healthy rainbow trout in the 1-3 pound range are the reward.
The Free Campground
One of Lundbom Lake’s biggest draws is the free Recreation Sites and Trails BC campground with 18 sites directly on the lakeshore. Facilities are basic — pit toilets, fire rings, no hookups — but the location is unbeatable. Roll out of your tent, launch your float tube, and be fishing in minutes. During peak season (late April through May), sites fill early on weekends, so arriving Thursday evening is wise.
Fishing Regulations
- Single barbless hook only — designed to protect the fishery and enable clean releases
- 2 fish daily limit — most anglers practise catch-and-release regardless
- No bait fishing — artificial flies and lures only
- Electric motors permitted, no gas motors
Nearby Options
If Lundbom is busy, Marquart Lake is located nearby and receives less fishing pressure. The Merritt area is dotted with dozens of small productive lakes, making it possible to explore a different water each day. Merritt itself — the self-proclaimed “Country Music Capital of BC” — offers basic services, fuel, and a handful of restaurants for resupply between fishing sessions.