Flooding at Stump Lake
High water levels of stump lake
Stump Lake has had high water levels since 2017. The lake does have a history of changing water levels, but the current levels at the lake are much higher than ever before, which is has caused some flooding to personal properties and private infrastructure.
Currently the lake is draining from the South end of the lake from a drainage channel after many years of the channel being dry. There have been ongoing debates with some of the residents and the Thompson Nicola Regional District as to what should be done about the water elevation. The district hired a third party consulting firm to conduct a study of the lake and the possible implications of draining the lake ( all which is public access through the TNRD web site link below).
Currently the lake has receded approx. 2.5 feet as of the fall of 2020 and the lake continues to drain. However, a full resolve of the lake's water level condition is unknown.
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Things you don't know about Stump Lake
History, Camping, Fishing & Wildlife
History - Lake
The lake was formed in the first half of the 18th Century, when a swamp full or Spruce trees filled with water during a very wet year. The swamp filled with water eventually killing the trees leaving many dead stumps, giving the lake it's name Stump lake. Some people believe that the outlet of the lake was blocked by an earthquake, or a small land shift which aided in the damming of the swamp and formation of the flooded area.
History - Fur Trade
Between 1849 - 1860 the historic Brigade trail was the famous trail system used by the Hudson Bay Company to link trade through the North West. From as far North as Fort McLeod and as South as Fort Okanogan ( Washington USA ) this famous trail passed along the shores of Stump Lake. This was an instrumental trail for the Hudson Bay Company, linking their fur trade in the Kamloops area to Fort Vancouver.
Camping - Stump Lake (RECSITE)
There is a provincial forestry recreation site on the East shore of the lake. This camp site is in a great location, protected from Southern winds that notoriously hit the lake in the later afternoons of those warm summer days.
- Rec Site #:REC5885
- Type: Maintained
- Fees: None
- Campsites: 4
- Access: Road
- Facilities: Tables and pit toilets
- ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES
- No reserving or holding of campsites, all sites are first come, first serve.
The sheltered recreation site is located in a bay on the southeast side of Stump Lake. The site is situated on a steep grassy hillside. The location is popular with fishers and campers.
- Access is off Highway 5a between Kamloops and Merritt. Turn off the highway onto Planet Mine Road. Follow this paved public road until it ends at the last private cabin. Here, the access road turns into a dirt/gravel road. The road is narrow and windy in spots. It is not recommended for large camper trailers. Travel for approximately 1 km until arriving at the recreation site.
Stump Lake Fishing
Famous for its huge trout of 15 lbs or better, Stump Lake produces large fish in the 6 lb. range. Spring and fall are the best fishing months with the summer months slowing down because of heat. Fly fishermen concentrate their efforts at both the south and north ends of the lake, where broad shallows teaming with insect life can be found. A good damselfly hatch during early spring could provide you with your best chance to catch one of those double digit monster rainbows that still remain in the lake. The lake also freezes over in the winter months, which presents great opportunities for ice fishing.
The Lake includes 5 species of fish including Kokanee and Rainbow trout as primary sport fishing species; although Brook trout and Cutthroat trout were historically stocked in the lake back in the early 90's The lake also includes Prickly Sculpin, a bottom feeding fish which rarely offers any enthusiasm amongst anglers.
Interesting Stump lake fact. The lake once had a dominant predatory species of fish known as Northern Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus oregonensis) the fish was suspected to be killed off in the late 1950's with the help of fisheries; however, very little is known about this event and no record of any Pikminnow has been noted in the lake since.
Stump Lake Wildlife
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Stump Lake Ranch
Established in 1883, Stump Lake Ranch is tucked in to the rolling hills of the Upper Nicola Valley on the shores of Stump Lake. Situated in Southern British Columbia, the ranch is in the heart of BC's cattle country.
The diverse landscape is a network of interacting habitats including rolling grasslands, evergreen and deciduous forests, lakes, rocky areas, and wetlands which are the homeland to moose, deer, eagles, black bears, and coyotes.
Real Estate and Stump Lake
Waking up to the lone cry of a loon, while enjoying the peaceful surroundings offered to only a few that get to call Stump lake their home. Opportunity awaits someone who wants to enjoy this amazing property. This home/cottage is fully updated, offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bath on the main level, an open kitchen/great-room design. a wall of windows that allows a panoramic view of the lake. A wood stove for that perfect lake feeling and access to a wrap around deck that allows a full visual experience of the Lake. The property is .9 of an acre and includes 2 guest bunk rooms detached from the home, a tandem boat garage and a second 25x24 detached shop/man cave. The property is landscaped & is equipped with a hot tub & 2 separate outdoor fireplaces. This lakefront property includes a swim dock & 142' of shoreline to enjoy. Stump Lake offers year round access off a publicly maintained highway. 30 minutes to Kamloops & 3hrs drive from Vancouver. Covid 19 protocol in effect.
Stump Lake Sold
