Ootsa Lake is part of Alcan’s Nechako Reservoir and considered the gateway to Tweedsmuir Park. This enormous lake offers good fishing for rainbow trout up to 10 pounds and boasts a weekend-long Labour Day fishing derby with handsome prizes. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather in the region (high winds can come up suddenly, creating waves in excess of six feet), the use of a large boat is recommended. Access to the shoreline can also be difficult. Still, the lake is well-worth checking out. Several boat launches are available.

Directions: From Burns Lake, travel south on Highway 35, cross Francois Lake on the free ferry, and follow the signage.