Looking for a fishing trip that’s truly off the beaten path? Fly fishing at Phantom Lake offers exactly that. This hidden alpine lake in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains is accessible only by seaplane, making it one of the most secluded fishing destinations you’ll ever find. The journey with Sea to Sky Air is unforgettable—from soaring over glaciers and valleys to landing on the lake’s emerald waters. Once there, you’ll have the rare chance to cast into a place so untouched that few anglers have ever experienced it.
Phantom Lake lies high in the Coast Mountains, surrounded by rugged peaks and ancient glaciers. Its turquoise waters are fed by melting ice and snow, creating a crisp, clear environment that trout thrive in. From the northern edge, water spills dramatically into the valley below as Phantom Falls, a powerful waterfall that adds to the lake’s wild beauty. With no roads or trails leading in, the area has remained undisturbed and silent. Out here, wilderness takes center stage—the still water, the mountain air, and the occasional splash of a rising fish.
Two trout species call Phantom Lake home: rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Rainbows are energetic, often leaping from the water in acrobatic displays when hooked, while cutthroats are admired for their distinctive red throat slash and shimmering colours. Both thrive in the lake’s cold, oxygen-rich waters, which are kept fresh by glacial melt. Because Phantom Lake is so rarely visited, the fish population remains strong and healthy. For anglers, it’s an extraordinary chance to experience fly fishing in a lake that feels both abundant and untouched.
Your adventure begins at Squamish Airport, where you’ll board a floatplane bound for the backcountry. The short 20-minute flight is a breathtaking experience, carrying you over Howe Sound, winding valleys, and dramatic glaciers. The closer you get to Phantom Lake, the more the scenery transforms—until finally, the lake itself comes into view, a turquoise jewel cradled by cliffs and snowfields. The plane skims across its glassy surface before coming to a gentle stop. When you step out, you’re met with crisp mountain air, profound silence, and the thrilling realization that you’ve arrived in a place few people will ever see.
Fishing at high-elevation lakes is different from fishing in rivers or lowland waters. Keep these basics in mind:
Of course, it’s not just about the trout. The setting itself makes the trip unforgettable. Surrounded by glaciers and jagged peaks, you’ll find a rare sense of peace in this alpine wilderness. Sea to Sky Air pilots share stories about the area’s geology, history, and wildlife along the way, adding depth to the adventure.
Fly fishing at Phantom Lake isn’t just another fishing trip—it’s an experience that combines wilderness, solitude, and adventure. With Sea to Sky Air, you can reach this remote alpine lake and create memories that will stay with you long after your last cast.
