What is Rooney Lake Campground
Rooney Lake campground is a small single campsite located on the north end of Rooney Lake. This is a rustic campsite with a wobbly picnic table (I took out my socket set and tightened everything up before I left), rock fire pit and a manmade pit toilet from cedar stump.
If rustic camping is what you are looking for this campsite is just for you. There is enough room for a couple of campers but not much more. There is no boat launch but a natural path to the lake allows for packing a car topper, kayak, canoe or inflatable boat to the waters edge.
The lake shoreline is home to some water weeds growing along it so you’ll need to paddle past them before starting your motor or risk having to remove the weeds from your propeller.
Where is Rooney Lake Campground
How To Find Your Way To Rooney Lake Campsite Using Google Maps
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Fishing Rooney Lake
While I was there fishing was excellent for Cutthroat and Brown Trout. While trolling a gang troll/worm close to the Watershield bed I hooked into a nice Brown Trout which fought like a salmon. Such beautiful colors and I believe he ranged close to 5 lbs. He measured 59cm and I took some photos before releasing him back to where he belongs to spawn more of his kind.
Try as I might to catch another one I was unable to reproduce my luck. I never caught any Dolly Vardon which are listed as another wild population of Trout in Rooney Lake. Cutthroat on the other hand contrary to a 2002 fish stocking study were plentiful.
I caught and released a total of 15 all in the 8cm range over a period of 10 days. All swam away on their own with thanks to barbless hooks. The lake was stocked up to the 2002 study which deemed them to be fodder for the Brown and Dolly Vardon Trout populations. It hasn’t been stocked with Cutthroat since but based on my experience they’ve rebounded.
The Lake Depth
Rooney Lake is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of 21 metres. See the Bathymetric map for the details. I imagine it is deep enough to not freeze over during the winter months but one day I will confirm my assumption. The west side of the lake is the deepest with the other areas dropping off over a longer stretch.
Tidbits
Walkthru Video of Rooney Lake Campground
Wildlife In The Area
The wildlife in the area was plentiful as I saw some songbirds, Kingfishers, American Wigeons, A Merlin Falcon and plenty of Damsel and Dragon Flies. The two dragon files below were flying by me attached to each other when they landed a short distance away.
Also while I was in my boat trolling the west shoreline a mother Black bear and her cub were foraging on the berries along the shoreline. I tried to get a photo but the mama bear was nervous about my proximity and they both disappeared into the heavy brush before I could raise my camera.
One morning, I was sitting in my camping chair having my morning tea after sleeping in, when I heard a Kingfisher making a lot of noise. I looked up and seen him chasing what I thought was a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
So I grabbed my camera and took a shot when it landed in a tree a fair distance away. After seeing the photo on my laptop later I now believe it to be a Merlin. Any bird experts out there who can confirm or identify it correctly, please do so in the comments below.
While I was sitting at camp by the shoreline I noticed a couple of ducks swimming a fair distance away but they wouldn’t come close enough for a good photo. I did however take a photo with a cheap super telephoto lens for my Nikon but the wind didn’t allow for a quality shot even with my heavy duty Manfrotto tripod.
Again any duck experts who see this please leave me a comment below confirming my assumption or identify the ducks for me please.
While going for a walk along Rooney Lake road I came across a lot of fresh Elk tracks but never seen any. Both days of my walks the signs were fresher than the day before so they were up early or late it seems.
A friendly little squirrel came right up to me as I was sitting in my chair by the shoreline but took off when I tried to get a photo. I also saw a couple of Bald Eagles fly by but they didn’t stick around as I never seen them again.
Summing Up Rooney Lake Campground
I really enjoyed my visit to Rooney Lake Campground will definitely go there again. The only caveat for me was the noisy highway traffic which never seems to die down during the day long enough to listen to the quiet peacefulness of the area.
They were logging in the area also so the odd logging truck traveling past the campsite might offend some but because I grew up on the island it didn’t affect me much. Plus it usually means the gravel road will be maintained (graded).
I camped here in September so it wasn’t being used when I arrived. But I imagine it is full most of the time during the peak summer months. There were a couple of travelers who stopped by to ask about the fishing and how long I was going to stay. When a local angler from Sayward showed up to go fishing, I moved my boat so he could launch his cartopper. And there was plenty of room for him to park his pickup truck. He did quite well (better than me) and was very appreciative of my courtesy.
The nights were more peaceful as the traffic diminished a lot compared to the day time. I could hear lots of natural sounds and the whispering of the wind/breeze across the lake. The night sky was beautiful and lit up with a multitude of stars and the moon through its various phases.
Because Rooney Lake isn’t that far off the highway it makes for a great stop over while heading north for other campgrounds. If you get the chance to stop by I highly recommend it.
Campfire Etiquette That Everyone Should Follow
Don’t forget to be a responsible camper and pack out what you pack in along with anyone’s garbage left behind if you can. Also remember that campfire etiquette is a must to ensure this pristine wilderness remains as is. Never be a lazy camper it just isn’t worth it.
The law states that you keep a shovel and 20 litre pail of water nearby in case sparks land on the many grasses and pine needles etc that are around the campground area. Never leave a campfire unattended for any reason and ensure it is out before going to bed and leaving for home.
While I was there (Sept 2026) there was no campfire ban. For more information on the current status of campfires and bans visit the BC Wildfire Service.
Authoritative Sources
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