Areas to Fish

The location of fishing hot spots can change on a daily basis and even from hour to hour, depending on many factors that dictate the availability of food and the preference of the fish. Finding the action is largely an art form and the rest is luck. That said, there are still a few well-established fishing spots on Vancouver Island on which the visitor can rely.

Cowichan River
The Cowichan River is the best trout stream on Vancouver Island and one of the finest in British Columbia. Fishing is excellent during fall, winter and spring; the river is usually too warm for fishing in the summer. Anglers should refrain from fishing in warm water, to prevent stressing fish. The Cowichan has an eco-system unique for Vancouver Island and most coastal streams of British Columbia. Unlike many of these streams, the Cowichan has a fine population of insects, crustaceans and annelids. These in turn form a food base for a thriving population of resident trout. The Cowichan River supports steelhead, rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, as well as three species of Pacific salmon: coho, chinook and chum.

Crabapple Lake
Crabapple lake is located 13 kilometres northeast of Sooke, via Harbourview Road to a secondary logging road. Crabapple Lake provides excellent fly fishing for both rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Crystal Lake
From Victoria, Crystal Lake is located eight kilometres west of the Island Highway. Access is via Spurston Road and 1.6 kilometres of logging road. Cutthroat trout is stocked in the lake and anglers report Crystal Lake to be an excellent fly fishing area, particularly during March to June, September and October.

Dougan Lake
Located on the west of the Island Highway, north of the traffic lights at the Cobble Hill turn-off, Dougan Lake provides an excellent fishery for both cutthroat and rainbow trout (which are stocked regularly). March to June, September and October are the most productive fishing months.

Elk and Beaver Lakes
Elk and Beaver Lakes are located 13 kilometres north of Victoria on the Pat Bay Highway (Hwy #17). Elk Lake has two easily-accessible boat launches as well as an excellent trail around both lakes. The lakes offer a wide variety of structures ranging from large weed lines to stumps and brush-piles. For some productive bass fishing, try out any quick change in depth or structure near both shallow and deep water. The best fishing occurs between March and September, but June and October are great for smallmouth bass and April and October are ideal for trout.

Langford Lake
This lake is loaded with large smallmouth bass and a healthy population of trout. To reach Langford, take the Island Highway (Hwy #1) from Victoria, turn onto Goldstream Avenue and then Leigh Road, which will take you directly to the boat launch. With a pair of public docks located on the lake, there are opportunities for some excellent shore fishing . For some productive smallmouth fishing, try any of the huge weed lines and changes in structure which line the shores of the lake. The shore closest to the two islands is also a good bet.

Matheson Lake
Located within Matheson Provincial Park, which is 27 kilometres southwest of Victoria by way of Rocky Point Road, Matheson Lake provides excellent fishery for smallmouth bass, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Prospect Lake
18 kilometres northwest of Victoria via West Saanich and Prospect Lake roads, Prospect Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout and provides good smallmouth bass fishery.

Spectacle Lake
This small lake is located 30 kilometres northwest of Victoria near the Shawnigan Lake turnoff, off the Island Highway. Spectacle Lake holds the Island's only eastern brook trout population, which species is a member of the char family. During spawning, the brook trout turns a brilliant colour and is easily caught.

Mt. Washington Area
Experience fly fishing in the high alpine! There are many lakes and rivers in the area surrounding Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and during the summer months the resort offers fly fishing tours and lessons by experienced and qualified guides for all levels. Fresh water fishing licenses are available at the Raven Lodge.