Trout Fishing in Lake Cowichan

Most of Cowichan's local lakes have healthy populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout. The best time of year to go lake fishing is in the spring, although you are free to go any time. Cowichan Lake, Chemainus Lake, Fuller Lake, Shawnigan Lake, and Dougan Lake are all excellent lakes for trout fishing in or around Lake Cowichan. The cutthroat trout in Cowichan Lake is adfluvial, which means they spawn in the inlet streams around the lake and then the younger ones migrate into the lake's more productive habitats, where they generally stay until they become mature. With three sub-basins and a large lake like Cowichan, there are many opportunities to either stay put or explore out of prey.

Some great spring fishing available in the Cowichan area, bur generally for these anadromous fish, November is the best month to schedule a trip since there are a lot of coho in the river that are open to taking flies and spinners. April and the start of May are when steelhead fishing is still excellent on the Cowichan, mainly for mended kelts. These fish have to feed aggressively after spawning, making them the easiest steelhead to target. A great month to catch your first steelhead! Lures of choice: blades, single egg copies or small pink worms. Flies of choice: large and black or the ever-popular egg fly. All of the Cowichan trout are now wild. November and December can have some exceptional trout Fly fishing using egg patterns; as the salmon spawn, the trout gorge themselves on eggs. The best months for saltwater fishing are May through to October, although winter Chinook fishing is available too.

Effective fishing regulations can be a key factor component of healthful fisheries. It contains information about open seasons, recreational fishing licences, fishing methods and, catch limits, as well as up-to-date fishing regulations for diverse fishing areas. All anglers interested in salmon should check the Management of Salmon Fisheries in B.C for bait selection, gear selection, required licences and any other regulations for salmon fishing. Before planning your fishing trip, you must check the updated information and know the limited fishing areas. • Using a fishing line to which more than one artificial fly is attached (i.e., to use “dropper flies”) is forbbiden. • Using light in any way to attract fish except the light is submerged and attached to the fishing line within 1 m of the hook is unlawful. • It is forbidden to fish with nets, including minnow nets, dip nets, cast nets, or gill nets. • Using barbed hooks or any hook with more than one point in all rivers, streams, creeks, or sloughs in B.C is prohibited. (Although the use of barbed hooks in lakes is allowed except the one noted in the Regional Water-Specific Tables).

• Keep boat launch areas clear to give all boaters equal access. Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp to avoid creating unnecessary delays. • Don't try boating and alcohol. You will need your complete reflexes to keep you, your boat, and other stream users safe. It's unlawful to operate a boat while impaired. • Limit your speed (particularly when getting into corners) to keep away from collisions with other boaters, anglers, swimmers, and hidden obstacles. Respect the Universal Shoreline Speed Restriction of 10 k.ph within 30 metres of the shore. • Be careful when boating at dawn and dusk and in other conditions of limited light or visibility. • Refrain from running your boat through water being fished by way of others. Go slowly or drift by anglers along the shoreline. Be considerate of others. • Avoid sensitive habitats such as spawning areas, shallow water, and wildlife nesting or foraging areas. • Give animals crossing the river the space and time to do so. It's unlawful to harass wildlife with a boat. • Pack out your garbage. Old fishing lines, litter, fuel, and oil damage fish habitats, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.