Blackwater Lake near Campbell River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Blackwater Lake lies within the bounds of Strathcona Regional District, British Columbia. Height above sea level is 192 metres. With some 37 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The edge covers about 6.3 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. The town to know is Campbell River, 30 km out. Oyster River follows at 47 km, then Gold River at 54 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Blackwater Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Strathcona Regional District include sockeye salmon, Chum salmon and pink salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Blackwater Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 16°C in August and bottoms out near 1°C in January. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. The season on Blackwater Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. A camping area sits within 200 m of here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Chain Lake, 2.4 km out. Rules at Blackwater Lake are worth checking on the day.