Hamilton Lake Fishing near Cumberland, British Columbia

• Overview

  Hamilton Lake lies in Comox Valley Regional District, in British Columbia. The bank gives way to farm and woodlot. At 8 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. You are 4.1 km from Cumberland. Then Puntledge, 9.2 km, and Royston, 11 km. Also within reach: Allen Lake sits 3.7 km out, Poum Lake just 5.5 km, Comox Lake sits 5.9 km out, Maple Lake just 6.5 km and Lunchtime Lake sits 6.7 km out. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Hamilton Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Comox Valley Regional District cover Coho salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and Chum salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Anyone new to Hamilton Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 1°C in January and 15°C in August. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Hamilton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Allen Lake at 3.7 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Hamilton Lake before loading the car.