Hankin Lake Fishing near Watson Lake, British Columbia

• Overview

  The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine entry here is Hankin Lake, in British Columbia. Height above sea level is 1,298 metres. At 1.71 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. The shoreline runs about 6.3 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. You are 147 km from Watson Lake. The nearest city of size is Anchorage, 1116 km away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Hankin Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name pink salmon, Chum salmon, Coho salmon, sockeye salmon and Chinook salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Hankin Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -16°C in January up to 12°C in July. The season is measured in weeks rather than months. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid May. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near late October. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. At Hankin Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Portage Lake, 12 km away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Hankin Lake before loading the car.