Hell Diver Lake near Oyster River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Hell Diver Lake lies in Comox Valley Regional District, in British Columbia. Everything around it is open valley. It covers about 7 hectares, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is low-lying compared with other British Columbia water we list. Nearest place of any size is Oyster River, 9.5 km away. Campbell River lies 19 km off, Puntledge another 25 km. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Hell Diver Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Comox Valley Regional District cover Coho salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and Chum salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Work Hell Diver Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 2°C in January and 16°C in August. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. That is the shape of the year on Hell Diver Lake. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Little Lost Lake sits 1.4 km off and takes the overflow. For Hell Diver Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.