Fishing Ian Lake in North Coast Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Out in North Coast Regional District, British Columbia, sits Ian Lake. It sits in mixed woodland country. Surface area runs to some 19.25 sq km, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. Around 56 km of margin, so directions matter more than a general plan. Of the waters listed here in North Coast Regional District, this is the largest. Prince Rupert lies 161 km from the water. Then Metlakatla, 168 km, and Ketchikan, 188 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Ian Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in North Coast Regional District include pink salmon, Coho salmon and Chum salmon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Work Ian Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 2°C in January up to 13°C in August. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. The season on Ian Lake rarely departs from it. Water temperature lags behind air temperature by days, not hours.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Skundale Lake is 6.9 km off. For Ian Lake in particular, ask before you travel.