Jump Lake near Youbou: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Jump Lake is a Cowichan Valley Regional District water, British Columbia side. Tidal water begins 27 km from here. About 1.83 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The outline measures near 8.9 km, so local knowledge counts. On our Cowichan Valley Regional District list it sits near the top for size. Youbou sits 16 km from here and is the nearest stop. Beyond it, East Wellington at 24 km and Lake Cowichan at 25 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Jump Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Cowichan Valley Regional District include Chinook salmon, sockeye 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. Read Jump Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 15°C and December near 1°C on the long-run figures. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It holds true on Jump Lake more years than not. A settled spell fishes better than a bright one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a reservoir by origin, with the deepest water near the dam. 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. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Haley Lake at 4.8 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Jump Lake for certain.