Fishing Long Lake in Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia

• Overview

  Set in Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Long Lake is a British Columbia water. The surface lies 1,002 metres up. Ketchikan sits 135 km from here and is the nearest stop. Metlakatla is 148 km and Wrangell 152 km. Other water within reach: Fetter Lake (1 km), Tunnel Lake about 1.3 km, Hog Lake (1.8 km), Silver Lake about 2.5 km and Noname Lake (3.6 km). One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine include pink salmon, Chum salmon and Coho salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish Long Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -8°C in January to roughly 10°C in August. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near mid May; the fishing lifts straight after. The lid tends to go about mid May and return around early November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Long Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Fetter Lake, 1 km out. Where Long Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.