May Lake, British Columbia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  May Lake belongs to Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, British Columbia. The shore lies 0.9 km out. With some 39 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The bank runs about 3.8 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our British Columbia listings. The nearest place of any size is Port Alberni, 37 km away. Then Ucluelet, 40 km, and Coombs, 58 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on May Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Open biodiversity records for Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot list Chinook salmon, sockeye 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. On May Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 3°C and August at about 16°C, the water has a wide range to work through. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to May Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Consinka Lake, 2.9 km away. The position on May Lake is worth confirming on the day.