McCoy Lake near Port Alberni: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot entry here is McCoy Lake, in British Columbia. Salt water lies 5.6 km off. It measures about 29 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline comes to about 2.1 km, small enough to learn in a day. It lies lower than most water we list in British Columbia. Start from Port Alberni, 6.5 km down the road. Bowser follows at 24 km, then Denman Island at 30 km. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on McCoy Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Being tidal, the water moves twice a day, and the fishing moves with it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. At McCoy Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 17°C and January at 2°C. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan around that when you fish McCoy Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The closest car park is 830 m away, so pack accordingly. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Devils Den Lake is 2.5 km off. For McCoy Lake in particular, ask before you travel.