Mellin Lake Fishing Guide, Strathcona Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Mellin Lake lies in Strathcona Regional District, in British Columbia. Country round the bank runs to mixed woodland. There is roughly 7.1 km of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. It is low-lying compared with other British Columbia water we list. The nearest place of any size is Campbell River, 46 km away. Oyster River is 64 km and Gold River 82 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Mellin Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Strathcona Regional District cover sockeye salmon, Chum salmon, pink salmon and Coho salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Mellin Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about 2°C. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Plan around that when you fish Mellin Lake. Barometer swings matter more than a degree or two.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. 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. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Max Lake sits 1.7 km off and takes the overflow. For Mellin Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.