Nelson Lake Fishing in Stikine Region, British Columbia

• Overview

  Within Stikine Region, British Columbia, you have Nelson Lake. Elevation runs to 851 metres. The water covers around 7.20 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The outline measures near 23 km, so local knowledge counts. Size puts it in the front rank of our Stikine Region list. Skagway sits 65 km from the bank. After that come Haines at 72 km and Juneau at 116 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Public occurrence data for Stikine Region names Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, mountain whitefish and Arctic grayling. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Nelson Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 10°C, the coldest about -14°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Open water usually runs from mid May until about late October. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan around that when you fish Nelson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Edgar Lake, 7 km away. Confirm access to Nelson Lake locally before you travel.