Paterson Lake in Strathcona Regional District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In British Columbia, Paterson Lake belongs to Strathcona Regional District. Everything around it is rolling hill. About 2.00 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Size puts it in the front rank of our Strathcona Regional District list. Campbell River is the closest town at 30 km. The big place round here is Vancouver, 203 km distant. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Paterson Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Strathcona Regional District include sockeye salmon, Chum salmon and pink salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The near bank of Paterson Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 16°C, while January sits near 1°C. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Paterson 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. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Garrett Lake at 2.3 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Paterson Lake for certain.