Riley Lake near Tofino: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  You will find Riley Lake in Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot, British Columbia. Land around it is rolling hill. It measures about 77 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The perimeter runs near 7.7 km, so plan the walk before you start. On our Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot list it sits near the top for size. For a base, Tofino sits 32 km out. Gold River is 47 km and Ucluelet 68 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Riley Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot: Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Chum salmon, Coho salmon and rainbow trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Fish Riley Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 15°C and January near 4°C. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It holds true on Riley Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Grenville Lake is 5 km distant. For Riley Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.