Fishing at Turner Lake, Central Coast Regional District, British Columbia

• Overview

  Turner Lake falls in Central Coast Regional District, part of British Columbia. It sits at 1,097 metres above sea level. Shoreline length is close to 16 km, and each section fishes a little differently. It ranks high for size among our Central Coast Regional District listings. Anahim Lake is the closest place, 42 km off. Bella Coola follows at 69 km, then Bella Bella at 162 km. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Turner Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Central Coast Regional District include Chum salmon, pink salmon, Coho salmon, sockeye salmon and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Turner Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 11°C on average, January about -8°C. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early May until roughly mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Turner Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A camping area sits within 460 m of here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Cutthroat Lake sits 1.5 km off and takes the overflow. Where Turner Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.