Fishing Vincent Lake in Stikine Region, British Columbia

• Overview

  Vincent Lake lies in Stikine Region, in British Columbia. Country round the bank runs to spruce and muskeg. The water covers around 3.17 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Some 25 km of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Supplies mean a trip to Watson Lake, 53 km off. Beyond it, Juneau at 348 km and Skagway at 362 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Vincent Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Stikine Region include Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and mountain whitefish. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Vincent Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 14°C, while January sits near -21°C. This is a two-season water: locked, then wide open. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at early November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. The season on Vincent Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Horseranch Lake at 9.8 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Vincent Lake before loading the car.