Blackwater Lake fishing

Fishing near Nanaimo, Campbell River and the rest of Vancouver Island. See all Vancouver Island lakes.

Blackwater Lake sits in the Vancouver Island region at 1187 m elevation, a small water (< 50 ha) reachable via the region's usual road and trail network. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Blackwater Lake is a small water in Vancouver Island, the trout country reached from Nanaimo. It covers 45.0 ha and runs to 14.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1187 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout.

Open Blackwater Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Blackwater Lake at a glance

Region
Region 1 - Vancouver Island
Management unit
MU 1-1
Elevation
1187 m
Maximum depth
14.4 m
Surface area
45.0 ha
Lake size
Small Water (< 50 ha)
Species
Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Trout strain
Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs (Quality Catchable)
Size class
Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs)
Stocking
Stocked / Natural Wild Production (FFSBC)
Boat launch
Gravel Boat Ramp
Motor rules
Gas & Electric Permitted
Ice fishing
Open to ice fishing, confirmed

How to fish Blackwater Lake

Targeting Medium Action (1 - 2.5 lbs) Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Vancouver Island.

Productive stillwater fishery. Early spring chironomid emergences (sizes #14-#18) in 12-18ft depths, followed by traveling sedge and damsel nymphs along weedlines in June. Fall leeches and scuds produce aggressive takes.

Best times of year at Blackwater Lake

Getting to Blackwater Lake

Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Vancouver Island (MU 1-1). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 50.1697, -125.5903

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Blackwater Lake fishing regulations

Single barbless hook. Standard regional regulations apply (check 2025-2027 synopsis).

Standard Regional Regulations.

Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.

Ice fishing at Blackwater Lake

Blackwater Lake is open to ice fishing under the regulations on file.

Whether a lake is open to ice fishing says nothing about whether its ice will hold you. Ice conditions vary year to year and across a single lake. Check locally before going out, every time.

Camping and rec sites at Blackwater Lake

Local shops and lodges in Vancouver Island

Trout lakes near Blackwater Lake

Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.