Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) fishing

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

Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) sits in the Vancouver Island region at 836 m elevation, a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) is a medium lake in Vancouver Island, the trout country reached from Nanaimo. It covers 54.0 ha and runs to 22.1 m at its deepest point, sitting at 836 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout.

Open Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check

Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) at a glance

Region
Region 1 - Vancouver Island
Management unit
MU 1-6
Elevation
836 m
Maximum depth
22.1 m
Surface area
54.0 ha
Lake size
Medium Lake (50 - 500 ha)
Species
Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
Trout strain
Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout
Typical size
1.5 to 2.5 lbs
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 Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

Targeting Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Vancouver Island.

Chironomid pupae under indicator (#14-#18), micro-leeches, and traveling sedges along shoreline drop-offs.

Best times of year at Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

Getting to Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

Forestry road access in Vancouver Island (MU 1-6). Gravel Boat Ramp available.

Coordinates: 48.8747, -124.2597

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake) fishing regulations

1-7 1-13 1-4

Standard Regional Regulations.

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

Ice fishing at Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

Cowichan Lake (Including Bear 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 Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

Local shops and lodges in Vancouver Island

Trout lakes near Cowichan Lake (Including Bear Lake)

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