Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) fishing

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

Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) sits in the Vancouver Island region at 1349 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.

Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) is a medium lake in Vancouver Island, the trout country reached from Nanaimo. It covers 103.5 ha and runs to 36.4 m at its deepest point, sitting at 1349 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout.

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

Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) at a glance

Region
Region 1 - Vancouver Island
Management unit
MU 1-1
Elevation
1349 m
Maximum depth
36.4 m
Surface area
103.5 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 Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

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 Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

Getting to Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

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

Coordinates: 48.8231, -123.5431

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) 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 Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell) 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 Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

Local shops and lodges in Vancouver Island

Trout lakes near Maxwell Lake (Lake Maxwell)

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