Mcnair Lake fishing

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

Mcnair Lake sits in the Vancouver Island region at 765 m elevation, a small water (< 50 ha) with access typical of the region. Use the map view for exact coordinates and turn-by-turn directions.

Mcnair Lake is a small water in Vancouver Island, the trout country reached from Nanaimo. It covers 23.0 ha and runs to 12.0 m at its deepest point, sitting at 765 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout.

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

Mcnair Lake at a glance

Region
Region 1 - Vancouver Island
Management unit
MU 1-1
Elevation
765 m
Maximum depth
12.0 m
Surface area
23.0 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 Mcnair 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 Mcnair Lake

Getting to Mcnair Lake

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

Coordinates: 50.2253, -125.5767

Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.

Mcnair 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 Mcnair Lake

Mcnair 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 Mcnair Lake

Local shops and lodges in Vancouver Island

Trout lakes near Mcnair Lake

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