Quennell Lake fishing
Fishing near Nanaimo, Campbell River and the rest of Vancouver Island. See all Vancouver Island lakes.
Tucked into the Vancouver Island region at 999 m elevation, this is a medium lake (50 - 500 ha) with access typical of the region. Tap through to the map for the exact route in.
Quennell Lake is a medium lake in Vancouver Island, the trout country reached from Nanaimo. It covers 90.0 ha and runs to 40.8 m at its deepest point, sitting at 999 m of elevation. Fish here typically run 1.5 to 2.5 lbs and the stock is Taylor & Blackwater Coastal Cutthroat & Rainbow Trout.
Open Quennell Lake in the app for the 7-day forecast, depth map and wildfire smoke check
Quennell Lake at a glance
- Region
- Region 1 - Vancouver Island
- Management unit
- MU 1-5
- Elevation
- 999 m
- Maximum depth
- 40.8 m
- Surface area
- 90.0 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 (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 Quennell 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 Quennell Lake
- May - June
- September - October
Getting to Quennell Lake
Access via regional highway and maintained forestry road in Vancouver Island (MU 1-5). Gravel Boat Ramp available.
Coordinates: 49.0669, -123.8197
Boat launch: Gravel Boat Ramp.
Quennell Lake fishing regulations
COWICHANRIVER RIVER (see map below) QUINSAM
Standard Regional Regulations.
Always check the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis before you go. Regulations change in season.
Ice fishing at Quennell Lake
Quennell 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 Quennell Lake
- Quennell Lake Recreation Site
Rustic lakeside campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets, and direct shoreline access for Quennell Lake.
Facilities: Boat Launch, Pit Toilets, Fire Rings, Tables
Access: Maintained 2WD forestry road access in Vancouver Island.
Coordinates: 49.0669, -123.8197 Official page
Local shops and lodges in Vancouver Island
- River Sportsman, Campbell River, BC
Island stillwater flies, sinking lines, rental gear & coastal lake intel
River Sportsman website - Island Outfitters, Victoria, BC
Vancouver Island trout gear, pontoon boats & custom fly tying
Island Outfitters website
Trout lakes near Quennell Lake
- Long Lake (Nanaimo) 2 km away
- Michael Lake 3 km away
- Priest Lake 4 km away
- Holden Lake 4 km away
- Harewood (Extension) Lake 9 km away
- Crystal Lake 10 km away
- Stocking Lake 12 km away
- Holland Lake 14 km away
- Westwood Lake 17 km away
- Diver Lake 21 km away
- Brannen Lake 24 km away
Data from the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis, and Sites and Trails BC.