Nestled in the heart of Abbotsford, Mill Lake offers some great fishing. It’s heavily stocked, and is home to a diverse assortment of fish. Rick Passek, author of The Freshman Flyfisher, and The Freshman Flyfisher’s Guide to Insects, says that besides its perfect location, Mill Lake is popular because it is a true year-round fishery. The huge, stocked rainbow trout prefer the cooler water. As the water warms, the bass, pumpkinseed and crappie start to pick up. Passek says that just about anything works for Mill Lake. There is such a wide variety of fish in the lake that the fishing is excellent. “Mill Lake is perfect,” he says. “It’s easy to launch small boats, the fish are huge and it’s the ideal place to get parents out fishing with their kids.” Passek advises that the south end where it’s weedy is a great place to start if you’re in a boat. Another good place is the southwest side if you’re shore fishing. There’s a lot going on at Mill Lake, and chances are you can hook into a derby or a kids’ fishing demonstration while you’re there. The BC Freshwater Fisheries Society hosts Kids’ Learn to Fish programs there in the summer. Also, in the late fall, there’s a Loch-Style Fly Fishing competition held at Mill Lake each year. LAKE ACCESS From Exit 92 off Hwy 1 follow Highway 11 (Sumas Way) north for just over one kilometre to South Fraser Way on the left (west). Turn here and follow for nearly three kilometres to Ware Street. Turn left (south) onto Ware St., then turn right (west) onto Bourquin Cresent less than a kilometre from the turnoff. Mill Lake Road is about half a kilometre along Bourquin Crescent on the left (southwest). Follow this road to the parking lot and boat launch. A pathway runs around the lake and there are picnic tables available.