Nahmint Lake is long, deep and cool, surrounded by old-growth fir, fragrant cedar and spectacular mountain views. The fishing, though, is the real draw. Courtney Ogilvie, from Nile Creek Fly Shop, says that there is, “really good trout fishing in Nahmint Lake.” Most of the fish here are rainbows, and there are Dolly Varden and steelhead, too. “The Dollies are very big,” Ogilvie says, “and your best bet is to use large fly patterns.” He suggests that minnows up to two inches, and leeches up to three inches, are the way to go for these lunkers. “There’s also a really good damsel fly hatch. You can use these patterns on the shoals on the west side, again up to two inches. They’re huge,” Ogilvie notes. He suggests trolling at the drop-off. As well, there is a lot of debris from the run-off at the west end where the river comes in. The fish feed there. Ogilvie says that the dry fly fishing around the debris area in the summer is excellent. “You may even get a steelhead then,” he says. Most people fish around the Rec site, though Ogilvie says that if you’ve got a boat, you can get down to the east end. There are a few creeks there, and there is really good fishing at the creek mouths (the creeks themselves are closed). The water in Nahmint is clean. Ogilvie suggests black and blue for your minnow patterns. “Pink is always good,” he adds. Ogilvie says that there are also stonefly and caddis hatches at Nahmint Lake. While much of the Island is not known for its huge insect population, these hatches are worth noting. Along with the fish, Ogilvie says that the wildlife in the area is exceptional. There are lots of elk, eagles and bears. This area is considered remote. Please use bear-safe backcountry practises. Also consult the regulations for the restrictions in place for Nahmint Lake, and the rivers and creeks. Lake Access The road to Nahmint Lake can be rough in places, though Courtney Ogilvie, from the Nile Creek Fly Shop, says that the access is generally pretty good. From Port Alberni, cross the Somass River on Highway 4 toward Tofino. Take McCoy Lake Road on the left and follow for 4.7km. Turn left onto Stirling Arm Main (unmarked first left after Herbert Road). Turn right on the Stirling Arm Forest Service Road and continue 21km on to Gracie Main. Turn left on to Gracie Main which becomes Gracie Hook-up. The site is on the right at just past 16km. There are several campsites, with picnic tables and pit toilets. Please be sure to consult good backroad maps, as logging roads and access points can change without notice. Nile Creek Fly Shop has everything you need for a short jaunt or a longer trip. They’ve got specialty equipment and expert staff. They host all kinds of clinics and demos, from women’s fly fishing weekends to single-hand casting demos. Stop by and talk with Courtney Ogilvie and the staff for all your fly fishing needs.

Actual location of rec site and primitive boat launch (hand-powered).

Nahmint

Great looking fish. I may be wrong but I think the second pic is a cuthrout or cut bow. The first for sure a rainbow

King Rainbows

This lake is a bit of a drive maybe an hour doing 50 km/h on the logging road, gets steep and has some rough bedrock areas. Worth the drive. All trout larger then 50 cm have to be released, please do this as it continues to provide one of the best rainbow fisheries. Well fishing lake also take note that there are steelhead in the lake and try not mistaken one for a rainbow. Since the fish are so big in this lake i would recommend running a big 4 inche plug on a down rigger. We caught a 51.5cm fish and about a 6 pounder as well, both fish were release just after a photo