Shallow launch with a single floating log as a dock. Can be difficult to reload trailer with southerly winds. Your feet will probably get wet, bring rubber boots.

A popular local lake just outside Campbell River, Roberts Lake supports a thriving rainbow and cutthroat fishery. Fishing is consistently good through the spring, summer and fall, peaking from April to June and through September and October. Lorna Duncan, from Roberts Lake Resort, says that the best thing about Roberts Lake is that it is a perfect family fishing lake. There is a floating dock, funded jointly between government and private enterprise, that has really helped to made the lake easy to fish. It is a perfect way to get kids out without needing a boat. Duncan adds that there’s also good shore fishing. Willow Leafs and plugs are the most popular, Duncan notes, and pink or white are good colour choices. Simple techniques work well, she says. Duncan adds that fly fishing is great in the summer, and that it’s definitely becoming more popular on the lake. Roberts Lake is deep and cool. The northern shore has large rocks under the water’s surface, making for good trout habitat. Many of the dropoffs are steep, perfect places to start a troll or even to still fish. A sandy beach along the southern part of the eastern side is more gentle. There is a boat launch on the western shore, right down the access road off the highway. Cutthroat and rainbows can be caught by many of the same methods. Small Flatfish, Kwikfish and Hotshots are really good choices. In general terms, anglers will often catch both rainbows and cutthroats with the same gear. Early hatches on Roberts Lake are a boon to fly fishers. Chironomids can begin as early as March. While in many places the mayfly hatch doesn’t occur until May, these flies work well as early as April in Roberts Lake. LAKE ACCESS Roberts Lake is located next to the Island Hwy. (Hwy. 19) 25 km northwest of Campbell River. Access is excellent on a paved road. Cartop boats can be launched from the lake’s sandy beach, a short walk from the road on a forest service trail to a user-maintained camping area. Please consult the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations before heading out.