Lake of the Day July 10: Spectacle Lake, BC

Spectacle Lake is a picturesque fishing destination for eastern brook trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Set within the boundaries of Spectacle Lake Provincial Park, a day-use recreation area, Spectacle Lake is an easy trip from Victoria. This popular fishing lake is a great family-friendly destination. An easy trail winds around the lake for more than two km, with wooden bridges crossing the creeks and marshy areas feeding into Spectacle. Spectacle Lake is home to the Island’s only eastern brook char population. The illegal introduction of bass has impacted the population of brookies and anglers increasingly report limited success angling for brook trout. As with other Island lakes, the chironomid (midge) hatch on Spectacle begins in March or April and usually lasts through May. Bloodworms and leeches are available for trout before that, and are a good standard pattern all season. Early spring is a good time for mayfly and caddisfly patterns. April through June produces many opportunities for nymph and dry fly fishing. Trout anglers use a variety of methods: casting or trolling flies, spinning with small lures, trolling with gang trolls and worms, and still-fishing with Powerbait or worms. Small spoons, plugs (Flatfish and Kwikfish in a Cracked Frog or White Coach Dog pattern) are other good choices for trolling. Smallmouth bass anglers report success with crank baits, spinner baits, Powerbaits or soft plastics in protected areas along the shore. In deeper water, try deep-running crank baits or soft plastics. LAKE ACCESS Spectacle Lake is located 30 km northwest of Victoria near the Shawnigan Lake turnoff at Malahat Summit on the Island Hwy. Travel on paved roads, two km west of the highway along Whitaker and Spectacle Lake roads. Spectacle Lake Provincial Park offers a day-use picnic area and cartop boat launch, about 100 metres from the parking area. Cold-water taps are located around the park. The picnic area and much of the trail system are wheelchair accessible. Fully- equipped campgrounds are located nearby.