Westwood Lake is a sanctuary for a diversity of wildlife above the water’s surface, and a generous population of hard-fighting rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and smallmouth bass below. Rainbow trout at catchable size are released into Westwood Lake each year by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Pumpkinseed sunfish are also present.

Westwood Lake is a great shore fishing lake. With the trails around the shoreline, there are plenty of places to cast a line. Anglers targeting trout will want to go with a Blue Fox or a Panther Martin. Trout also seem particularly fond of plugs. These are good to have on hand for trolling, particularly in unfamiliar lakes, as they are good attractors. Rick Passek, author of The Freshman Flyfisher’s Insect Guide, notes for example, that while mayflies make up a large part of the trout’s diet, they do so in several different forms. The more specialized patterns can imitate the same insects in different stages.

When the lake warms up, deep trolling can get down to the cooler water where the trout are more likely to lurk. However, often the trout are less active. Bass fishing picks up at this time, and mornings and evenings are great times to work with surface lures. Bass will be concentrated where the cover is, and will often be found fairly near the shore in protected areas. Rick Passek, author and instructor, has a website where you can order his books. Check out www.theflyfishfanatic.com.

LAKE ACCESS

Access is via Jingle Pot Rd. and Westwood Lake Rd. 5 km west of Nanaimo city centre. Westwood Lake Regional Park offers a boat ramp, beach, day-use park with picnic, playground and washroom facilities, lifeguards in the summer and wheelchair access. Accommodations are available in Nanaimo, and there are several campgrounds, hotels and motels nearby.