Over ten kilometres long and 137 metres deep, Chehalis Lake is big water. It’s especially nice that the fish are big, too! Bull trout are the predominant species in Chehalis Lake. These chubby fish are a lot of fun to catch, when you can catch them. They’ll put up a huge fight, dive and head for cover. Danny Coyne, from BCFishn.com, says that bull trout, “dive fast and furious! If there is a current or structure in the water this fish will find it! Just as you think the fish has tired and is ready to be brought in, it will take a few more runs on you.” Bull trout spawn in late fall and early winter. Spring, with the cooler water, and late fall are good times to go after them. Try to avoid targeting bull trout in high temperatures, as they are very sensitive to heat and temperature changes. They prefer cool to cold water. Bull trout are piscivorous. While insect imitations may work, you’ll have much better luck imitating fish. Egg patterns early in the season, and fry patterns later, are your best bet. Master angler Rod Hsu (fishingwithrod.com) notes that the vibrations of spoons and spinners really attract bull trout, and they find it hard to resist. Danny Coyne adds that in deep water, a Gibbs silver-plated Iron Head is a good choice because it’s heavy, and can sink well. Retrieve it fairly quickly, he suggests. Another suggestion is to cast towards structure. Bull trout will often lurk under and behind fallen logs or other debris. If you’re in shallower areas, a silver or gold Williams Wabler, with a slower retrieve, can be useful. While a boat is most useful for Chehalis Lake, shore fishing can be productive, too. The water drops off fairly quickly, so you can cast out from shore and still be in deep water. LAKE ACCESS Turn north off Lougheed Highway (Hwy #7) at the community of Harrison Mills onto the Chehalis Forest Service Road (FSR). Travel past Elbow Lake and continue till you cross the Statlu Creek bridge at which point turn right at the junction and continue following the Chehalis FSR in a northerly direction. Keep left at the next major FSR junction. Skwellepil Creek Recreation Site is located about half way up the west side of Chehalis Lake. The total distance from Hwy #7 turn off is approximately 30 kms.