Tristan Robbins, hatchery manager in Duncan, had contacted me June 5 and mentioned that Echo Lake will be stocked with trout.
The province has completed their bass eradication efforts and he set up the release of 1,100 trout at Echo Lake. The truck arrived at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. I met the driver, Chris Stone, who has been here before, and he mentioned that Echo Lake is the last lake to be stocked in June and that the trout are a little bigger in size – between 260 and 270 grams.
The truck backs up at the dock area and a short pipe is set up that will take the trout from the truck to the water at Echo Lake. The water temperature is taken and it takes only a few minutes for the release of the trout into their new environment. As for weather, the wind came up in early morning and it died down for the afternoon.
The sun was gone but the weather was ideal for the trout who hit the water and quickly headed into deeper water. I stayed another hour and watched as the new trout were surveying their new home and a display of finning fish was well worth the wait.
It's been a little over two weeks and the new trout will be on the hunt for food and fishing should now be good as they get settled in. Anglers can fish off the dock using worms as bait or even try spinners like a Panther Martin or Rooster tail. Other anglers will use belly boats, kayaks or a small tin boat, with electric motor only.
I find getting in the water and cruising the shoreline is the best bet. The deepest part of Echo Lake is about 47 feet of water and getting to the bottom is recommended. There is a resident eagle that will fly down and try to scoop your trout when the fish is reeled in.
Trout fishing has improved with the warmer weather in other lakes in the area and Kokanee are being caught at Beavertail. Roberts Lake can be fished now and the north and south ends are the best bet to catch both trout and Kokanee. At Roberts Lake you cant use bait, shore fishing is limited but catches have been reported using spinners cast out in the deeper water.
Since Chinook fishing is non-retention, local anglers are targeting lings and hatchery coho while some locals will venture out to Toba Inlet. They don't mind the gas expense or time traveled to get a Chinook.
Many campsites are full and its advised to call ahead and reserve a spot as school is out and people are on the move to get out fishing and to enjoy all the recreation that is available around Campbell River. If you are inclined to fish locally, Discovery Pier can be a great way to start fishing and try out your gear. The pink salmon run is not that far away.
