Spider Lake

A Jewel of a Lake

Spider Lake is a little jewel just perfect for family outings, picnics and fishing. There is easy access to the lake, from the Horne Lake interchange, off the Island Highway and the provincial park provides, features a beautiful sandy beach. The lake is stocked with trout and has a resident smallmouth bass population. Both species of fish are great sport and can provide hours of good fishing.

Located just a short drive from Qualicum, Spider Lake is a perfect place to spend the day, or an evening fishing. As the weather warms, the fish begin to forage and become more active, providing some nice catches from shore or from a boat.

At this time of year the bass are spawning. These fish are very territorial and aggressive. They will rise to poppers and big flies like imitation mice. Bass have a strong instinct to protect their nest and are generally easier to catch during the spawning season. This makes for a lot of great fishing, but with that comes a responsibility to protect them. For that reason there is a ban on retention of any bass until June 15th. So catch and release must be practiced; the better to ensure stocks are maintained and allow them time to reach trophy sizes.

The lake also provides some excellent trout fishing, from either the shore or a boat. The trout will take artificial flies, providing great sport for fly fishers and can be caught with a worm and bobber from the edge of the water. A worm and bobber are perfect gear for youngsters anxious to catch their first fish. A short cast near a weedy area or other obstacles in the water where the fish hide should entice a bite.

While the lake has a healthy population of fish it still provides a challenge for fly fishers. Flies like the Wooly Bugger, black or olive Leeches, Halfbacks, and the Guarantee produce very well when cast and retrieved, or trolled from a boat. Try a clear or intermediate sink line during the day and early evening then switch to a floating line as the sunsets.

The lake also supports healthy chironomid hatches, making for some good chironomiding when the fish key in on these little guys. At times during the hatch a well-placed dry fly can raise the excitement level a few notches.

Chironomids are small insect lava that swim from the bottom of lakes to the surface to hatch and fly off. They represent a large proportion of a fish’s daily diet. If you haven’t tried chironomiding its worth investigating.

All in all, Spider Lake is a great spot to spend time. Boaters need to keep in mind that no motors of any kind are allowed on the lake. A little rowing never hurt and just think of the serenity you will enjoy.