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Rating depth structure for rainbow trout.
Recent public catches load as you reach this section.
6-acre lake in Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia. The lake tops out around 34 ft. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. Here is how the season plays out for each species, straight from the data behind the map.
Traced from the shoreline, Priest Lake runs 6 acres with 0.5 miles of edge. Nearly circular (index 1.4), so the story is the bottom, not the bank. 74% of the surface is littoral (under ~15 ft) — cover, weeds and forage water. The water lies in Cowichan Valley Regional District. The nearest mapped water is Michael Lake, 2 mi to the southwest.
Come spring, look for cutthroat trout tight to the bank in 3 to 15 ft. They move out to 10 to 34 ft in summer and finish the year down in 9 to 34 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Break off the point: a drop-off around 16 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A trolled spoon (small) or an inline spinner is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 15 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (4 ft) | Inline spinner (silver/gold), Small spoon |
| Summer | 10 to 34 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (16 ft) | Trolled spoon (small), Inline spinner |
| Fall | 5 to 25 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (4 ft) | Casting spoon, Inline spinner |
| Winter | 9 to 34 ft | dawn | Break off the point (16 ft) | Small jigging spoon, Marabou jig |
Spring puts rainbow trout in skinny water — 5 to 20 ft is the zone. Warm water sends them out to 8 to 30 ft; cold water stacks them in 7 to 34 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 16 ft, rated prime for winter rainbow trout. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A dodger + spoon (deep troll) or a flutter spoon covers the summer program.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 5 to 20 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (4 ft) | Inline spinner (silver), Small spoon |
| Summer | 8 to 30 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (16 ft) | Dodger + spoon (deep troll), Flutter spoon |
| Fall | 10 to 34 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (16 ft) | Casting spoon, Jerkbait over shoals |
| Winter | 7 to 34 ft | dawn | Break off the point (16 ft) | Jigging spoon, Tube jig (white) |
Structure-wise the chart holds 3 features, led in depth by Deep basin at roughly 23 ft.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for British Columbia waters are set by the BC freshwater fishing synopsis — and special regulations can apply to Priest Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official British Columbia fishing regulations →
Priest Lake is about 34 ft (10 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from published agency bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target cutthroat trout, rainbow trout on Priest Lake.
Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 16 ft of water that rates prime for cutthroat trout in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.
For cutthroat trout, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Priest Lake is regulated by the BC freshwater fishing synopsis. Check the official British Columbia regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
Michael Lake 2 mi · Quennell Lake 2 mi · Greenway Lake 3 mi · Holden Lake 4 mi · Degnen Bay 6 mi · Beck Lake 6 mi · Stocking Lake 7 mi · Blind Lake 8 mi · Timberland Lake 8 mi · Holland Lake 9 mi · Mckay Lake 9 mi · Nanaimo Harbour 10 mi
See how Priest Lake stacks up: best rainbow trout lakes in British Columbia · best cutthroat trout lakes in British Columbia
More water nearby: Cowichan Valley Regional District fishing maps (30 charts). Browse all British Columbia fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.