Get a License
All anglers who fish at Westwood Lake must hold a valid freshwater fishing license issued by British Columbia's Ministry of Environment. Wildlife officers regularly patrol the area and might ask to see your license. A license can be purchased at most provincial sporting goods and hunting stores, as well as directly from the province's Fish and Wildlife Department. As of 2009, an annual angling license for B.C. residents is $36 CDN or $55 CDN for visitors. If you are a visitor who doesn't plan on fishing in B.C. again, save money by purchasing one- or eight-day license. Such licenses cost $20 and $36.
Fish and Wildlife Branch
PO Box 9391 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9M8
011 250 387-9771
Select the Perfect Fishing Line Weight
Westwood Lake's varying depth levels require anglers to change their weights accordingly. The right weight will suspend your bait at the perfect depth, increasing your chances of having a bass strike. In the lake's shallower regions near its northern and southern shores, use a light weight such as 1/8 ounce. This weight may help prevent your bait from becoming tangled in the lake's shoreline vegetation. Raise the weight to 1/4 ounce in Westwood Lake's mid-regions, and up to 1/2 ounce in the lake's deeper levels near its center.
Watch for Campers
The region surrounding Westwood Lake, as well as the lake grounds itself, is a popular camping and recreational area. During the warmer summer days, numerous swimmers can be found kayaking or swimming and can pose a risk to anglers casting from the shore. Reduce the risks by bass fishing away from the lake's waterfront camping areas. The quieter and more remote areas of Westwood Lake adjacent to its hiking trails often have greater bass populations because they're quieter and frequented less by boaters.
Article Written By Josh Duvauchelle
Josh Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist with more than 10 years' experience. His work has appeared in various magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine," which has more paid subscribers than any other magazine in Hawaii. He graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
