Researchers aren't saying they've found a monster, but they do say they believe something big is lurking in a small lake on Vancouver Island.

The researchers spent Saturday probing the depths of Cameron Lake, about 180 kilometres northwest of Victoria.

At least six people have reported seeing something unusual swimming in the lake.

The team was using a fish-finder Saturday when researcher John Kirk said they detected something big, but their underwater camera became detached and they couldn't continue.

Kirk said because of deteriorating weather, the team won't be able to resume their search until next summer.

Kirk speculates the mysterious lake creature could be a giant sturgeon, a huge eel or a massive salamander.