The following sections give a brief description of fishing opportunities in each county, arranged in alphabetical order. Open seasons and other regulations are given for convenience only. For specific regulation information, refer to the Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet. Until the current year’s pamphlet is available (usually by May 1 at the latest), continue to use the previous edition, which is valid through April 30.

Also check with the nearest WDFW regional office, the department's web site at http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/, or local newspapers for the latest information on emergency closures or special openings. WDFW office telephone numbers are listed on the inside front cover.

The wheelchair symbol indicates lakes or streams with enhanced accessibility. Go to Accessible Fishing Areas for Persons with Disabilities for an explanation of the accessibility level designations and abbreviations used in the County-by-County descriptions.

The exclamation point symbol indicates a specific fish consumption advisory for this body of water. Also refer to on Fish Consumption (Health) Advisories for more information.

Counties Listed Alphabetically
A-C | D-J | K-L | M-P | S | T- Y

ADAMS COUNTY

Note: Many of the lakes in this area are on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. For a map to help explore the many fishing opportunities available here, including lakes that are not part of the refuge, contact Columbia National Wildlife Refuge headquarters at P.O. Drawer F, Othello WA 99334; phone (509) 488-2668.

Bobcat Creek and Coyote Creek ponds: On the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, about five miles northwest of Othello. April 1 through September 30 open season. These small ponds support a few bluegill and some fair-sized largemouth bass. Access is by foot, south off of McManamon Road.

Fourth of July Lake: Refer to Lincoln County for a description of this lake straddling the Adams/Lincoln county line. It is managed with Lincoln County waters.

Herman Lake (35 acres): About five miles north of Othello, east from Seep Lakes Road. April 1 throughSeptember 30 open season. Herman is stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings, which should be 10-12 inches this spring. An unimproved small-craft boat launch is available, but there are no toilet facilities or vehicle parking.

Hutchinson (49 acres) and Shiner (33 acres) lakes: On the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge seven miles northwest of Othello. April 1 through September 30 open season. Angling for largemouth bass and bluegill has been very good on these connected lakes. Crappie and perch can also be caught. Access is via a spur south off of McManamon Road. Hutchinson has a gravel boat launch, but internal combustion engines are prohibited.

Lyle Lake (12 acres): Five miles north of Othello, west from Seep Lakes Road. April 1 through September 30 open season. Lyle is stocked with rainbow trout fingerlings, which should reach 10-12 inches by this spring. Small boats can be launched, and toilet facilities and parking are available.

Para-Juvenile Lake (12 acres): On the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, about seven miles northwest of Othello. This small lake shared by Adams and Grant counties is open to juveniles only (14 years old and younger). April 1 through September 30 open season. Stocked with rainbow and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Access is walk-in east off of Morgan Lake Road.

Seep lakes (located north of Othello): The “seep lakes” area includes many of the Adams County lakes listed here, plus others. Grant County (see below) also has many lakes in this area. For a map to help navigate this puzzling plethora of piscatorial potholes, contact Columbia National Wildlife Refuge headquarters at P.O. Drawer F, Othello WA 99334; (509) 488-2668.

Shiner Lake: See Hutchinson Lake.

Sprague Lake (1,840 acres): Sprawling across the Adams-Lincoln county line, this lake is managed with Lincoln County waters, and its prospects are listed there. Be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for special closure information.

ASOTIN COUNTY

Asotin Creek: Most tributaries on this important and productive Snake River tributary are closed to protect wild steelhead populations, and trout are no longer stocked. The season is open from June 1 through October 31 in the main stem portion of the creek, and with selective gear rules on a portion of the North Fork. Check the regulations pamphlet for details.

Golf Course, Silcott and West Evans ponds: These small impoundments off the Snake River near the bottom of Alpowa Grade (west of Clarkston) are open to fishing year-round. They are normally stocked in spring with rainbow trout. Golf Course and West Evans ponds also receive some jumbo rainbows of 1 ½ to two pounds each. Two fish over 13 inches may be retained as part of the five trout daily limit on Golf Course and West Evans. These ponds get fished intensively during spring and early summer. All three have public access.

Grande Ronde River: Steelhead are the primary attraction in this Snake River tributary. Steelhead cannot be retained in the lower 2-1/2 miles, but this area provides exceptional catch-and-release fishing in fall and early winter. Anglers are allowed to retain up to three hatchery steelhead a day in areas that are open to retention. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish also offer good angling near the mouth of the river during late spring, summer and fall. Various restrictions are in effect to protect wild trout and salmon, including selective gear rules for part of the year. Salmon fishing is closed to protect threatened Chinook salmon. Be sure to check the latest regulations pamphlet for current rules.

Headgate Pond: This small impoundment off Asotin Creek, in Headgate County Park about eight miles west of Asotin, is open only to juveniles, seniors and disability license holders. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31. It is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout. Fishing is good here during spring before the water warms too much.

Snake River: Refer to Garfield County.

BENTON COUNTY

Columbia Park Pond (7 acres): This small pond is located near the Kennewick end of the Highway US-395 bridge, near the Columbia Park boat ramp. It is open only to juveniles (14 years of age and younger) and holders of reduced-fee disability licenses. Open season is year-round, except for a possible short emergency closure before the Fishing Kids derby described below. Daily limit of five game fish (all species combined). Rainbow trout are stocked annually, and a plant of larger triploid rainbows is scheduled for this year. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish have also been planted. A “Fishing Kids” derby designed to introduce youth age 5 to 14 to sport fishing is scheduled for May 5, 2007; contact Kennewick Parks & Recreation at (509) 585-4293 for more information or check the C.A.S.T For Kids Foundation website at http://www.castforkids.org/Fishing_Kids/fishingkids.html.

Columbia River, plus pools and sloughs: Various species provide good fishing opportunities. Walleyes are caught throughout McNary and John Day pools, with popular areas near the Boardman and Irrigon boat launches (in Oregon) and below McNary and John Day dams. Boat-launch facilities are available at Plymouth, Paterson (primitive) and Crow Butte Park. Expect excellent smallmouth bass fishing in the river and sloughs at Paterson, Casey Pond, near the mouth of the Yakima River, and in the Hanford Reach. Another good smallmouth area, plus fair crappie, perch, sunfish and brown bullhead action, can be found in the Finley area. Channel catfish are caught throughout McNary Pool, with some six- to eight-pounders taken. Sturgeon fishing has been fair throughout this portion of the Columbia River. Steelhead fishing opens June 16 from John Day Dam to the Highway US-395 bridge at Kennewick. The Hanford Reach steelhead fishery (Ringold area — Hwy 395 to the old Hanford townsite) opens October 1 through March 31. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is best in October and November. Only hatchery steelhead with a missing adipose and a healed scar where the fin was clipped can be kept. All wild steelhead must be released. Fall chinook salmon return to the Umatilla River (Oregon), Yakima River, and Hanford Reach from August through November, with the best fishing in late September to mid-October.  There are primitive launch facilities in the Hanford Reach at Highway SR-240 (Vernita Bridge) and Ringold (Franklin County), and developed launches at Wahluke (Franklin County), Leslie Groves Park (Richland), and Columbia Point Park (Richland). Be sure to check the latest regulations and emergency measures for additional salmon fishing opportunities or early closures to protect sturgeon and salmon.

Mitchell (3.7 acres), Mound (34.8 acres), Palmer (4.9 acres), Switch (6.7 acres) and Yellepit (36.3 acres) ponds: These ponds are located in railroad fill on the Northwest side of McNary Reservoir, about 15 miles southeast of Kennewick. All have a year-round open fishing season. Fishing should be fair-to-good for a variety of warmwater fish, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, plus bullhead and channel catfish.

Yakima River: Primitive (but recently improved) boat launch sites are located at Benton City, Horn Rapids Park, Snively Road and Hyde Road. The Richland to Benton City area is good for smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Smallmouth are generally under 1 ½ pounds, but fish up to six pounds have been caught. Recent research confirms that smallmouth from the Columbia River move into the Yakima River in April and May. Trophy bass can be caught during this spring migration. Anglers may catch and keep an unlimited number of bass less than 15” in length, but no more than 3 over 15”. Channel catfish in the eight-pound class are not uncommon, but average size is one to two pounds. There is no minimum size and no daily limit on channel catfish in the Yakima River.  Watch for news releases with details for these special fisheries, or check with the Yakima regional office at (509) 575-2740 or the agency web site. The lower Yakima River is closed to trout fishing in April and May. There will be no spring chinook fishery in 2007 due to low  forecast run size. A fall Chinook and Coho salmon season is scheduled for Sept. 1 – October 22 from the mouth to Prosser Dam and from Hwy 223 Bridge at Granger to Sunnyside (Parker) Dam.The entire river, including all tributaries and drains, is closed to steelhead fishing.

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has issued this fish consumption advisory for the Yakima River due to DDT and DDE contamination: all anglers are recommended to limit consumption of carp, channel catfish, mountain whitefish, suckers and northern pikeminnow to one meal (8-ounce portion for adults, proportionally smaller for children) per week. For more information, contact the DOH Office of Environmental Health Assessments at (877) 485-7316 or visit the DOH web site.

CHELAN COUNTY

Beehive Reservoir (12 acres): Eight miles southwest of Wenatchee, about a mile northwest of Squilchuck State Park. The season opens on the last Saturday in April, with catch-and-release and selective gear rules from July 5 to the October 31 closure. This small lake usually has a fair carry-over of rainbow and eastern brook trout, and is planted with catchable-size rainbows as weather and conditions allow.

Chelan, Lake (33,000 acres): Stretching over 50 miles from the town of Chelan to Stehekin, this is the largest natural lake in Washington. Although most of the lake is open year-round, the upper end is closed during April, May and June and tributary stream-mouths are closed year-round to protect pre-spawning adult trout; check the current regulations pamphlet carefully for details concerning size and catch limits, and wild cutthroat release requirements. Effective May 1, 2006, the Old Mill Stream tributary is closed to fishing year round. Good fishing for nice-sized kokanee is usually available from mid-April through June. The daily limit on kokanee here is now 10 fish, which are not included in the trout daily limit. In June and July, catchable-size rainbow trout are planted in the lower lake near Chelan/Manson. Some fine wild trout fishing, mostly for rainbows, occurs throughout the upper lake basin above Twenty-five Mile Creek beginning in early spring. Anglers after trophy fish have a chance to catch lake trout (mackinaw) year round. The state lake trout record has been broken three times here in the last few years. There are no size or daily limits on lake trout here during open seasons. Landlocked Chinook salmon abundance is currently diminished compared to earlier years; consequently, angling for salmon is slow and is only allowed during May. WDFW is presently working to increase the number of salmon in the lake. Burbot offer excellent fishing opportunities from February through April, with fishing popular in the Manson/Wapato Point area. A limited smallmouth bass fishery exists in the lower lake.

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has issued this fish consumption advisory for the Lake Chelan due to DDT contamination: the general public, especially women who expect to get pregnant or are pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should limit [consumption of] lake trout (mackinaw) to one meal (8-ounce portion for adults, proportionally smaller for children) per week. For more information, contact the DOH Office of Environmental Health Assessments at (877) 485-7316 or visit the DOH web site.

Chelan River: This Lake Chelan outlet has been closed to fishing for several years to evaluate the impacts of angling on ESA-listed fish. Data gathered so far indicate that a bass and walleye fishery would have little if any negative impact. Therefore, the area from the Chelan PUD safety barrier downstream to the railroad bridge is open May 15 through August 31 for all game fish except trout and salmon. Non-buoyant lure restrictions are in effect: check the regulations pamphlet for details.

Clear Lake (5 acres): Eight miles south of Wenatchee, access is south off of Loop Road. The season opens last Saturday in April, with catch-and-release, selective gear rules from July 5 to the closing date of October 31. This small lake is planted with catchable-size rainbow trout as weather and road conditions allow. There is a fair carry-over of both rainbow and eastern brook trout.

Columbia River Pools: Fair walleye fishing is available in the Wells, Rocky Reach and Rock Island dam tailraces. Best chance for large (10-pound plus) walleyes is from February through April. Sturgeon are occasionally caught in this area; however, all sturgeon caught upstream of Priest Rapids Dam must be released. Backwater sloughs hold bass, perch and sunfish. Summer Chinook and steelhead angling may be allowed, depending upon size and composition of the runs. Chinook decisions will be made annually after June 15; steelhead decisions after September 15.  Check local newspapers, the WDFW web site, or the WDFW regional office in Ephrata for the latest information concerning salmon or steelhead seasons. Whitefish are available on shallow gravel bars below river mouths.

Dry Lake (77 acres): About a mile north of Manson.  Also known as Grass Lake. Year-round open fishing season. Some good-size largemouth bass are available, plus an over-abundance of yellow perch, sunfish, crappie and some large brown bullheads. Fishing will be good in March and April if spring weather has been warm, but difficult in mid-summer due to excessive emergent vegetation.

Entiat River: Hatchery rainbow trout are no longer planted, and steelhead fishing is closed because of ESA listing. Wild trout are available in the upper reaches and tributaries. Above Entiat Falls, the river is open from June 1 to October 31. Please check the latest regulations pamphlet for trout rules, including more liberal eastern brook trout limits, which are changed effective May 1, 2006. Below Entiat Falls, the river is closed year-round except for a special winter whitefish only season. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for whitefish rules which changed in 2002. Below Highway US-97, Columbia River rules apply.

Fish Lake (513 acres): About 16 miles north of Leavenworth, a mile northeast of Lake Wenatchee. Year-round open season. Access is through a private resort. This lake produces good fishing throughout the year. Angling effort is split between trout and perch. Fly-fishing for rainbows is best in spring and fall months. Trophy brown trout are available for those willing to work at it. Check the regulations pamphlet for special trout size and catch limits. Perch fishing is best in early summer, but good catches are made all year, even through the ice. A few largemouth bass are available too.

Fishing Kids Derby: An annual “Fishing Kids” derby, to be held at Leavenworth Fish Hatchery on June 2 this year, introduces youth age 5 to 14 to sport fishing. For more information, contact Hooked on Toys in Wenatchee at (509) 663-0740.

Icicle River: This heavily-fished Wenatchee River tributary, also known as Icicle Creek, has lots of small wild rainbow and cutthroat trout in higher tributaries and away from roads and campgrounds. Trout season is open June 1 through October 31, with selective gear rules in effect from the Leavenworth Hatchery rack to Leland Creek. Check local newspapers, the WDFW web site, or the WDFW office in Ephrata or Wenatchee for the latest information on a spring chinook fishery below Leavenworth Hatchery. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restrictions will be in effect during any open spring chinook fishery. Steelhead fishing is closed because of ESA listing. Waters within 400 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery rack are closed.

Lily (Lilly) Lake (15 acres): Nine miles south of Wenatchee, about half a mile south of Loop Road.  Open season is from the last Saturday in April to October 31. Catch-and-release, selective gear rules are in effect from July 5 through the closure. This small lake has a fair carry-over of both rainbows and eastern brook trout, and is planted with hatchery rainbows as weather and road conditions allow.

Little Wenatchee River: This river is now closed to fishing from Lake Wenatchee up to the falls below the USFS Road 6700 bridge at Riverside Campground.

Meadow Lake (36 acres): One mile south of Malaga.  Year-round open season. Fair fishing for warmwater species. Muddy water conditions prevail through most of the irrigation season. Private lands surrounding the lake make access difficult.

Nason Creek: This stream is closed to fishing from the mouth up to Smith Brook. Above that, it is open from June 1 through October 31, with small wild rainbow and cutthroat trout common. Selective gear rules are in effect up to Stevens Creek, and steelhead fishing is closed.

Roses Lake (131 acres): About a mile north of Manson. Year-round open season. The public access area has a boat launch. Roses provides a good winter fishery for fall-planted rainbow trout in the 11- to 20- inch range.  Largemouth bass, black crappie and channel catfish have also been planted. Brown trout fry were stocked in spring of recent years, and catchable-size browns should be available this year.

Wapato Lake (186 acres): About two miles north of Manson, just north of Dry and Roses lakes.Opens last Saturday in April. From the opener through July 31 statewide rules apply. From August 1 to the October 31 closure, all trout caught must be released and selective gear rules apply for all species except that internal combustion engines are allowed. Game fish other than trout may be kept during August 1 to October 31.

The former public access area at the east end of the lake is no longer controlled by WDFW; new owners are presently not charging a fee to use this site. Private campgrounds are located at both ends of the lake. Wapato is the best spring trout fishing opportunity in Chelan County, and should be good for rainbows from 10 to 16 inches. A bonus plant of triploid rainbows will be made this year. Yellow perch are also present.

Wenatchee, Lake (2,445 acres): Fifteen miles north of Leavenworth. Open year-round, with selective gear rules, except fishing from a boat equipped with a motor is allowed. Several campgrounds and access areas surround the lake. This natural lake does not provide any significant trout fishery. It is closed to Kokanee angling. Since no kokanee have been stocked here in many years, and there apparently is no natural spawning of kokanee in the system, all so-called “kokanee” are probably juvenile anadromous sockeye. The WDFW is trying to increase sockeye abundance to the point where annual sport fisheries can occur. The anadromous sockeye season for this year is expected to be low, and no season is anticipated. Check local newspapers, the WDFW web site, or with the WDFW regional office in Ephrata for the latest information. Anglers are reminded to carefully release all bull trout caught. This lake is the main rearing area for these native char in the Wenatchee basin. Bull trout are a species of concern and thus their season is closed throughout most of the state.

Wenatchee River: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 1997 designated steelhead runs in the upper Columbia River Basin as in danger of becoming extinct. WDFW is currently developing recovery plans. Because of ESA listings, the river is closed to all fishing from the mouth to Lake Wenatchee, except for a special winter whitefish-only season from December 1 through March 31 from the mouth to the Highway US-2 Bridge at Leavenworth. WDFW is working to increase steelhead and spring chinook abundance to the point where annual sport fisheries can occur. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for whitefish gear rules.

CLALLAM COUNTY

Aldwell, Lake (240 acres): Five miles southwest of Port Angeles. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. The state access has a boat launch and two toilets. This Elwha River impoundment is fair for wild rainbows, especially during the summer. Some brook trout are also available. Selective gear rules are in effect, except motors are allowed. Daily trout limit is two fish, with a 12-inch minimum size.

Beaver Lake (44 acres): About four miles north of Sappho, along the east side of Highway SR-113. Year-round open season. There is a rough launch area, suitable mainly for car-toppers. This small lake is good for six- to 10-inch cutthroat, with an occasional 12 - 15 incher. Yellow perch and a few largemouth bass are also present. Selective gear rules are in effect for all species, except electric motors are allowed. Trout daily limit is five fish, with a 12-inch maximum size limit. Standard statewide limits apply for other species.

Cline Spit: Located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the south shore of Dungeness Bay, beaches around the launch ramps and on the south shore of Dungeness Spit provide dipbag fishing for surf smelt October through January.

Crescent Lake (5,127 acres): Contained within Olympic National Park, Crescent Lake is regulated by the National Park Service. The lake has unique populations of rainbow (Beardslee) and coastal cutthroat (crescenti) trout. Because of concern for these fish populations, fishing in Crescent Lake is currently catch-and-release only. Gear is limited to artificial lures with single barbless hooks, and a 2- ounce weight restriction. Open season is June 1 through October 31. For more information, call Olympic National Park HQ at (360) 452-4501 or check the internet at http://www.nps.gov/olym/regs/fishregs.htm .

Deep Creek, East and West Twin rivers: Some public access east of the mouth of Deep Creek, at the East and West Twin rivers, provides access to surf smelt spawning from May through September.

Elwha River: The river between Lake Aldwell and Mills Reservoir provides quality fishing for resident rainbow trout, with selective gear rules in effect. The lower river (from mouth to outfall of WDFW rearing channel) is closed to all fishing from March 1 through September 30. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons and special regulations.

John Wayne Marina: Dense concentrations of surf smelt may be available here for jigging in the winter months.

Mills, Lake (aka Mills Reservoir and Glines Canyon Reservoir) (451 acres): This Elwha River reservoir is contained within Olympic National Park, and is regulated by the National Park Service. It offers limited trout fishing, primarily for rainbow and eastern brook trout. Current regulations are catch-and-release only for all species except eastern brook trout. There are no size, daily or possession limits for eastern brook trout here. However, anglers must be certain that they can tell eastern brook trout from Dolly Varden and bull trout, which are protected. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Gear is restricted to artificial lures with a single barbless hook. For more information, call Olympic National Park headquarters at (360) 452-4501 or check on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/olym/regs/fishregs.htm .

Ozette Lake (7,787 acres): Ozette is within Olympic National Park and is regulated by the National Park Service. Resident cutthroat trout, yellow perch, largemouth bass, yellow bullhead catfish and northern pikeminnow are present, and various anadromous species migrate through the lake. Current regulations are catch-and-release only for trout, and no size, daily or possession limits on bass, perch, catfish and pikeminnow. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks can be used (for all species). Open season is last Saturday in April through October 31. For more information, call Olympic National Park headquarters at (360) 452-4501 or check on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/archive/olym/regs/fishregs.htm.

Pleasant, Lake (500 acres): About eight miles northeast of Forks, along Highway US-101. Year round open fishing season. A county park on West Lake Pleasant Road provides a boat launch, loading and mooring docks, accessible restrooms, parking, and a playground. There is fair opportunity for cutthroat, with kokanee fishing improving later in the spring. To protect anadromous sockeye smolts and adults, there is an eight-inch minimum on all trout, and 20-inch maximum length limit on kokanee.

Port Angeles boat haven: Occasional concentrations of surf smelt are available in winter months for jigging in the boat basin. Fishing from floats is not allowed.

Port Williams boat launch: This launch located at the southeastern point of Dungeness Bay provides access to Dungeness Bay Coho salmon fishing when open. Check the regulations pamphlet for open salmon season. Good access for crabbing in Marine Area 6. For the latest information on shellfish seasons and emergency closures, call the toll-free Shellfish Hotline at 1-866-880-5431 or check the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg .

Quillayute River system: There are several boat and bank access sites along each of the tributaries to this system, including the Quillayute, Dickey, Soleduck (Sol Duc), Bogachiel and Calawah rivers. These rivers provide access to excellent salmon, steelhead and cutthroat fishing. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons, open areas and catch limits. Effective in 2006, the daily limit for hatchery steelhead changes to three fish in portions of some of these streams, for portions of their seasons. For areas within Olympic National Park, check regulations on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/archive/olym/regs/fishregs.htm or call park headquarters at (360) 452-4501.

Rialto Beach: Dipping spawning surf smelt in high surf is a change from the usual Puget Sound surf smelt dipping. Most activity occurs May through September. Some surf perch are also taken. Strait of Juan de Fuca shellfish: Recreational shrimp and crab harvesting opportunities are present throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Please consult the toll-free WDFW shellfish hotline at 1-866-880-5431 or the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg for specific seasons. For clam and oyster openings, check the Shellfish Hotline or check the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/beachreg , or the Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet. Call the Department of Health’s toll-free Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 to check on shellfish safety.

Strait of Juan de Fuca streams: Access is available to rivers and creeks including: Dungeness River, Morse Creek, Elwha River, Lyre River, Salt Creek, Pysht River, Clallam River, Hoko River and Sekiu River. These streams provide fair-to-good winter steelhead  fishing and some summer steelhead, salmon and trout opportunities. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons, open areas and catch limits. For areas within Olympic National Park, check regulations on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/olym/regs/fishregs.htm or call park headquarters at (360) 452-4501.

Strait of Juan de Fuca streams: Access is available to rivers and creeks including: Dungeness River, Morse Creek, Elwha River, Lyre River, Salt Creek, Pysht River, Clallam River, Hoko River and Sekiu River. These streams provide fair-to-good winter steelhead fishing and some summer steelhead, salmon and trout opportunities. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons, open areas and catch limits. For areas within Olympic National Park, check regulations on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/olym/regs/fishregs.htm or call park headquarters at (360) 452-4501.

Sutherland Lake (370 acres): Ten miles southwest of Port Angeles. Year-round open season. There is a state access with boat launch and two toilets available. This lake should be good for cutthroat and rainbow up to 12 inches or larger. Rainbows are stocked in March and May. Also good-to-excellent kokanee fishing.

Wentworth Lake (54 acres): Eight miles northwest of Forks, sandwiched between the East and West forks Dickey River. Year-round open season. Wentworth is stocked with a few thousand rainbow trout in spring.

Whiskey Creek Recreation Area: This area provides access to surf smelt spawning sites from May through September. An access fee may be charged.

CLARK COUNTY

Battle Ground Lake (30 acres): Located inside Battleground State Park about two miles northwest of the city of Battle Ground, off of Heisson Road. Fishing season is open year-round. Fishing should be very good for stocked rainbow and cutthroat trout, including a few large broodstock. Surplus hatchery steelhead are planted during late winter and spring when available. A catch record card is not required to fish for or retain steelhead here; they become part of the trout daily limit of five trout, with no more than two over 20 inches. A few largemouth bass are also caught. The lake offers good bank access, a small dock and a boat launch. Internal combustion motors are not allowed. Tent and trailer camping is available; call Battle Ground Lake State Park at (360) 687-4621 for more information..

Canyon Creek: This North Fork Lewis River tributary will be planted with several thousand catchable-size rainbow trout in early June. Check with the U.S. Forest Service office in Amboy at (360) 247-3900 for current road access. Check with the Vancouver WDFW office at (360) 696-6211 for fishing information.

Columbia River: The Columbia offers both shore and boat angling as it passes through Clark County. Species available include sturgeon, shad, winter and summer steelhead, sea-run cutthroat trout, plus salmon during open seasons. The river is open for shad, hatchery steelhead and hatchery chinook jacks during periods when adult hatchery spring chinook retention is allowed; it then re-opens for these fish on May 16 from the I-5 bridge downstream, and on June 16 above the I-5 bridge. Check with the Vancouver WDFW office at (360) 696-6211 or the department’s web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. All chum, wild cutthroat, wild steelhead, and wild Coho must be released. New seasons, areas and size limits were enacted in January 2006 to keep sturgeon catches under the annual guideline. The main stem Columbia and its tributaries from the Wauna power lines near Cathlamet upstream to Bonneville Dam are open for sturgeon retention on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only January 1 through July 31, and again from October 1 through December 31. Retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 42 inches and a maximum of 60 inches in this area. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed during non-retention days, however, including seven days a week during the August and September non-retention period. Again, check with the Vancouver WDFW office or the department’s web site for the latest information. Fishing for shad peaks in June, with most of the effort in this area concentrated at the upper end of Lady Island, near the mouth of Camas Slough, and off the public dock in Washougal. Yellow perch, various catfish species, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish and crappie are caught in the main river and connecting sloughs, with some walleye taken too. Boat launching is available at Ridgefield City Marina, WDFW’s Shillapoo facility, Marine Park in Vancouver, and at the Port of Camas-Washougal. Go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm for boat launch information on the internet.

Klineline Pond: Located just west of I-5 next to Salmon Creek, north of Hazel Dell. Open season is year-round. This popular pond is planted with rainbowtrout, broodstock rainbows, plus brown trout, cutthroat trout, and excess hatchery summer and winter steelhead when available. A catch record card is not required to fish for or retain steelhead in Klineline; they count as part of the daily limit of five trout, no more than two over 20 inches. Klineline will also receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout this year. A “Fishing Kids” derby designed to introduce youth age 5 to 14 to sport fishing is scheduled for April 14, 2007. Contact Vancouver WDFW office at (360) 906-6706 for more information or to register.

Lacamas Lake (315 acres): One mile north of Camas. Take Everett Road, which doubles as Highway SR-500, north out of Camas, then turn left on Leadbetter Road. Year-round open season. Lacamas features stocked brown and rainbow trout.  There is also good action for largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, brown bullheads, and a few pumpkinseed sunfish and channel catfish. The access area is small and caution needs to be taken when launching boats. Resorts and public shoreline provide access for bank anglers. Disabled accessibility - level 2. DP, Blk Tpa.

Lewis River, East Fork: The East Fork Lewis offers fishing for summer and winter steelhead. Both boat and bank angling are available. Under permanent regulations, the entire river is closed to fishing March 16 through April 15. From April 16 through May 31, hatchery steelhead (adipose fin-clipped, minimum size 20 inches) may be kept from the mouth up to the top boat ramp at Lewisville Park; selective gear rules are in effect during the April 16 through May 31 fishery. All salmon and trout (except steelhead) angling is closed in the East Fork Lewis, and the river and all its tributaries upstream from Horseshoe Falls are closed to all angling under permanent regulations. Boat launching is available at Daybreak Park and Lewisville Park, both operated by Clark County Parks Department. For boat launch information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm . For real-time river flows in the “surface date” section by checking the USGS web site at http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data .

Lewis River (mainstem): This area produces fall chinook and Coho salmon, summer and winter steelhead, and occasionally smelt (eulachon). A popular and crowded spring chinook fishery has typically taken place near the mouth from mid-March through May. Currently, the salmon daily bag limit is six hatchery chinook, no more than two adults. All wild chinook (with an intact adipose fin) must be immediately released unharmed from January 1 through July 31. All chum salmon, wild Coho salmon, wild steelhead, all cutthroat, and any trout less than 20 inches must be released year-round. Late summer and fall months bring lots of interest in fall chinook, Coho and summer steelhead. This year’s fall chinook and Coho runs are expected to be slightly lower than last year’s. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov  or with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. Some bank access is available along the dike area. There are several public and private boat launches along the lower Lewis, including a WDFW launch on the dike just below the confluence of the East and North Forks. For boat launch information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm . For current, realtime river flows, check the USGS web site at http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data .

Lewis River, North Fork: The lower North Fork provides fishing opportunities for Coho and chinook salmon and steelhead, with lots of bank and boat access. Popular and productive spots near the salmon hatchery and Cedar Creek Hole can be extremely crowded. Night closure, non-buoyant lure restrictions and boating restrictions are in effect April 1 through November 30 from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek. Hatchery sea-run cutthroat are no longer released here, and all wild cutthroat must be released. To protect wild steelhead “jacks,” the trout minimum size limit is 20 inches. The salmon daily bag limit is currently six hatchery chinook, no more than two adults. All chinook with an intact adipose fin must be immediately released unharmed from January 1 through July 31. All chum salmon, wild steelhead, wild cutthroat, and wild Coho must be released. The current outlook for fall chinook and Coho is slightly lower than last year. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov or with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. For real-time river flow information at Merwin Dam, call (800) 547-1501 or visit the NOAA web site at  http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/data.  Boat launching sites on the North Fork include the Island boat launch and Cedar Creek boat launch (across the river from the Lewis River Hatchery), both managed by WDFW, the Haapa launch, and the Merwin launch operated by Pacificorp. For boat launch information, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm on the internet. Disabled accessibility at Haapa site - Level 1; fully-accessible bank fishing and access at launching ramp; WCT, Blk Tpa, WC.

Merwin (Lake) Reservoir (4,090 acres): This North Fork Lewis River impoundment located near the town of Ariel, on the south side of Highway SR-503, is shared by Clark and Cowlitz counties, with 2,400 acres in Clark County and 1,690 in Cowlitz. The lake is open to fishing year-round. Kokanee are the main target. Angling is best in early spring, with fish in the 12-inch class. Small northern pikeminnows can be numerous and pesky. Tiger muskies were planted in 1995 to help control pikeminnow populations. There is a 36-inch minimum size limit on the muskies.  Pacificorp operates boat launches at Speelyai Bay and Cresap Bay. For boat launch directions and information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm . Call (800) 547-1501 for updated reservoir levels.

Salmon Creek: This stream can provide good fishing for hatchery winter steelhead. Good access is available near Salmon Creek (Klineline Pond) Park. Hatchery sea-run cutthroat are no longer released here. All cutthroat, all wild steelhead, and all trout less than 20 inches must be released. Closed to steelhead fishing from June 1 through October 31 and closed to salmon fishing year-round.

Vancouver Lake (2858 acres): This shallow lake on the northwest side of Vancouver averages only three feet in depth, with a lot of fluctuation, both seasonal and tidal. The flushing channel and surrounding area are closed for part of the year; check the regulation pamphlet for details. Open season for the rest of the lake is year-round. Both black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, common carp, sturgeon, salmon and steelhead are found here. Trout limit is two, with a 12-inch minimum size. Vancouver Lake sturgeon rules now match those in the adjacent Columbia River. The WDFW boat ramp on the south end of the lake is accessed from LaFrambois Road. The Felida ramp near the north end has a better boat launching facility, but finding a channel into the lake from the north can be a challenge for larger boats. For boat launch directions and information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm . 

Washougal River: The Washougal supports a summer and winter steelhead fishery. Summer-run fishing peaks in June and July, while winter-run catches are usually best in December and January. Selective gear rules are in effect during the hatchery steelhead-only season from April 16 through May 31 from the mouth upstream to the Mt. Norway bridge. Check the 2007/2008 Fishing in Washington regulations pamphlet for night closure and gear restrictions.  Sea-run cutthroat releases have been discontinued in the Washougal, and all trout (except hatchery steelhead) must be released, including on the West Fork. Fall salmon fisheries are likely this year, although fall chinook and Coho numbers may be down slightly. All chum salmon, wild steelhead and wild Coho must be released. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov or with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. Boat launching facilities include Hathaway Park, managed by Washougal Parks Department, and Washougal River County Line Park, operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For boat launch directions and information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm .

Yale Reservoir (3,802 acres): This North Fork Lewis River reservoir has 2,023 acres in Clark County and 1,779 acres in Cowlitz County. Year-round open season. Kokanee fishing is the main attraction in Yale. Shallow fishing for kokanee is best in the spring and fall; in the summer, deep fishing is the rule. Some cutthroat trout are caught near the mouth of Siouxon Creek, and Yale also has a few bull trout. All bull trout and Dolly Varden must be released. Boat launch facilities at Saddle Dam, Yale, Cougar Camp and Beaver Bay are all operated by Pacificorp. All ramps may be out of the water when the lake level is lowered. Call (800) 547-1501 for updated reservoir levels. For boat launch directions and information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm .

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Beaver, Big Four, Blue, Deer, Rainbow, Spring, and Watson lakes: Along Tucannon Road, south of Marengo. These small, bank-fishing-only lakes off the Tucannon River all have public access. All these lakes have a March 1 through October 31 open season. Fishing from any floating device is prohibited on all of them. Big Four is fly-fishing only, with a two-fish daily limit. Two trout over 13 inches may be retained as part of the five trout daily limit on Blue, Deer, Rainbow, Spring and Watson lakes. These lakes are well-stocked with 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout, plus some “jumbo” 1-1/2 to two-pound trout in all except Beaver. Disabled accessibility at Rainbow Lake is Level 1. Rainbow also has an asphalt-disabled access point along the lake. Disabled accessibility at Blue, Spring and Watson - Level 2; WCT, dirt paths.

Curl Lake (3 acres): This small lake off the Tucannon River is used as a smolt acclimation pond, so it opens later than other nearby lakes. Also see note under the other Tucannon lakes above regarding access limitations. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season, but may close early this year because of a construction project on the intake to the lake. Fishing from any floating device is prohibited. Two trout over 13 inches may be retained as part of the five trout daily limit here. The lake is well-stocked with rainbow trout after salmon smolts leave in April. Disabled accessibility - WCT, gravel paths, level parking lot (Camp Wooten Area).

Dam Pond: Just above Little Goose Dam, on the south side of the dam. Year-round open season. This small pond off the Snake River gets catchable-size rainbow trout for early-season fishing.

Dayton Juvenile Pond: As its name suggests, this is a juveniles-only fishing pond in the town of Dayton. Open season is year-round, but fishing is best in spring. This Pond will not be planted until late March this year, because of construction that took place over the winter at this site. It gets annual plants of catchable-size rainbow trout, with a few “jumbos” in the 1-1/2 to two-pound range. Two trout over 13 inches may be retained as part of the five trout daily limit.

Orchard Pond: This Snake River pond near the Lyons Ferry Marina provides early fishing for catchable-size rainbow trout. Year-round open season.

Snake River: Refer to Garfield County.

Touchet River: This Walla Walla River tributary is no longer stocked with catchable-size trout. Hatchery steelhead are planted downstream of the confluence of the North and South forks, however, and several thousand do not migrate to the ocean, so they are available to anglers as resident rainbow trout after the June 1 stream opener. Some large brown trout may still reside in the Dayton area from prior plants. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for seasons, catch limits and special gear restrictions designed to protect wild fish populations. Smallmouth bass may be caught in the lower river (below Prescott). There is no minimum size on bass in the lower river; daily bass limit here is five bass, with no more than three over 15 inches. This rule does not apply to the North, South and Wolf forks, none of which support bass populations.

Tucannon River: Plants of catchable-size rainbow trout no longer occur here because of threatened species concerns. Hatchery steelhead are stocked downstream of the hatchery, at or below Marengo, however, and those that don’t migrate to the ocean can be caught as resident rainbow trout when the fishery opens on June 1. Special restrictions are in effect in some portions to protect wild salmon and steelhead reproduction; check the latest regulations pamphlet for details and closure area. Anglers are allowed to retain three hatchery steelhead a day here. The Tucannon River is closed to all salmon fishing, and all Tucannon tributaries except Pataha Creek are closed to fishing of any kind.

COWLITZ COUNTY

Abernathy, Germany and Mill creeks: Sea-run cutthroat and steelhead are no longer planted in these small streams west of Longview, but stray hatchery steelhead may be caught in the winter season beginning November 1. All trout fishing is catch-and release only, except that two hatchery steelhead (adipose fin-clipped, minimum size 20 inches) may be retained during open seasons. All wild steelhead must be released. These streams are closed to salmon angling at all times, and closed to all fishing during September and October to protect naturally-spawning fall chinook. WDFW manages a rough boat ramp at the mouth of Abernathy Creek, just off of Highway SR-4, that provides access to the Columbia River. Its single concrete plank ramp may not be useable at high creek flows or low tides.

Castle Lake: Located in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Castle Lake requires a 20-plus mile drive over rough logging roads, followed by a tough hike down a steep hillside to the lake. The key to finding the lake is to first find the Weyerhaeuser 3000 road. Would-be anglers not familiar with the area should get a St. Helens West hunting map, published by the Washington Forest Protection Association. Those who put forth the effort have a chance for some outstanding rainbow trout fishing. This is a self-sustaining fishery, with no fish planted, so selective gear rules are in effect, along with a one-fish, 16-inch minimum size limit. Fish size has been down the past few years due to decreased lake productivity. The lake is open year-round, but the road in may be blocked by snow until at least May. The area may also be closed by the U.S. Forest Service due to Mount St. Helens activity. Contact USFS Mount St. Helens monument headquarters at (360) 274-2131 for more information.

Coldwater Lake (750 acres): Located in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument off Highway SR-504, at 2490 feet elevation. Skamania County has a larger share of the lake, but the main access is in Cowlitz County. A debris dam resulting from the eruption of Mount St. Helens formed the lake. Shoreline access is limited, but a boat launch, fish cleaning station, and nature walk are available. Internal combustion engines are prohibited, but electric fishing motors are allowed. The Forest Service charges an access fee to use the Coldwater facility; contact the Forest Service's Mount St. Helens monument headquarters (360/274-2131) for more information. Rainbow trout stocked in the late 1980s are reproducing on their own; no additional planting is planned. Cutthroat trout, both coastal and westslope (and hybrids) also inhabit the lake. Selective gear rules are in effect, with a 16-inch minimum size and one-fish daily limit. Although the lake is open to fishing all year, access may not be available during winter, and volcanic activity from Mount St. Helens could result in closure. Disabled accessibility - Level 2 at the boat ramp. WCT, Blk Tpa, steep ramp.

Columbia River: This stretch of the Columbia offers beach and boat angling for sturgeon, winter and summer steelhead, sea-run cutthroat trout, plus salmon during open seasons. Shad are available as they pass through on their way upstream. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov or with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 for the latest information on Salmon seasons and catch limits. The river is open for hatchery steelhead, hatchery Chinook jacks and shad during periods when adult hatchery Chinook retention is allowed; it then re-opens here for hatchery steelhead, hatchery Chinook jacks, and shad on May 16. All chum, wild cutthroat, wild steelhead, and wild Coho must be released. Sturgeon fishing can be good, especially during smelt runs. New seasons, areas and size limits were enacted in January 2006 to keep sturgeon catches under the annual guideline. The mainstem Columbia and its tributaries from the Wauna powerlines near Cathlamet upstream to Bonneville Dam are open for sturgeon retention on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only through July 31, and again from October 1 through December 31, with a 42-inch minimum size and 60-inch maximum size for both periods. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed during non-retention days, however, including seven days a week during the August and September non-retention period. Again, check with the Vancouver WDFW office or the department’s web site for the latest information. Yellow perch, various catfish species, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and other sunfish are caught in the main river and connecting sloughs, plus an occasional walleye. Boat launching facilities are available at Coal Creek Slough ramp, operated by WDFW; Willow Grove Park, operated by Cowlitz County Parks; the Sportsmen’s Club gravel launch at the mouth of the Kalama River, also managed by WDFW; and the Port of Kalama Marina. For boat launch directions and information on the internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm. Willow Grove Park offers Level 1 accessibility.

Coweeman River: This Cowlitz River tributary provides good fishing for hatchery (adipose-clipped) winter steelhead. Sea-run cutthroat trout are no longer released into this river. All cutthroat, wild steelhead, and all trout less than 20 inches must be released. All salmon fishing on the Coweeman is closed. Cowlitz River: The Cowlitz typically provides excellent angling for summer and winter steelhead. Summer-run fishing usually peaks in June and July, with December and January best for early winter-runs and March and April for late winter-runs. Plentiful sea run cutthroat plants also provide good fishing from August through November. All wild cutthroat and wild steelhead must be released. Also, all right-ventral fin clipped steelhead must be released in the lower Cowlitz (below the Barrier Dam); these fish provide natural production and enhance fishing opportunities in the upper river. All chinook with an intact adipose fin must be immediately released unharmed from January 1 through July 31. Fall chinook and Coho numbers are expected to be down from recent years. All chum and wild Coho salmon must be released. Some sturgeon fishing takes place in the lower river; sturgeon regulations are the same as in the Columbia. A limited smelt (eulachon) fishery may be available in late winter, usually peaking in February to March. For updated smelt information, call the WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 and press *1010. For current, real-time river flows, check the USGS web site at http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data or call Tacoma Power’s toll-free fishing hotline at (888) 502-8690. Boat launching facilities include Gearhart Gardens, operated by Longview Parks and Recreation Department; Hog Island, managed by Cowlitz County Parks and Recreation; and Olequa ramp, managed by WDFW. For boat launch directions go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm on the internet. Refer to the Lewis County listing for additional Cowlitz River information.

Germany Creek: Please see Abernathy Creek.

Green River: This Toutle River tributary offers easy access along Weyerhaeuser logging roads (if the roads are not gated shut) for much of its length, and average fishing for summer steelhead. All wild steelhead must be released, and the river is closed to all trout fishing other than steelhead. Effective May 1, 2006, the spring chinook fishery that opened April 1 will be closed under permanent regulation. All wild Chinook must be released from this year’s opening date of April1 through the existing April 30 closure. Also effective May 1, 2006, opening date for the hatchery steelhead only fishery from the mouth to the 280 bridge changes from April 1 to June 1. Fall chinook and Coho returns are predicted to be down slightly this year. All chum salmon and all wild Coho must be released. All Chinook must be released beginning October 1. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov for with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. Check the regulations pamphlet for legal fishing boundaries and open seasons.

Horseshoe Lake (80 acres): Located in the city of Woodland, with a year-round open fishing season. It is planted with catchable-size brown and rainbow trout, plus larger broodstock and triploid rainbows. Excess adult hatchery steelhead are planted when available. A catch record card is not required to fish for steelhead in the lake; they count as part of the trout daily limit: five fish, with no more than two over 20 inches. Landlocked salmon rules allow anglers to take surplus hatchery salmon. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for more information. The lake also supports populations of largemouth bass and a few other warmwater fish. A city park provides ample fishable shoreline plus a public boat launch.

Kalama River: The Kalama gets both summer and winter steelhead, spring and fall chinook, early and late stock Coho, and sea-run cutthroat trout. Hatchery sea-run cutthroat are not released into the Kalama. All cutthroat trout, chum salmon, wild Coho salmon and wild steelhead must be released. To further protect wild steelhead, hatchery winter and summer steelhead returning to the upper (Kalama Falls) hatchery are recycled downstream to the lower river. To protect wild steelhead “jacks,” the trout minimum size limit is 20 inches.  All wild chinook (those with an intact adipose fin) must be released between January 1 and July 31. Check the department web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov  or with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211for the latest information on possible salmon seasons and catch limits. The river is easily accessible from I-5, and gets quite a bit of pressure from the surrounding metropolitan areas. Several boat launching sites operated by WDFW are available: Lower Kalama, Modrow Bridge, Lower Kalama Salmon Hatchery, and Pritchards. Privately operated ramps are available at Mahaffey’s and Camp Kalama RV Park. For boat launch directions, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm . A section of river above the upper hatchery is set aside for selective gear rules fishing, another section for fly-fishing only; check the regulations pamphlet for boundaries. As of May 1, 2006, both of these upriver areas are open to catch-and-release fishing only.

Kress Lake (30 acres): This popular spring-fed lake is located near I-5 and the Kalama River Road, about three miles north of the city of Kalama (east from I-5 Exit 32). It is open to fishing year-round. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, triploid rainbows, brown trout, excess hatchery broodstock trout and summer and winter steelhead when available, and channel catfish. A catch record card is not required to fish for and retain steelhead planted here.   They count as part of the daily trout limit: five trout, with no more than two over 20 inches. Landlocked  salmon rules allow anglers to take surplus hatchery salmon. This lake provides an excellent trout fishing opportunity from late fall through late spring. There is a fair largemouth bass population, and Kress also contains numerous small bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish. A rough launch area is best suited for car-top boats; gasoline motors are not allowed.  Kress provides lots of bank access. Disabled accessibility - Level 1. DP, WCT, Blk Tpa, lgs, Blk Tp trails to WC areas to fish by lake.

Merrill Lake (344 acres): This fly-fishing-only lake is located north of Cougar near Mount St. Helens. It is open to fishing year-round, but action is usually slow during the winter months. Merrill contains coastal cutthroat, brown trout to several pounds, and some rainbow trout, all from self-sustaining populations. Special creel and size limits are in effect; please check the regulations pamphlet. Internal combustion engines are prohibited on boats that are used for fishing. The DNR campground is closed, but anglers can walk in or carry a boat from the gate.

Merwin (Lake) Reservoir (4,090 acres): Refer to Clark County, which holds the majority of this North Fork Lewis River impoundment. 

Mill Creek: Please see Abernathy Creek.

Sacajawea Lake (48 acres): This lake within Longview's city limits provides an excellent urban fishing opportunity, with good bank access available throughout the city park. Year-round open fishing season. Gasoline motors are not allowed. Sacajawea is usually stocked in late winter and early spring with good numbers of catchable-size rainbow and brown trout, plus broodstock rainbows. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, warmouth and other sunfish are also caught. Grass carp have been planted; note that it is illegal to fish for or retain grass carp. A “Fishing Kids” derby designed to introduce youth age 5 to 14 to sport fishing is scheduled for April 28,2007. Contact Vacouver WDFW office at (360) 906-6706 for information and event registration. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. Fishing gazebos, lgs, dp.

Silver Lake (3,000 acres): Along the south side of Highway SR-504 between Castle Rock and Toutle. Year-round open fishing season. Considered by some to be the best largemouth bass lake in western Washington, it also provides good fishing for yellow perch, bluegills, brown bullhead catfish, and both black and white crappies. There is a 10-fish daily limit, 9-inch minimum size on crappie here. Grass carp planted in 1992 have reduced the aquatic vegetation. Anglers are reminded that regulations prohibit fishing for or retaining grass carp. A few cutthroat and rainbow trout are also available as a result of natural production in the tributaries. The WDFW boat access has a single-lane concrete ramp and a small dock. Private resorts also offer boat ramps and rentals. Disabled accessibility at WDFW access area - Level 1; DP, WCT, some Blk Tpa, gs in parking lot, accessible boarding dock.

Toutle River (North and South forks): The South Fork Toutle supports an excellent fishery for hatchery summer steelhead, plus limited, mostly catch-and release fishing for winter steelhead (no hatchery winter-run steelhead are planted). Check the regulations pamphlet for fishing boundaries. Selective gear rules are in effect for the winter season. All wild steelhead must be released. The North Fork and main stem Toutle (from the mouth to the forks) also provide some fishing for hatchery summer steelhead, with wild steelhead release. For the North Fork, fall chinook and Coho returns are predicted to be slightly down this year. Please contact the Vancouver WDFW office at (360) 696-6211 for the latest on seasons and catch limits. The South Fork is closed to salmon fishing year round. All North and South Fork Toutle tributaries are closed to fishing.

Yale Reservoir (3,802 acres): Please refer to Clark County, which holds the majority of this North Fork Lewis River impoundment.