| COUNTY-BY-COUNTY
(K-L) 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
KING
COUNTY
Alice
Lake (22 acres): Two miles south of Fall City. Year-round
open season. Cutthroat and eastern brook trout planted
as fry the previous fall, plus catchable-size rainbows
stocked in spring, provide good action. Expect fair fishing
for a few larger carryovers. Largemouth bass and sunfish
are also present. The public access has parking, a boat
ramp and toilets.
Angle
Lake (102 acres): Near SeaTac Airport, just south of 188
and east of Highway SR-99. Year-round open season. Fishing
is for stocked rainbow trout, plus largemouth bass,
crappie, perch and kokanee. Triploid
+Rainbows spice up the action. Kokanee and perch fishing
can be good in the summer months. There is a boat launch on
the west shore off SR-99, with bank access and a fishing pier
from a county park. Disabled accessibility - Level 1.
Bass
Lake (24 acres): About three miles north of Enumclaw.
Year-round open season. Primary species include yellow
perch, crappie and pumpkinseed sunfish.
Bass Lake has a primitive WDFW boat ramp on the east shore,
just off Highway SR-169.
Beaver
lakes (11.6, 62.5, and 5.9 acres): These three connected
lakes are located five miles west of Fall City. All have a
year-round open season. Stocked catchable-size and triploid
rainbow trout are primary targets. Broodstock rainbow
are occasionally added in the fall. Largemouth bass and
yellow perch are also present. Two of the lakes are
accessible to boat anglers, and the largest of the three has
a WDFW public access with ramp and toilets located near the
southeast corner. There is a county park across the lake from
the WDFW boat ramp.
Beckler
River: This major South Fork Skykomish tributary supports
rainbow and cutthroat trout in the six- to 10-inch
range, plus juvenile steelhead, several salmon species, and
mountain whitefish. Check the latest regulations pamphlet
for current rules. There is a county park on the riverbank
just off US Highway 2.
Bengston
Lake (2.7 acres): Located seven air miles south of Startup,
just south of the King/Snohomish County line, this small lake
doesn’t show up on all maps. It’s in the south-central
portion of Section 2, Township 26N, Range 8E. Open year-round,
but at 2608 feet elevation may not be clear of snow until
late April or May in some years. The lake grows rainbow
trout to several pounds, and also contains eastern
brook trout and resident Coho salmon. Bengston
is accessible by an easy 250-foot walk from a logging road
on its east side, and a brushy old logging spur leads right
to its south shore. Vehicular access to the tree farm, managed
by Hancock Forest Management, requires purchase of an annual
access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for information. Bengston
can be fished with a car-topper, canoe, raft or float tube.
The water is stained dark in this cranberry-bog lake, so plan
to use bright lures or smelly bait.
Bitter
Lake (19 acres): In north Seattle off Highway SR-99 at
130th. Year-round open season. Primary species are pumpkinseed
sunfish, largemouth bass and brown bullhead
catfish. Rainbow trout will be stocked this year,
but are not available every year. A city park on the east
end offers shore fishing, but no developed boat ramp. Car
toppers may be launched from the north and east sides.
Black
Lake (26 acres): About nine miles northeast of Snoqualmie.
Year-round open fishing season. Expect good-to-excellent fishing
for yearling rainbow trout eight to 10 inches, with
carry-overs to 16 inches or larger. Access is via a one-way
dead-end spur along the lake’s southern shore off a
timber company’s private mainline haul road. Vehicular
access to the forest, managed by Hancock Forest Management,
requires purchase of an annual access permit: call (360) 802-5595
for information. The lake is also accessible without a permit
by hiking or bicycling from Gate 10 on the North Fork County
Road. Float tubes or small car-toppers can be launched near
the lake’s northwest corner off the road embankment.
Boren
Lake (15 acres): Four miles north of Renton. Year-round
open season. Largemouth bass, yellow perch and
brown bullhead catfish are available. Rainbow trout
will be stocked this year, but trout are not available
every year. There is a beautiful new public park on the lake’s
southeast corner, with ample facilities and a fishing dock.
Boyle
(24 acres), Bridges (34 acres) and Klaus (62 acres) lakes:
These three interconnected lakes are on timber company
property four miles northeast of Snoqualmie, with Bridges
to the north and Klaus to the south. All three have a last
Saturday in April through October 31 open season. The inlet
and outlet are closed to all fishing on all three lakes. They
provide fair-to-good fishing for native cutthroat trout
up to 16 inches. Largemouth bass and yellow
perch have been introduced. Vehicular access to the forest,
managed by Hancock Forest Management, requires purchase of
an annual access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for information.
Access is also allowed without a permit by hiking or bicycling
from Gate 10 on the North Fork County Road.
Burton
Acres County Park: Located on Vashon Island’s Quartermaster
Harbor, this park has good surf smelt opportunities
on the north side of the point from October through February.
Calligan
Lake (310 acres): Eight miles northeast of North Bend
on timber company property. June 1 through October 31 open
season. All tributary streams and the upper third of the
outlet are closed to fishing. Calligan offers an unusual
variety of sizable rainbow, cutthroat and eastern
brook trout, all naturally spawned. Access is from several
routes on private timber company roads managed by Hancock
Forest Management. Vehicular access requires purchase of an
annual access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for information.
There is a single very rough car-topper access midway down
the north shore, plus scattered shoreline access. Best fishing
is by canoe or float tube trolling wet fly or nymph patterns
in the evenings. Late season closures may be in effect due
to fire danger.
Cedar
River: The river from its mouth upstream to Landsburg
Dam is open for selective gear rules, catch-and-release
fishing from June 1 through August 31. A night closure
is in effect. This 21.5 mile stretch of river provides
a high-quality trout fishery, including trophy size rainbow
and cutthroat. A proposed regulation change to
allow trout retention this year did not pass. Waters
above Landsburg Dam remain closed to fishing. Trespassing
incidents could jeopardize this fishery, so please get permission
from property owners before entering private property.
Cherry Lake (3 acres):
Seven miles northeast of Duvall. Year-round open season.
Fishing is fair-to good for seven- to 10-inch naturally-spawning
eastern brook trout. Best fished from a raft or float
tube, as the shoreline is brushy. An angler’s trail
wends through the woods from a logging road to this small
lake.
Cottage
Lake (63 acres): On the Woodinville-Duvall Road, three
miles east of Woodinville. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 open season. This highly productive lake yields
fat 10- to12-inch rainbows from a spring fry plant,
along with some native cutthroat trout. Some catchable-size
rainbows are planted too. Cottage also provides better-than-average
opportunity for fat yellow perch, largemouth bass,
black crappie, and brown bullhead catfish. Access
is through the county park on the north shore, along the highway.
Car-toppers can be carried to the lake across a short graveled
section of shoreline. There is a recently-built fishing pier
for shore-bound anglers.
Deep
lake (39 acres): About a mile southwest of Cumberland,
in Nolte State Park. The lake is open to fishing year-round,
but seasonal park closures are in effect. Rainbow trout,
kokanee, cutthroat trout, yellow perch,
crappie and brown bullhead catfish contribute
to the mixed-species fishery. The park provides bank access
and a small fishing pier.
Desire,
Lake (72 acres): About four miles southeast of Renton.
Year-round open season. Stocked rainbow trout, plus
yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and largemouth
bass provide fishing opportunity. A sizable public access
on the north end of the lake includes parking, toilets, a
small fishing dock and a boat ramp.
Dolloff
Lake (21 acres): Three miles northwest of Auburn, just
off the Military Road. Year-round open season. The mixed-species
fishery includes stocked rainbow trout, plus largemouth
bass, yellow perch and brown bullhead catfish.
A WDFW access ramp on the southeast shore also provides bank
access.
Fenwick
Lake (18 acres): Two miles southwest of Kent. Year-round
open season. Stocked with rainbow trout; largemouth
bass, brown bullhead catfish, and yellow perch
are also available. Fenwick has a WDFW boat ramp on the
west shore, a convenient fishing dock in Lake Fenwick Park,
and trails for shore anglers.
Fish
Lake (16 acres): Located 1-1/2 miles southwest of Cumberland.
Year-round open season. Naturally reproducing cutthroat
trout provide the fishing. The lake level may fluctuate
substantially with the seasons. There is a poor access, a
small gravel parking lot, and primitive boat access ramp on
the south end.
Fivemile
Lake (38 acres): Four miles southwest of Auburn. Year-round
open season. Largemouth bass provide the primary fishery.
Rainbow trout will be stocked this year, but are not
available every year. Dock and bank access (but no boat ramp)
are through a county park.
Foss
River: This large wilderness drainage basin is sprinkled
with dozens of alpine lakes of various sizes. Trout can be
found throughout the mainstem and forks of this scenic stream
system. Above barriers that block the passage of anadromous
fish, look for cutthroat and rainbow trout up
to 12 inches in fair abundance. Below
the anadromous barriers, mountain whitefish are available.
Statewide freshwater rules apply.
Geneva
Lake (28 acres): Two miles southwest of Auburn off Highway
SR-18. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Stocked rainbow trout provide fair-to-good action in
spring months. Largemouth bass are also present. This
small lake has a WDFW boat ramp on the northwest shore. Bank
access, including a fishing pier, is available through a county
park on the northeast shore.
Green
Lake (255 acres): In the heart of Seattle near the intersection
of Highway SR-99 and 60th North. Year-round open season. Rainbow
trout are stocked several times a year, plus larger triploid
rainbows on occasion. Brown trout, largemouth
bass, rock bass, yellow perch and brown
bullhead catfish are also present. Channel catfish
are stocked in some years for more diversity. Extremely
abundant common carp present an elusive quarry and
a challenge to land. Tiger muskies, a sterile hybrid
between northern pike and muskellunge, were planted in 2000
in an experiment to help control the rapidly-expanding carp
population. There is a 36-inch minimum size limit on muskies.
A “Fishing Kids” event scheduled for April 21,
2006 is designed to introduce youth agedfive through 14 to
sport fishing. Contact C.A.S.T. for Kids at (425) 251-3214
for more information. There is no public ramp, but ample bank
access and fishing piers located at the south, east and northeast
shores of the lake provide fishing sites.
Green
(Duwamish) River: This popular metropolitan area river
provides good angling for both summer and winter
steelhead, chum and Coho salmon, sea-run
cutthroat, resident trout and whitefish.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for seasons, catch
limits and size restrictions.
Due
to chemical contamination, the Washington Department of Health
has issued this fish consumption advisory for the Duwamish
in Seattle: all groups (male, female and children)
and all ages: do not eat any resident fish (e.g.,
shiner perch, flounder, English sole, rockfish) or any shellfish
(clams, mussels) or crabs from the Duwamish.
Haller
Lake (15 acres): Located in North Seattle at Meridian
Avenue North and 125th North. Year-round open season. The
lake offers primarily largemouth bass and yellow
perch. Catchable-size rainbow trout will be stocked
this year, but may not be available every year. Haller is
accessed via a small clearing to a limited shore fishing area;
there is no boat launch, but car-toppers and inflatables can
be carried from Meridian on the north shore and North 125th
Avenue at the west end of the lake.
Hancock
Lake (236 acres): Eight miles northeast of North Bend,
on timber company property. A reminder that this lake now
has been aligned with the Lowland Lakes opener season will
be Last Saturday in April through October 31. All tributary
streams and the upper third of the outlet are closed to fishing.
Like nearby Calligan Lake, Hancock offers an unusual variety
of naturally-reproducing rainbow, cutthroat and
eastern brook trout. It is accessible from several
routes on private timber company land. Vehicular access to
the forest, managed by Hancock Forest Management, requires
purchase of an annual access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for
information.
Late season closures may be in effect due to fire danger.
There is a single small dirt access for car-toppers or light
trailers at the northwest corner. Shoreline access is available,
but is generally poor.
Holm
Lake (19 acres): Sometimes called Nielsen or Neilsen Lake,
Holm is midway between Auburn and Black Diamond. Year-round
open season. Largemouthbass and stocked rainbow
trout are the primary species. A small WDFW access area
with boat ramp, limited parking, and pit toilet is located
at the lake's south end off SE Lake Holm Road. Internal
combustion motors are prohibited by local ordinance.
Hull
Lake (6 acres): This beaver-pond type lake is nestled
within timber company property nine miles north of Snoqualmie
in the East Fork Griffin Creek drainage. Year-round open season.
It is managed for stocked cutthroat trout. Vehicular
access to the forest, managed by Hancock Forest Management,
requires purchase of an annual access permit: call 360-802-5595
for information. Hull is fishable from shore, but best from
a float tube or raft.
Killarney
Lake (31 acres): Three miles southwest of Auburn, just
south of Highway SR-18. Year-round open season. Largemouth
bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and
brown bullhead catfish provide most of the fishing.
Catchable-size rainbow trout are stocked when fish
are available, including this year. Killarney has a narrow
WDFW boat ramp on the northeast corner (across from the access
to Geneva Lake). NOTE: the north end of the lake becomes shallow
in the summer and fall, and boat launching becomes difficult;
a shallow isthmus separates the main lake from the access
bay.
Klaus
Lake (62 acres): Please see Boyle Lake.
Langendorfer
Lake (5 acres): Also known as Stossel Lake, this and one
or two adjacent ponds lie in the headwaters of Stossel Creek,
about six miles northeast of Stillwater. Year-round open fishing
season. Look for chunky coastal cutthroat of both wild
and stocked origin. This small, low-elevation (580 feet) lake
is best fished early in the season from a float tube or raft.
It is accessible from an adjacent logging road.
Langlois
Lake (40 acres): Located 1-1/2 miles southeast of Carnation.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 season. Stocked
rainbow trout provide early season action. Rainbow
carry-overs, kokanee and largemouth bass spice
the action in mid to late-season. Expect good fly fishing
for large carryover rainbows on summer evenings. Langlois
has a well-developed WDFW access at its east end, with a ramp,
parking and toilets. Disabled-accessible facilities with paved
surface are available.
Larsen
Lake (7 acres): Footpath access is available through Bellevue
Park to this peat bog lake. Year round open fishing season.
Some native cutthroat are present, but the principal
species are yellow perch, largemouth bass and
brown bullhead catfish. There is one public fishing
pier/float. This is an ideal lake for float tubers.
Lynch
Lake (23 acres): Located 13 miles northeast of Snoqualmie
or 12 miles east of Duvall, a short distance north of the
Tolt Pipeline Road via a logging spur on timber company land.
Wild cutthroat trout provide the fishery during the
year-round open season. Vehicular access to the forest, managed
by Hancock Forest Management, requires purchase of an annual
access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for information
Margaret
Lake (44 acres): Four miles northeast of Duvall. Last
Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Stocked
catchable-size and larger rainbow trout provide early
season action. Naturally spawning and stocked cutthroat
trout, and introduced largemouth bass are also
present. There is public access with an undeveloped boat ramp,
parking and toilets at the southwest corner.
Maud
Lake (2 acres): Maud is sandwiched between the North Fork
Snoqualmie River and Spur 10 logging road, about eight miles
north of North Bend on timber company property. Year-round
open fishing season, with very good fishing for stocked coastal
cutthroat trout to 14 inches. Vehicular access to the
forest, managed by Hancock Forest Management, requires purchase
of an annual access permit: call (360) 802-5595 for information.
Maud is also accessible without a permit by hiking or bicycling
from Gate 10 on the North Fork County Road. A float tube or
small raft is essential to angling success. A moderate bushwhack
is required to reach this picturesque lake.
McLeod
Lake (13 acres): Five miles north of North Bend, off the
county road along the North Fork Snoqualmie River. Year-round
open season. McLeod offers high-quality fishing for rainbow
trout and eastern brook trout. Anglers must walk
in about five minutes from the county road. A float tube or
raft is needed, since shoreline access is brushy or poor.
There are no toilets, and fires, shooting, littering or camping
are not allowed.
Meridian
Lake (150 acres): Located about two miles southeast of
Kent, just north of Highway SR-516. Year-round open season.
Stocked catchable-size rainbow trout provide fair-to-good
fishing in the early season. Larger triploid rainbows
will be added this year. Meridian also has largemouth bass,
kokanee, yellow perch and brown bullhead
catfish. Dual WDFW and county park access on the southeast
shore provides a concrete, one-lane boat ramp. An excellent
fishing pier is available through the county park.
Metcalf
Lake (6 acres): About 3-1/2 miles northeast of Snoqualmie,
on timber company land, near a private mainline haul road.
Year-round open fishing season. This small beaver-pond type
lake has foot or car-topper access for stocked cutthroat
trout. Vehicular access to the forest, managed by Hancock
Forest Management, requires purchase of an annual access permit:
call (360) 802-5595 for information. The lake may dry up in
extreme drought years. Fishing may be poor this year since
the water was extremely low last year due to a naturally-breached
beaver dam at the outlet.
Miller
River: Anadromous fish and mountain whitefish have
access to the West Fork and about 2 ˝ miles of the East Fork.
The typically high-gradient river system has cutthroat
and rainbow trout ranging from six to nine inches
where suitable pool habitat exists. Statewide freshwater season
and rules apply on this South Fork Skykomish River tributary.
Morton
Lake (66 acres): Four miles west of Black Diamond. Year-round
open season. Stocked catchable size rainbow trout are
the main draw, and a small number of larger triploid rainbows
will be planted this year. Largemouth bass are also
present. A WDFW access on the northwest shore provides a boat
ramp, parking and toilets.
Moss
Lake (6.5 acres): Three miles north of Carnation off the
Kelly / Stillwater Road. Year-round open season. Wild cutthroat
predominate. There is a primitive, undeveloped access
from the south shore for float tubes, car-toppers and shore
anglers.
Mud
Lake (11 acres): Also known as Ink Lake, it is located
about four miles south of Index, in the Index Creek drainage.
Year-round open season. Eastern brook trout are maintained
by natural production, and can provide fast action for fish
nine to 11 inches, with some up to 14 inches. This unusual
Cascade foothills lake is a worthy destination for hardy anglers
desiring solitude and willing to beat the brush. You can get
close on old logging grades. Best in spring when the brush
is still “thin,” the lake diminishes greatly in
size by late summer/fall.
North
Lake (55 acres): Three miles west of Auburn, just north
of Highway SR-18. Last Saturday in April through October 31
open season. North is stocked with catchable-size rainbow
trout, the main source of early season action. Carry-over
rainbows to 16 inches test angler’s patience, experience
and effort. Introduced largemouth bass to 3+ pounds
are also present. The large developed access area has a graveled
boat ramp, toilets, a short fishing pier and paved parking.
Peterson
Lake (5 acres): Two miles northwest of Maple Valley, off
Petrovitsky Road. Year-round open season. Fry-planted cutthroat
and rainbow trout are the main draw. This small
lake has no developed access. Look for several angler “tunnels”
through the brush down to the lake, which is best fished from
a raft or float tube.
Phantom
Lake (63 acres): Three miles southeast of Bellevue. Year-round
open season. Phantom offers largemouth bass and black
crappie fishing, as well as yellow perch and brown
bullhead catfish. There is public access on the west side.
A boat launch permit must be obtained through Bellevue City
Park Department. A small float exists for shore fishing.
Pine
Lake (88 acres): Four miles north of Issaquah. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Stocked rainbow
trout are the principal early season draw, with carry-over
rainbows and an occasional brown trout to 16 inches
sprinkled among the catch. Largemouth bass and pumpkinseed
sunfish add variety. Access is through a renovated (in
2004) county park on the east shore. The park offers a remote,
paved parking area, toilets, picnic area, ball field, and
kid’s play areas. Shore-bound anglers have good access
from the park and an excellent fishing pier. The boat ramp
is restricted to car-toppers and float tubes. Outboard
motors are prohibited.
Rattlesnake
Lake (50-112 acres): About half a mile from Cedar Falls,
south of North Bend (I-90 exit to 436th SE). Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Selective gear
rules are in effect; electric motors are allowed.
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout; carry-overs
to 15 inches are taken infrequently. A plant of larger triploid
rainbow trout will spice up the action this year. Highly
variable springs cause this unusual lake to fluctuate greatly
in volume and surface area through the summer months. A well-developed
park on the east shore has ample parking, toilets and a small
gravel boat ramp.
Rutherford
Slough (18 acres): Located adjacent to Highway SR-203
across the Snoqualmie River from Fall City. Open to fishing
year-round. This sprawling oxbow lake has good-to-excellent
largemouth bass fishing, away from the urban crowds.
A raft or float tube is required. Respect private property;
public access is only off of the highway right-of-way.
Sammamish,
Lake (4,897 acres): Four miles east of Bellevue. Year-round
open season. Wild cutthroat trout and smallmouth
bass are the main draw. Yellow perch, brown
bullhead catfish and largemouth bass are also present.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for special rules.
Closed to fishing for kokanee (freshwater sockeye), steelhead
and some salmon species. Salmon opportunity will depend on
in-season abundance. Public access is through Lake Sammamish
State Park plus a few private resorts. The state park surrounds
the lake's south shore and offers a wide range of amenities,
including multi-lane boat launching. There are no fishing
piers, but angling is possible year-round from the shoreline
or tie-up floats at the public launch.
Sawyer
Lake (279 acres): Two miles northwest of Black Diamond.
Year-round open season. Sawyer offers a diverse mix of species,
including rainbow and cutthroat trout, kokanee,
yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass,
crappie, brown bullhead catfish and pumpkinseed
sunfish. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit
on crappie here. Northern pikeminnows are abundant in
the lake, which also hosts a salmon run. Sawyer is scheduled
for a bonus plant of larger triploid rainbow trout
this year. Boat ramp and bank access is available through
Lake Sawyer County Park on the northwest shore.
Shadow
Lake (49 acres): Located 2-1/2 miles west of Maple Valley.
Year-round open season. Shadow's primary species include various
sunfish, yellow perch, largemouth bass,
and stocked rainbow trout. WDFW access on the north
arm. There is a large covered parking area and concrete boat
ramp. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.
Shady
Lake (21 acres): About 3-1/2 miles northwest of Maple
Valley. June 1 to October 31 open season. Catchable-size rainbow
trout are stocked to supplement the lake's bass and
sunfish populations. Check the regulations pamphlet
for special trout limit. There is a developed WDFW access
on the south shore with parking, toilets and ramp. Internal
combustion motors are prohibited. Disabled accessibility
- Level 3, DP, WCT, gs, steep to lake.
Shellfish
and Marine Fish: Recreational shrimp and crab
harvesting opportunities are present adjacent to many King
County beaches. Washington State
Department of Health cautions that bottom-feeding fish, all
shellfish, and seaweed may be unsafe to eat on all Puget Sound
beaches in King County except Vashon Island, and the viscera
(wet-gooey insides) of crabs should never be eaten. See also
a description and advisory for Duwamish River. Piers
and docks available for squid and marine fishing
include: Dash Point pier, Des Moines pier, Dockton Park dock
(Vashon Island), Elliot Bay fishing pier, Maury Island dock
(Tramp Harbor), North Shilshole pier, Pier 86, Redondo marine
pier and Sea Crest pier in West Seattle. Please consult the
toll-free WDFW shellfish hotline at 1-866-880-5431 or the
website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg
for specific seasons. Call the Department of Health's toll-free
Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 to check on shellfish safety.
Snoqualmie
River: Below the falls, anglers catch Coho salmon,
steelhead and sea-run cutthroat. Mountain
whitefish are common here. The river is closed to fishing
for chinook and pink salmon. Above the falls, resident rainbow,
cutthroat and eastern brook trout and whitefish
are caught. Wild steelhead retention is permanently
banned. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for season,
size, gear and catch limit restrictions, or check the department’s
web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov.
Snoqualmie
River, mainstem above the falls: Look for good-to-excellent
dry fly action for some rainbows, but mainly for native
cutthroat up to 18 inches, between Snoqualmie Falls
and the North and Middle Fork junctures. Best on evening hatches
after mid-July. Selective gear rules are in effect at all
times for all species, with a 10-inch minimum size for trout
during the June 1 to October 31 season, and catch-and release
only for trout during the special November 1 through May 31
season. Mountain whitefish are also available in
this stretch of river, and can be harvested during all open
seasons.
Snoqualmie
River, Middle Fork: The upper reaches of this fork’s
valley can be an angler’s paradise. Catch and release,
selective gear rules in effect during the year-round season
are designed to protect all ages and sizes of wild cutthroat
and rainbows in the Middle Fork proper and all
its tributaries, including Pratt and Taylor rivers (but the
Pratt and Taylor rivers have a June 1 through October 31 open
season). Cutthroat to 16 inches can be found in the lower
few miles, while a mixture of cutthroat and rainbows averaging
seven to 10 inches abound in the middle and upper reaches
of the stream. Road access gives way to riverside trails as
you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Trout to 12 inches
can be found in most deeper pools in the upper valley, where
the crystal-clear, freestone stream is bounded by snow-capped
peaks skirted with old growth conifers. In the lower reaches
where roads parallel the stream, expect much better fishing
by walking upstream or downstream a fourth of a mile from
points of easy access. Hike the old Taylor River Road (now
reverted to trail), which parallels the Taylor, for cutthroat
and rainbows in the six- to nine inch class. Ford the Middle
Fork to access the Pratt River. The Pratt River valley offers
a semi-wilderness experience, with no roads and little in
the way of trails. Cutthroat predominate here, but rainbows
also occur up to 11 inches in the deeper pools. Mountain
whitefish are found in the lower few miles of the Middle
Fork.
Snoqualmie
River, North Fork: At least three distinctive zones can
be described for this fine trout stream. A deeply-incised,
high-gradient reach known locally as the “Black Canyon”
ends about 2-1/2 miles upstream from the confluence with the
Middle Fork. Cutthroat and rainbows attain
large size in this difficult-to-access stretch of canyons
and deep pools. Fine fly and spin fishing also exists in the
middle reach of about four miles between Calligan Creek and
the Spur 10 concrete bridge. Very deep pools have developed
in this area where the river has cut into the bedrock. Look
for scattered pockets of eastern brook trout in the
upper reaches of the river where it meanders across a very
low-gradient lake bed. Cutthroat and brookies in this upper
stretch average six to nine inches. A 10-inch minimum size
limit for trout applies throughout the North Fork during the
June 1 through October 31 regular season, with an extended
catch-and-release only season November 1 through May 31. Selective
gear rules are in effect at all times, for all species. Mountain
whitefish are available in the lower river, with standard
statewide harvest limits during the June 1 through October
31 catch-and-keep season.
Snoqualmie
River, South Fork: Access to the South Fork is generally
excellent, since it is paralleled by I-90 for much of its
length, and flows through North Bend. Extensive reaches of
the lower South Fork have been channelized and diked for flood
control. Small six to nine inch rainbows predominate
in this stretch of river, due to lack of deep pools. Look
for rainbows up to 14 inches or larger in the less-fished
reach between Twin Falls (Olallie State Park) and 436th Avenue
SE. Although cutthroat and rainbows can be found in
fair abundance up to the South Fork’s headwaters at
Source Lake near Snoqualmie Pass, most fish in the upper river
where it is paralleled by I-90 are small due to a combination
of limited holding water and low productivity. A few mountain
whitefish are found in the nine miles below Twin Falls.
A 10-inch minimum size limit for trout applies throughout
the South Fork during the June 1 through October 31 regular
season, with an extended catch-and-release only season from
November 1 through May 31. Selective gear rules are in
effect at all times, for all species.
Spring
Lake (67 acres): Located midway between Renton and Maple
Valley. Year-round open season. Rainbow trout are stocked,
and largemouth bass, yellow perch and brown
bullhead catfish are caught too. Spring Lake has public
access with a narrow ramp, limited parking and toilets on
the lake's southwest end. There is no pier and very limited
shore fishing.
Star
Lake (34 acres): Three miles southwest of Kent. Year-round
open season. Primary fishing is for various warmwater species
and stocked rainbow trout. There is a primitive boat
ramp (an extension of 37th Avenue South), but shore access
is extremely limited.
Steel
Lake (46 acres): Two miles west of Auburn, between highways
I-5 and SR-99. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open
season. The largemouth bass and yellow perch population
is augmented
each spring with stocked rainbow trout. Excellent shoreline
and boat access available through the large park located midway
on the south shore.
Sunday
Lake (21 acres): This unusual lowland lake is found just
within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in the North Fork Snoqualmie
River drainage about 12 miles northeast of North Bend. It
has a year-round open season, and produces relatively large
cutthroat trout, particularly in mid- to late-summer
for skilled fly anglers. The hike-in access requires fording
of Sunday Creek. The lake may fluctuate widely in size in
drought years, and is best fished from a raft. Expect slow
fishing when the lake is swollen with snow-melt.
Tolt
River: Surprisingly good numbers of resident rainbow
trout, as well as cutthroat, are found in the Tolt’s
upper reaches, near the forks. Expect very good fishing for
trout 12 inches and larger, but keep in mind the 14-inch
minimum size limit below the forks. Selective gear
rules are in effect from June 1 through November 30; check
the latest regulations pamphlet for complete season information
and special area closure. The main fork also supports
winter steelhead and limited summer steelhead fisheries.
All wild steelhead must be released.
Tolt
River, North Fork above Yellow Creek: Rainbow trout to
12 inches are found in this fork above the mouth of Yellow
Creek (near a 60-foot barrier falls). Catch-and-release,
selective gear rules are in effect during the June 1 through
October 31 open season. Access is by way of private timber
company roads.
Tradition
Lake (19 acres): Alongside the extremely popular Tiger
Mountain trail system, 1-1/2 miles east of Issaquah. Year-round
open season. Yellow perch and largemouth bass are
caught. A moderate hike is required when the access gate is
locked. Trout Lake (18 acres): This “urban”
Trout Lake is located four miles southwest of Auburn. Year-round
open season. Fishing prospects include largemouth bass,
brown bullhead catfish and stocked rainbow trout.
There is a primitive boat ramp (an extension of 44th Avenue
South), but shoreline access is limited.
Trout
Lake (18 acres): This "urban" Trout Lake is located four
miles southwest of Auburn. Year-round open season. Fishing
prospects include largemouth bass, brown bullhead
catfish and stocked rainbow trout. There is a primitive
boat ramp (an extension of 44th Avenue South), but shoreline
access is limited.
Trout
Lake (21 acres): This is the “wilderness”
Trout Lake in King County. It is located in the West Fork
Foss River drainage, about seven miles south of Skykomish.
The lake is open to fishing year-round, but at slightly over
2000 feet elevation, may not be easily accessible during colder
months. This lake is heavily fished, so the naturally-reproducing
rainbow trout do not reach large size. Expect fair
fishing for six- to 10- inch trout. Best early morning or
evening, due to high water clarity. A very popular hiking
destination for generations, the lake was raised several feet
by a major rockslide across its outlet in the early 1990s.
Twelve
Lake (43 acres): About 1-1/2 miles northeast of Black
Diamond. Year-round open season. Primary species include largemouth
bass, brown bullhead catfish, pumpkinseed sunfish
and stocked rainbow trout. There is a WDFW boat
ramp on the south shore. The access is steep, and parking
is limited. Aquatic vegetation can be a nuisance.
Tye
River: Anadromous fish are blocked by Alpine Falls. From
the Foss River mouth to Alpine Falls, selective gear rules
and a 14-inch minimum size limit are in effect during the
June 1 to October 31 regular season. A special whitefish-only
season runs from November 1 through February in this stretch;
bait can be used for whitefish during this special
winter season. Above Alpine Falls, six- to nine-inch rainbow,
cutthroat or eastern brook trout can be caught
on flies, lures or bait during the June 1 through October
31 open season; there is a 10-inch minimum size limit in
this stretch. Access is best along the Old Stevens Pass
Highway segment near Scenic. Note, however, that this route
can not be driven clear through, as a footbridge has replaced
the old auto bridge roughly one mile from the old road’s
southern end. The river can be waded for extensive distances
during lower flows.
Union,
Lake: In the center of Seattle. Year-round open fishing
season. The fishery here is poorly documented. Species present
include largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie,
other sunfish and brown bullhead catfish. An
occasional cutthroat is also taken. Migratory salmon
and steelhead use the lake as a pathway to lakes Washington
and Sammamish. Fish production is probably affected by high
salinity in the lower portions of this lake.
Walker
Lake (11 acres): About 1-1/2 miles southeast of Cumberland.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Pumpkinseed
sunfish compete for food with stocked rainbow and
cutthroat trout, so trout size and condition is diminished.
There is a narrow, steep WDFW boat ramp on the south shore.
Parking is limited, as is shore fishing access.
 |
Washington,
Lake (22,000 acres): This large lake between Seattle and
Bellevue holds dozens of fish species, but the principal game
fish attractions are cutthroat trout (trolled deep),
a few rainbow trout, both largemouth and smallmouth
bass (smallmouth dominate), and yellow perch. Chinook
and Coho salmon are also available, but be sure
to check current regulations. Sockeye salmon are available
when run sizes permit an open season. The lake is open to
fishing year-round, but there are zone fishing closures along
each of the floating bridges, and a minimum size to help protect
juvenile steelhead in the spring. Two “Fishing Kids”
events are scheduled for May 19th at Seward Park
(contact CAST for Kids, 425-251-3214) and on June 2nd
at Gene Coulon Park (Contact Renton Parks at (425) 430-6700)
designed to introduce youngsters age 5 through 14 to sport
fishing. Principal access ramps are at Kenmore, Magnuson
Park at Sand Point, Gene Coulon Park in Renton, and Rainier
Beach Park in Rainier Beach. Bank access is abundant. Numerous
fishing piers dot the perimeter of the lake. Some of the more
popular piers near Kirkland are located in Waverly Park, Marina
Park and at the Old Ship Museum Park. Near Renton, Gene Coulon
Memorial Park offers public fishing piers, and a fishing pier
is available in Seward Park on the southwest side of the lake.
On the north end of Mercer Island, Luther Burbank Park offers
a finger pier and boat docks for fishing. Disabled accessibility
at Kenmore access - Level 1; WCT, Blk Tpa, lgs.
The
Washington
State Department of Health has issued these fish consumption
advisories for Lake Washington: All groups
(children and adult men and women), because of PCB contamination;
do not eat any northern pikeminnow. All groups, because
of mercury contamination; for yellow perch greater than 10.5
inches, eat no more than one meal (8 oz. serving) per month;
for yellow perch less than 10.5 inches, eat no more than four
meals per month; for cutthroat trout greater than 12 inches,
eat no more than one meal per month; for cutthroat trout less
than 12 inches, eat no more than three meals per month; for
largemouth and smallmouth bass of all sizes, eat no more than
two meals per month. See http://www.doh.wa.gov/fish
for more information.
Wilderness
Lake (67 acres): About two miles south of Maple Valley.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Rainbow
trout and Kokanee are stocked, and some largemouth
bass are available. The WDFW access has a shallow, gravel
boat ramp best suited for car-toppers and inflatables. Ample
bank access is available through a county park on the northwest
shore.
KITSAP
COUNTY
Buck
Lake (20 acres): Located 1-1/2 miles southwest of Hansville.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Buck
Lake should provide fair fishing for 10- to 12-inch rainbows.
The state access has one toilet, with limited parking.
Carney
Lake: Please see Pierce County, which has the larger share
of this lake straddling the county line.
Hood
Canal: Recreational shrimp and crab harvesting
opportunities are present throughout Hood Canal.
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.
Also
see FISH CONSUMPTION
ADVISORIES for Dyes Inlet, Eagle Harbor and Manchester
State Park.
Horseshoe
Lake (40 acres): Nine miles south of Port Orchard. Last
Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Expect fair
fishing for seven- to nine-inch stocked rainbow trout.
Adult Coho salmon may be planted if excess hatchery
returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch
record card is not required, and all salmon count as part
of the trout daily limit. There is a state access with two
toilets.
Island
Lake (43 acres): Two miles southwest of Keyport. Year-round
open season. Watch for the juveniles-only fishing pond. Expect
fair fishing for eight- to 10-inch stocked rainbow trout.
Kitsap
Lake (240 acres): Located just outside Bremerton. Year-round
open season. Kitsap offers good fishing for rainbow and
cutthroat trout, plus largemouth bass and other
warmwater species. This lake is also scheduled for a bonus
plant of larger triploid rainbow trout this year. A
state access with boat launch and two toilets is available.
A county park just east of the state access area has a public
dock and restroom facilities.
Mission
Lake (88 acres): About nine miles west of Bremerton. Last
Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Fishing
should be fair-to-good for stocked eight- to 10-inch rainbow
trout, plus a few larger cutthroat. A state access
with two toilets is available.
Panther
Lake (104 acres): About 10 miles west of Bremerton, straddling
the Kitsap/Mason county line, with 74 acres in Kitsap County.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Panther
should provide fair fishing for stocked catchable-size rainbow
trout, plus a few larger triploid rainbows. There
is a small public boat launch.
Poulsbo:
There are a few small spots for taking surf smelt at
the southern edge of Liberty Bay. The shoreline
is mostly private and parking is poor. Best opportunities
occur October through February.
Ross
Point: This WDFW-owned beach on the southern shore of
Sinclair Inlet, one mile west of Port Orchard, offers some
surf smelt opportunities. Parking is limited and there
are no facilities. The best smelting occurs October through
February, although some smelt spawning occurs here year-round.
Tiger
Lake (110 acres): Tiger Lake is located in both Kitsap
and Mason Counties, with only about six acres in Kitsap. See
Mason County for information.
Wildcat
Lake (112 acres): Six miles northwest of Bremerton. Last
Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Expect good
fishing for eight- to 10-inch rainbow trout, with cutthroat
trout, largemouth bass and brown bullhead catfish
also available.
Wye
Lake (38 acres): Located 3-1/2 miles southeast of Belfair.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Wye
is fair for stocked rainbows around a foot long, with
smaller trout also available. Largemouth bass fishing
gets good as the water warms up. State access with
one toilet.
KITTITAS
COUNTY
Cle
Elum Lake (4,810 acres): Seven miles northwest of the
town of Cle Elum. Fishing season is open year round, but there
are no boat-launching facilities after mid-summer due to excessive
reservoir drawdown. This large storage reservoir gets light
fishing pressure, and is a fair producer of eight- to 12-inch
kokanee, with trolling the most effective technique.
The Kokanee catch limit is generous; check the regulations
pamphlet for details. Some lake trout (mackinaw) are
taken each spring; the lake has a 12-inch minimum size
limit, two fish daily limit for trout. Burbot are
also available. The lake is closed to fishing for bull
trout; please carefully release any bull trout that are hooked.
Cle
Elum River: This is a very popular recreational area,
with large campgrounds at Salmon-La-Sac. In the lower river
(below Cle Elum Lake), expect poor fishing for small rainbow
trout. The lower river is open year round, with selective
gear rules and catch-and-release only for trout. The river
above Cle Elum Lake offers small rainbows and an occasional
eastern brook trout. It is also on selective
gear rules between Cle Elum Lake and the outlet of Hyas Lake,
with a June 1 through October 31 open season. Whitefish
angling should be good during the special December 1 to
March 31 whitefish season between the dam and the mouth. Check
the regulations pamphlet for whitefish gear rules. The entire
river is closed to fishing for bull trout, salmon and steelhead.
Columbia
River: Although lightly fished, a few walleye and
smallmouth bass are available in the Wanapum
Lake area and upstream. The river here is closed to salmon
and steelhead fishing as the result of ESA listings, unless
opened by emergency rule. Sturgeon fishing in this area is
catch-and-release only.
Cooper
Lake (120 acres): This high lake (2,788 feet) 3-1/2 miles
northwest of Salmon-La-Sac is accessible by Forest Service
road from the upper Cle Elum River. Year-round open fishing
season. Cooper produces fair fishing for brook trout and
rainbows seven to 10 inches. Brown trout in
the one- to three-pound range have been caught in recent years.
Small kokanee andcutthroat are also taken. A
boat launch is available, but all motors are prohibited
by county ordinance.Easton Lake (237 acres): One
mile northwest of the town of Easton. Open season runs from
the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. This
lake has fair fishing after late May for eight- to 10-inch
rainbow trout. There is an eight-inch minimum size
limit and two-fish daily limit on trout other than
eastern brook trout. Check the regulations pamphlet.
The lake is closed to fishing for bull trout.
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Easton
ponds (12.7 acres total): These three easily accessible
gravel-pit ponds are adjacent to I-90 Exit 71, near Easton.
They are open to fishing year-round, and will be stocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout beginning in April, and
again prior to WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend (June 10
and 11 in 2006). FioRito lakes (54 acres total): About
three miles southeast of Ellensburg, alongside I-82, accessed
via Thrall Road. Fishing season is open year-round. Fishing
should be good for eight- to 14-inch rainbow trout.
A few broodstock rainbows in the six- to 12- pound
range are stocked in late fall, and the north lake will receive
a plant of larger triploid rainbows again this year.
Black crappie and yellow perch may also be caught.
Good access facilities for shore anglers and car-topper boats,
but internal combustion engines are prohibited. Disabled
accessibility - level 1; WCT, Blk Tpa, Blk Tp trails
to lake, shelters.
Hanson
ponds: Except for Kiwanis Pond (see below), these small
ponds near the town of Cle Elum are no longer stocked. The
levy separating them from the Yakima River has been breached,
thus creating off channel rearing habitat for salmon, steelhead
and wild resident trout.
High
lakes: Many unlisted alpine lakes offer good fishing for
trout. For more information on Region 3 trout stocking, please
visit the department’s web site, click on Fishing/Shellfishing,
and scroll down to Fish Plants. For those without internet
access, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife Region
3 office in Yakima and request a copy of the booklet Region
Three High Lakes Primer.
Hyas
Lake (124 acres): A short trail hike above Fish Lake in
the headwaters of the Cle Elum River, at 3550 feet elevation.
Year-round open fishing season. Hyas offers good brook
trout angling from July through September. Fish are eight
to 14 inches, but sometimes difficult to catch.
Kachess
Lake (4,540 acres): About five miles west of Cle Elum
Lake, just north of I-90. Year-round open season. Kachess
should be fair for eight- to 12-inch kokanee by early
June. Rainbows, cutthroat and burbot are
also taken. There is a 16-fish catch limit for kokanee, in
addition to a two-fish, 12-inch minimum size trout daily
limit. The lake is closed to fishing for bull trout;
please carefully release any bull trout that are hooked. A
very popular lake with good camping areas and good boat launching.
Keechelus
Lake (2,560 acres): Three miles southeast of Snoqualmie
Pass, along the south side of I-90. Take the Hyak exit from
I-90. Year-round open season. Fishing here can be very good
at times, primarily in May and June, for eight- to 12-inch
kokanee. Burbot are also available. Kokanee
and trout limits are the same as in Kachess (see above). The
lake is closed to fishing for bull trout; please carefully
release any bull trout that are hooked. Keechelus gets
light fishing pressure, with poor boat launching after the
reservoir is drawn down.
Kiwanis
Pond: This smallest and most westerly pond in the Hanson
ponds complex near Cle Elum is open only to juveniles (14
years of age and younger) and disability license holders.
It will continue to be stocked with rainbow trout.
Year-round open season.
Lavender
Lake (20.3 acres): Three miles east of Lake Easton State
Park, near the north side of I-90. Year-round open season.
Expect good fishing for rainbow trout. Disabled accessibility
- level 2; WCT.
Lost
Lake (145 acres): You’ll find this lake about a
mile west of Keechelus Lake. Year-round open season. Small
kokanee and brook trout provide most of the
action. Although brookies average only nine inches, there
are some lunkers. Larger triploid rainbow trout will
also be stocked this year. No more than one trout over
14 inches may be retained in the five-trout limit.
Manastash
Lake (23 acres): Nineteen miles west of Ellensburg. Year-round
open season. A consistent producer of eight- to 14-inch eastern
brook trout, but heavy algae blooms in mid-summer can
make fishing tough. This high-elevation lake (5063 feet) is
usually accessible to four-wheel drive vehicles by late May.
Mattoon
Lake (25 acres): Located at Ellensburg. Open season is
year-round. This lake offers good fishing for eight- to 14-inch
rainbow trout, and larger triploid rainbows
will be planted again this year. A few broodstock rainbows
in the six- to 12-pound range are stocked in late fall. Mattoon
offers a good bank fishing opportunity for those who do not
have boats, although the lake gets quite weedy in summer.
Internal combustion engines are prohibited here. Disabled
accessibility - Level 3; small dock.
McCabe
Pond: Five miles southeast of Ellensburg at the junction
of Thrall Road and Canyon Road. Year round open season, with
a five-fish limit for all fish species combined. Fishing
from floating devices is prohibited. This small pond is
good early in the year for planted eight- to 11-inch rainbow
trout, and for channel catfish to eight pounds
later in the summer.
Mercer
Creek: This stream is open to juveniles-only within
the Ellensburg city limits. It is no longer stocked
with trout. Open season runs from June 1 through October
31.
Naneum
Pond (4.4 acres): About three miles east of Ellensburg
off Vantage Highway, on Naneum Road. Year-round open season.
This small pond is open only to juveniles (under 15
years old). It is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout
in early spring. Sunfish are also available. Best
fishing is early in the spring, as the pong becomes very weedy
and difficult to fish in late spring and summer.
Taneum
Creek: This creek offers fair fishing from June through
August for rainbow and cutthroat. Selective
gear rules are in effect. June 1 through October 31 open
season.
Teanaway
River: The Teanaway is fair for rainbow trout from
June through August. There are cutthroat in the upper
reaches. Selective gear rules are in effect including the
North Fork. This stream and its tributaries are closed to
fishing for bull trout, salmon and steelhead. June 1 through
October 31 open season.
Wilson
Creek: The two branches of this stream within the city
limits of Ellensburg are open year-round to juveniles-only.
Other areas have a standard statewide freshwater season.
It is no longer stocked with trout.
Woodhouse
ponds: These four small ponds southeast of Ellensburg
are reached off of Woodhouse Road. Access is walk-in only.
Early-season fishing should be good for planted eight- to
11-inch rainbow trout. Largemouth bass, yellow
perch and sunfish are also present. Year-round
open season.
Yakima
River: The Yakima above Roza Dam is widely considered
to be one of the best resident trout streams in Washington.
Best catches are in March, September and October for wild
rainbows averaging 11 inches; but larger rainbows in the
13- to 16-inch range are not uncommon. Fly fishing is especially
good in September and October. Expect excellent fishing for
eight- to 16- inch whitefish in January and February.
The river is open year-round between Roza and Easton Dams,
with catch-and-release, selective gear rules in effect
for trout. During the winter whitefish season, bait with one
single barbless hook size 14 or smaller may be used for whitefish
only. These same rules apply between Easton Dam and Keechelus
Dam, except that eastern brook trout may
be kept with no limit. Check the latest regulations pamphlet,
and be sure you can distinguish brook trout from bull trout
before keeping any. The entire river, including tributaries,
is closed to fishing for bull trout and steelhead.
KLICKITAT
COUNTY
Columbia
River: This section of the Columbia offers good fishing
for smallmouth bass and walleye, and a few other
warmwater species, along with sturgeon. Sturgeon
catch guidelines are established for each pool. Various anadromous
fish (shad, steelhead, and salmon) pass
through on their way upstream. Check the regulations pamphlets
for sturgeon and salmon seasons, and be alert for emergency
closures or extensions. Check the department’s web
site at http://wdfw.wa.gov
or contact the WDFW Vancouver regional office at (360)
696-6211 for the latest information on seasons and catch limits.
Numerous boat launching facilities are available, including
at Bingen, Lyle, The Dalles Dam, Avery, Maryhill State Park,
Railroad Island (just above John Day Dam), Rock Creek Park,
Sundale Park, and Roosevelt Park. For boat launch directions
and information, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm.
Horsethief
Lake (92 acres): Located in Horsethief State Park near
Lyle between the Columbia River and Highway SR-14. Last Saturday
in April to October 31 open fishing season. Check this years
trout stocking plan for information on what will be stocked
prior to the 28th of Aprils opening weekend of
fishing for 2007/2008 season. Supplemental plantings in May
and June should keep trout fishing good through early summer.
Horsethief also contains largemouth and smallmouth
bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and
an occasional walleye. A public boat launch, picnic
and camping facilities are available at the state park. Check
with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
for park opening and closing dates.
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Klickitat
River: The Klickitat is best known for its summer steelhead,
with the best fishing usually between June and September when
the river is clear. The fishery from the mouth upstream to
Fisher Hill Bridge is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
only from April 1 through May 30, with a one hatchery
(adipose fin-clipped) salmonid (either salmon or steelhead)
daily limit; minimum size is 12 inches for salmon, 20 inches
for steelhead. The fishery from the mouth upstream to Fisher
Hill Bridge and from 400 feet upstream from #5 fishway
to boundary markers below the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery then
opens for salmon seven days a week from June 1 through July
31, with a six salmon daily limit, no more than two adults
in the lower section, jacks only in the upper section.
The
areas from Fisher Hill Bridge upstream to 400 feet upstream
from fishway #5, and from boundary markers below Klickitat
Salmon Hatchery to boundary markers above the hatchery, are
closed at all times. Night closures and non-buoyant lure restrictions
remain in effect; check the regulations pamphlet for details.
All wild steelhead and wild chinook (not fin-clipped) must
be released. Trout and steelhead fishing is open June
1 through November 30, with a daily limit of two fish, minimum
size 12 inches. The fall salmon opener should provide good
fishing for chinook and Coho. Check the latest
regulations pamphlet for seasons and size/catch limits. Good
Coho fishing can also be found at the mouth of the Klickitat.
Coho numbers are expected to be down slightly this year. There
is a special winter whitefish-only season above the
salmon hatchery. Check the latest regulations pamphlet
for season and whitefish gear rules. The following lower Klickitat
tributaries are closed to all fishing: Dillacort, Silvas,
Skookumchuck, Snyder, Swale, Wahkiacus and Wheeler
creeks. A small sandy boat ramp exists at Lyle, but most
boaters prefer to launch at Mayer Park in Oregon. Farther
upstream, WDFW manages several access sites; Mineral Springs,
Leidl and Stinson Flats. For boat launch information on the
internet, go to http://www.iac.wa.gov/maps/boat.htm.
For real-time Washington river flows, check the USGS web site
at http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data/.
Disabled accessibility at Lyle access - Level 2; WCT,
lgs, dp.
Northwestern
Reservoir (97 acres): This reservoir is located behind
Condit Dam on the White Salmon River. Open season runs from
the last Saturday in April through February 28th. A trip
to this lake will be rewarded with catches of 10-12 inch rainbows,
some carryover larger broodstock and triploid
rainbows. Another 500+ triploid rainbows will be added
for the 2007/2008 fishing season. There is a public boat
launch with picnic area on the northwest shore, and a small
park at the north end.
Rowland
lakes (85 acres total): These lakes four miles east of
Bingen are split by Highway SR-14. They are open to fishing
from the last Saturday in April through February 28th. Good
numbers of catchable size rainbow trout are stocked
in the north side before the opener, along with some large
broodstock rainbows to make things more interesting.
Another shot of rainbows will be added for Free Fishing Weekend
in June, and North Rowland is also scheduled to receive a
bonus plant of 1990 triploid rainbow trout in April,
2007. Bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish
are also caught here. There's good shore access, and a
rough boat launch on North Rowland (north of the highway).
Spearfish
Lake (22 acres): Located just north of the Dalles Dam.
Last Saturday in April through February 28 open season. This
popular lake should provide good fishing on opening day for
catchable-size rainbow trout, with some broodstock
rainbows also available. Shore access around the entire
lake is excellent, with a boat ramp and adjacent park.
Streams:
Several streams in Klickitat County will be stocked with
legal-size rainbows before the June 1 stream opener.
These include: Bird, Blockhouse, Bloodgood, Bowman, Mill,
Outlet, and Spring creeks, and Little Klickitat
River (April opener; juveniles-only within Goldendale
city limits). Another plant of legal rainbows will be
ready for a derby on Jewitt Creek (juveniles only).
White
Salmon River: This river system offers fishing for spring
and fall salmon, plus winter and summer steelhead.
See Skamania County for more information.
LEWIS
COUNTY
Carlisle
Lake (20 acres): On the northwest edge of Onalaska. Open
season is from the last Saturday in April through February
28. This popular opening-day lake is generously stocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout for opening day, plus
some large broodstock and triploid rainbows,
and several thousand brown trout. Landlocked salmon
rules are in effect, in case excess hatchery fish become available.
Carlisle also has a few largemouth bass. Public access
is available, and small boats can be launched, but internal
combustion engines are not allowed.
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Cowlitz
River: See Cowlitz County for a general description of
the species available. Boating access is available at the
I-5 bridge just south of Exit 59, at Massey Bar, at Blue Creek
Hatchery, and at the Barrier Dam near the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.
For more information and directions on boating access sites,
go to http://www.iac.wa.gov
. For current, real time river flows, check the USGS web
site at http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data
for the latest map or call Tacoma Power’s toll-free
fishing hotline at (888) 502-8690. The access area at Cowlitz
Trout Hatchery (Blue Creek) is one of the most popular bank
fishing areas on the river. Mill Creek and Blue Creek provide
an additional hatchery winter steelhead opportunity during
some months. Night closures and non-buoyant lure restrictions
are in effect during these fisheries. Check the latest regulations
pamphlet for additional restrictions and closures in the Mill
Creek to Barrier Dam area. Blue Creek provides a special
fishing area for wheelchair-bound anglers; again, check
the latest regulations pamphlet for boundaries and more information.
All cutthroat must be released in the Cowlitz and Cispus rivers
upstream from Cowlitz Falls Dam, including Lake Scanewa, Clear
and Muddy forks of the Cowlitz, Ohanapecosh River, and North
Fork of the Cispus. As of May 1, 2006, the North Fork Cispus,
and Clear and Muddy forks of the Cowlitz, will have selective
gear rules during all open seasons. Disabled accessibility
at Blue Creek - Level 3; WCT, lgs, Blk Tpa.
Fort
Borst Park Pond (5 acres): In Fort Borst Park near Centralia.
Open only to juveniles (14 years and younger). Last
Saturday in April through February 28open season. The lake
is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout for opening
day, then again in May, along with some larger triploid
rainbows. A few warmwater fish are also available.
Mayfield
Lake: About three miles west of Mossyrock. Year-round
open season. The big attraction on this Cowlitz River impoundment
is tiger muskies. The state record for this introduced
hybrid is currently over 31 pounds, and larger ones are out
there. Best musky fishing is during the warmer months. The
minimum size limit for muskies is 36 inches (but anglers
are asked to consider releasing all muskies). Fishing should
be good this year for net-pen reared and stocked rainbow
trout ranging from catchable-size to a pound or more,
thanks to a cooperative venture with Friends of the Cowlitz.
There is an 8-inch minimum size on trout, and all cutthroat
trout in Mayfield Lake and the Tilton River must
be released. Effective May 1, 2006, only adipose clipped rainbow
trout may be retained in Mayfield Lake and the Tilton River;
all catchable rainbow trout stocked will be fin-clipped. Surplus
hatchery Coho may be placed in the lake for additional
fishing opportunity. Yellow perch are also caught in
fair numbers, and a few largemouth bass are present.
Boating access is available at a Lewis County park just off
of Highway US-12, at Ike Kinswa State Park, and at a private
resort. There is fair shore fishing access at the state park
and at the Mossyrock trout hatchery.
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Mineral
Lake (277 acres): Three miles southeast of Elbe. Anglers
are often rewarded with a magnificent view of Mt. Rainier.
Last Saturday in April through September 30 open season. More
than 100,000 fingerling rainbow trout are planted each
year, and good fishing is anticipated for trout up to 12 inches
long with a few larger ones. In a cooperative venture with
Mineral Lake Resort, 15,000 catchable size rainbows were raised
in net pens this past winter, to be released for the spring
opening. Some large broodstock rainbows will also be
planted before the opener, plus triploid rainbows and
several thousand brown trout. Illegally-introduced
largemouth bass are present. The WDFW boating access
is small, so patience is needed when launching. A public fishing
dock provides very good access for all anglers. A private
resort provides boat rentals. Disabled accessibility - Level
2. WCT, lgs, two fully-accessible fishing docks with lower
guard rails.
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Plummer
Lake (12 acres): On the east side of I-5 at Centralia.
Last Saturday in April through February 28 open season. Catchable-size
th e rainbow trout are planted for opening day. This
small lake also has yellow perch, bluegill and
a few largemouth bass. Public access is limited, but
a small car-topper launching area is available at the end
of Lewis Street.
Riffe
Lake (11,830 acres): This Cowlitz River reservoir stretches
more than 13 miles along US-12 east of Mossyrock. Year-round
open fishing season. Riffe provides good fishing for rainbow
and cutthroat trout, landlocked chinook and
Coho salmon, plus an occasional large brown trout.
Landlocked salmon rules apply. Smallmouth bass are
well established, and a few largemouth are taken too.
Other warmwater species present include brown bullheads,
along with a few bluegill and crappie. Mossyrock
Park, near the west end on the south side of the dam, has
camping facilities that can be reserved by calling 1-888-226-7688.
Mossyrock Park boat launch remains useable during most low-water
conditions. Boat launches at the east end (Kosmos and Taidnapam
Park) are
not usable during low-water periods. Bank access is available
on both sides near the dam and at the Taidnapam Park “fishing
bridge” near the upper end of the lake. Call the Tacoma
Power toll-free fishing hotline at (888) 502-8690 to check
reservoir levels.
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Scanewa
Lake (610 acres): This Cowlitz River reservoir is located
about 10 miles southwest of Randle. To get there, turn on
Savio Road west of Randle, go south on Kiona Road two miles
to Falls Road, then west on Falls Road to signs. Open season
is June 1 through February 28. The reservoir is stocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout by Lewis County PUD. Only
adipose fin-clipped rainbow trout may be retained here; all
catchable rainbow trout stocked will be fin-clipped. All
cutthroat in the Cowlitz and Cispus rivers upstream from Cowlitz
Falls Dam, which includes Scanewa Lake, must be released.
Excess hatchery Coho are planted here in fall to
provide additional fishing opportunity; spring chinook
and steelhead have also been released here. All
wild Coho must be released, and all wild Chinook must be released
during June and July. Two parks have been constructed
by the PUD, one with campgrounds and one for day use. The
campground park is closed during winter; about October 1 through
May 1. Both parks provide a boat launch with 8-foot dock,
and good disabled accessibility.
Skate
Creek: This popular stream near Packwood is stocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout before the June 1 opener
and throughout the summer. Only adipose fin-clipped rainbow
trout may be retained here; all catchable rainbow trout stocked
will be fin-clipped. Check the regulations pamphlet
for special trout size limits.
South
Lewis County Park Pond (17 acres): This small pond just
southeast of Toledo has good shore and fishing pier access,
and a boat launch. It is stocked with catchable-size rainbow
and brown trout, and excess sea-run cutthroat
when available. Triploid rainbows will be added
this year. Some largemouth bass and bluegill are
also available, and a few tiger muskies were introduced
in 1999. Tiger musky minimum size limit is 36 inches.
Grass carp have also been planted. It is illegal to fish
for or retain grass carp. Year-round open season.
Swofford
Pond (240 acres): Located near the south shore of Riffe
Lake east of Mossyrock; follow Mossyrock Road east out of
town, then turn right on Swofford Road. Year-round open season.
This lake has naturally-reproducing populations of bluegill,
crappie, largemouth bass, and brown bullheads.
Channel catfish have been stocked, and a couple of
fish in the 20-pound class have been caught. Swofford
also receives plants of several thousand catchable-size rainbow
and brown trout in the spring, and there are some
large carry-over browns in the lake. There is an unimproved
boat launching area. Gasoline motors are not allowed.
Tilton
River: The mainstem from the mouth to West Fork is planted
with catchable-size rainbow trout before the June 1
stream opener and throughout the summer. All cutthroat
must be released in the mainstem. Only adipose-clipped rainbow
trout may be retained here; all catchable rainbow trout stocked
will be fin-clipped. Surplus hatchery steelhead and
Coho salmon are planted here during fall and winter.
Check the regulations pamphlet for special trout size limits.
All Tilton forks have different rules than the mainstem, including
selective gear rules and a shorter season.
LINCOLN
COUNTY
(Note:
Many Lincoln County fishing opportunities, including Coffeepot
Lake and Upper and Lower Twin lakes, are on land managed by
the Bureau of Land Management. For a map to help navigate
these sites, please contact the BLM Spokane office at 509-536-1200,
or on the internet at http://www.or.blm.gov/spokane.)
Coffeepot
Lake (317 acres): Twelve miles northeast of Odessa. March
1 through September 30 open season. While this lake is a “Selective
Gear” rule lake, gas motors are allowed. See current
Fishing Regulations pamphlet for more information. This enlargement
of Lake Creek consists of two sections, and provides a quality
angling and wildlife viewing opportunity. Catchable-size rainbow
trout are stocked. Fly-fishing for trout, and gear-fishing
(small jigs) for yellow perch and black crappie
can be excellent. The BLM access provides boat launching
and limited camping.
Crab
Creek: Fishing can be good for brown and rainbow
trout in some portions of this Lincoln County farmland
drainage. Open season is year-round. This water has recently
become a popular destination for fly-fishers. Access is primarily
from private property. Be sure to get permission ahead of
time.
Deer
(aka Deer Springs) Lake (60 acres): About 12 miles northeast
of Odessa. Last Saturday in April through September 30 open
season. Fry and catchable size rainbow trout are planted
annually, and brown trout have been stocked. Fishing
for yellow perch can be good some years. Pumpkinseed
sunfish and largemouth bass are also present. Rough
camp sites are available on the north end. Access areas can
be muddy early in the season, and water levels are expected
to be low this year.
Fishtrap
Lake (196 acres): Located 6-1/2 miles east of Sprague,
on the Lincoln/Spokane County line, with about 173 acres in
Lincoln County. Fishtrap can be reached from the east via
I-90 Exit 254 to a county road (Old State Highway) running
south, then easterly on Fishtrap/Scroggie Road to the northeast
end of the lake, or from the west via the Sprague exit (Exit
245). Last Saturday in April through September 30 open season.
Fishing is expected to be good this year for fry planted rainbow
trout, with a few larger broodstock and triploid
rainbows also available. Both a resort launch and public
access area launch are available.
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