Benson Lake

Benson Lake is one of the more popular Opening Day Lakes in Mason County. It provides great fishing for rainbow trout averaging a half pound in spring and really summer. Its bowl shape and moderate size makes it a great trolling water.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Bank along WDFW access site

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Mason
Acreage: 79.80 ac.
Elevation: 233 ft.
Center: 47.337387, -122.923004
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: BENSON LK (MASO)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
May 7, 2024	Rainbow	1,000	2	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 9, 2024	Rainbow	5,608	2.46	EELLS SPRINGS
May 19, 2023	Rainbow	1,000	2.37	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 17, 2023	Rainbow	5,613	2.43	EELLS SPRINGS
May 3, 2022	Rainbow	1,000	2.5	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 4, 2022	Rainbow	5,995	2.5	EELLS SPRINGS
May 4, 2021	Rainbow	1,010	2.1	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 19, 2021	Rainbow	2,195	2.25	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 19, 2021	Rainbow	2,195	2.31	EELLS SPRINGS
May 1, 2020	Rainbow	3,070	2.15	EELLS SPRINGS

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.