Benson Lake

2023 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2023 Trout Derby page.

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 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 2.31 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 19, 2021 Rainbow 2,195 2.25 EELLS SPRINGS
May 1, 2020 Rainbow 3,070 2.15 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 24, 2020 Rainbow 2,800 2.17 EELLS SPRINGS
May 16, 2019 Rainbow 1,016 2.31 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 15, 2019 Rainbow 5,303 2.5 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 15, 2019 Rainbow 300 2.5 EELLS SPRINGS
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year