Mineral 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.

This 277-acre lake three miles southeast of Elbe provides excellent trout fishingfor those who enjoy lots of company. The lake sits at 1,770 feet elevation, and on clear days Mt. Rainier provides a scenic backdrop.

The state plants more than 100,000 rainbow trout fry each year. Several hundred larger broodstock are also stocked annually, plus several thousand brown trout. Largemouth bass are also present.

Most shore fishing is from public fishing docks at the west end of the lake and docks at Mineral Lake Resort. The state boat launch is small, so patience is needed, especially on opening day.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Access is limited.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Lewis
Acreage: 274.80 ac.
Elevation: 1421 ft.
Center: 46.72644, -122.173647
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: MINERAL LK (LEWI)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Jan 17, 2023	Rainbow	50	0.2	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 17, 2023	Rainbow	150	0.1	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Aug 17, 2022	Rainbow	4,800	2	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Aug 11, 2022	Brown Trout	357	1.75	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Jun 15, 2022	Brown Trout	4,000	2.9	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 20, 2022	Rainbow	6,720	2.8	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	3,120	2.6	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2022	Rainbow	6,750	2.7	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2022	Rainbow	3,660	2.6	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2022	Rainbow	3,100	2.8	MOSSYROCK HATCHERY

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.

Coastal cutthroat trout (resident)

Fishing is best for Coastal Cutthroat in the spring and fall. There is a summer lull as fish move offshore into deeper waters to escape the summer heat in July and August. Catch is lowest in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary streams.

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.

Photos

WDFW