Nahwatzel Lake

Nahwatzel Lake is open year-round for fishing, and is stocked each spring and fall exclusively with larger rainbow trout averaging a pound a piece.  But it also receives larger rainbows from 3 to 8 pounds each, making it a great destination for quality trout fishing in Mason County.

Fall plants into Nahwatzel make it a great fall fishery but also a fine winter opportunity.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - limited to area around boat launch

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Mason
Acreage: 280.20 ac.
Elevation: 456 ft.
Center: 47.242394, -123.333193
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: NAHWATZEL LK (MASO)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 29, 2024 Rainbow 1,920 1 LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
Apr 29, 2024 Rainbow 3,456 16 LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2024 Rainbow 205 0.33 SATSOP SPRINGS PONDS
Mar 29, 2024 Rainbow 250 0.33 SATSOP SPRINGS PONDS
Mar 26, 2024 Rainbow 250 0.33 SATSOP SPRINGS PONDS
Sep 25, 2023 Rainbow 2,085 1.1 EELLS SPRINGS
Sep 22, 2023 Rainbow 1,000 1 SATSOP SPRINGS PONDS
May 2, 2023 Rainbow 4,902 1.2 LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
May 2, 2023 Rainbow 462 0.96 LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
Apr 21, 2023 Rainbow 370 0.33 SATSOP SPRINGS PONDS
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

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.
Chart of 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