Rapjohn Lake

Rapjohn Lake is currently open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31 and offers good harvest opportunity for stocked rainbow trout. The lake also supports naturally reproducing populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Limited shoreline access

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Pierce
Acreage: 59.10 ac.
Elevation: 636 ft.
Center: 46.905177, -122.342204
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: RAPJOHN LK (PIER)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 23, 2020	Rainbow	1,401	2.26	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 23, 2020	Rainbow	600	2.4	EELLS SPRINGS
May 2, 2019	Rainbow	2,000	2.5	EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 11, 2019	Rainbow	4,000	2.5	EELLS SPRINGS
May 1, 2018	Rainbow	2,200	2.6	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 3, 2018	Rainbow	4,000	2.4	EELLS SPRINGS
May 16, 2017	Rainbow	1,900	2.4	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2017	Rainbow	2,800	2.4	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2017	Rainbow	90	0.8	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 10, 2016	Rainbow	2,000	2.4	PUYALLUP 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.

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.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Photos

Photo by WDFW