Tunnel Lake

A backwater of the Columbia River formed Tunnel Lake during the construction of the highway. It is a popular lake even though shore access is limited.  Tunnel Lake is located just north of Highway SR-14, between Drano Lake and Underwood. With a year-round open season, this small lake is stocked with catchable size and broodstock rainbow trout for anglers to catch.

It also has a good population of yellow perch and a few largemouth bass. There is no boat ramp, but the west shore of the lake is close enough to the road that car-top boats/rafts or float tubes can be carried to the water.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - West side of lake offers limited access for the physically able.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Skamania
Acreage: 14.60 ac.
Elevation: 77 ft.
Center: 45.717531, -121.615839
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Catchable fish plants

Release Location: TUNNEL LK (SKAM)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 19, 2023 Rainbow 2,000 2.5 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Mar 21, 2022 Rainbow 2,000 2.5 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 31, 2022 Rainbow 25 0.2 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Mar 23, 2021 Rainbow 2,000 2.5 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 6, 2021 Rainbow 8 0.12 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 6, 2021 Rainbow 25 0.25 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Mar 31, 2020 Rainbow 2,000 2.4 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Dec 16, 2019 Rainbow 25 0.2 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Dec 16, 2019 Rainbow 5 0.1 GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Apr 16, 2019 Rainbow 2,000 2.12 GOLDENDALE 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.
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

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year