Watson Lake

This small bank fishing only lakes off the Tucannon River is located within the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wooten Wildlife Area. This lake is well stocked with 10-12 inch rainbow trout, plus some jumbo (14 inch plus) rainbows. 

Watson Lake is located across the Tucannon River, but a foot bridge provides access to the lake from the parking lot.  This lake is also located close to camping areas on the Wooten Wildlife Area, or U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, plus the KOA Campground at the Last Resort.  Camp Wooten, National Forest land, and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness are nearby.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - excellent shoreline access around over 2/3 or the lake with a shore walk from the parking area

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Columbia
Acreage: 4.40 ac.
Elevation: 2382 ft.
Center: 46.284969, -117.654836
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Catchable fish plants

Release Location: WATSON LK (COLU)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Mar 22, 2023 Rainbow 50 0.7 TUCANNON HATCHERY
Mar 13, 2023 Rainbow 50 0.74 TUCANNON HATCHERY
Feb 27, 2023 Rainbow 100 0.73 TUCANNON HATCHERY
Feb 21, 2023 Rainbow 2,028 2.6 LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Jul 5, 2022 Rainbow 1,625 2.5 TUCANNON HATCHERY
May 27, 2022 Rainbow 750 2.5 TUCANNON HATCHERY
May 19, 2022 Rainbow 1,000 2.5 TUCANNON HATCHERY
May 13, 2022 Rainbow 2,550 2.5 TUCANNON HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022 Rainbow 100 0.64 TUCANNON HATCHERY
Apr 4, 2022 Rainbow 50 0.67 TUCANNON 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