Wilderness Lake

2024 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2024 Trout Derby page.

The primary fishing opportunities include stocked Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, and resident Largemouth Bass.

This lake is one of only ten waters in King County managed with a seasonal fishing closure. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season and decline as fish are harvested and as warmer water temperatures force trout to seek areas of colder refuge. Fall is often overlooked by anglers, but can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

The WDFW access has a shallow, gravel boat ramp best suited for car-toppers and inflatable watercraft. Ample bank access is available at Lake Wilderness Park (City of Maple Valley) on the northwest shore.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline and fishing pier at public park

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 65.90 ac.
Elevation: 468 ft.
Center: 47.374573, -122.035608
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: WILDERNESS LK (KING)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 23, 2019 Rainbow 4,002 2.3 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 17, 2019 Rainbow 4,000 2.5 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 16, 2019 Rainbow 4,036 2.37 EELLS SPRINGS
Apr 19, 2018 Rainbow 3,600 1.9 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2018 Rainbow 8,658 2.6 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2017 Rainbow 3,000 2.3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2017 Rainbow 400 0.8 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 10, 2017 Rainbow 8,000 2.5 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2016 Rainbow 10,700 2.4 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2016 Rainbow 1,300 2.4 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
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

Kokanee

The Kokanee fishery typically lasts from April-October before the adults leave the lake to spawn in tributaries starting in late-October and early-November. Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer in deeper offshore areas near the thermocline. There may be a slight uptick in some waters in the fall as adults return to shallower water and move near shore towards spawning tributaries.
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

Photos
Wilderness Lake
Photo by WDFW