New Lake Kapowsin site provides access to fishing, hunting opportunities

OLYMPIA - Work is now complete allowing public access to a popular fishing and hunting site on the north shore of 512-acre Lake Kapowsin in Pierce County, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced this week.

The new site off Orville Road features a boat ramp and dock, as well as bank-access fishing opportunities. It also has paved parking, ADA access, a gangway, new signs and a toilet with overhead lighting.

The nine-acre access site was undeveloped when the department acquired it in 2001. The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation provided funds to help purchase and develop the site. The Champion Timber Company previously owned the property and allowed limited public access to the lake via a gravel road, said Steve Sherlock, WDFW statewide access coordinator.

"Instead of simply replacing ramps and toilets, we created a new outdoor recreation facility that offers amenities for anglers, hunters, boaters and wildlife viewers," Sherlock said.

"Lake Kapowsin is one of the most popular warmwater fishing spots in Pierce County," said Bruce Bolding, access project manager in the WDFW warmwater fishing program. "It also has very good duck hunting."

The lake is open for fishing year-round. It has trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass and brown bullhead.

WDFW enforcement officers have increased patrols to assure safety of the site and those who use it, said WDFW Enforcement Sgt. Ted Jackson. A WDFW access decal permit—free with fishing or hunting licenses or $10.95 for non-license holders—is required to park at the site. Permit information is available at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/.

Anyone observing illegal activity at the site is asked to contact the Washington State Patrol at 253-536-4260 to dispatch a WDFW officer.