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County-by-County [O-P]...
This section gives a brief description of fishing opportunities in each county, arranged in alphabetical order. For specific regulation information, refer to the Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet. Until the current year's pamphlet is available (usually by May 1 at the latest), continue to use the previous edition. Also check local newspapers or the nearest WDFW regional office for the latest information on emergency closures.
The wheelchair symbol indicates lakes or streams with enhanced accessibility.
OKANOGAN COUNTY
Aeneas Lake (27 acres): This small lake about 3-1/2 miles south of Tonasket has rainbow and brown trout. Expect these to run from 12 to18 inches. Fishing will be excellent this year. Fly-fishing only is the rule here, and use of motors is prohibited. Car-topped boats can be launched and toilets are available. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Alta Lake (184 acres): Anglers can expect good fishing for rainbow trout at this lake a little over two miles southwest of Pateros. Public access areas, a state park, and a private resort provide facilities. Last Saturday in April through September 30 season.
Big Twin Lake (79 acres): Fishing should be good for chunky rainbows here, plus some Lahontan cutthroat. This lake, located about two miles south of Winthrop, has selective gear rules, except electric motors are allowed. A resort and public access with toilets are available. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.
Blue Lake (160 acres): Located in the
Sinlahekin Valley, this lake is expected to
provide excellent fishing for rainbow and brown
trout running from 12 to 18 inches. There is a 1-fish
daily limit, and selective gear rules are in effect,
except electric motors are allowed. A graveled launch
and toilets are available. Open season is from the last
Saturday in April through October 31. Disabled
accessibility - Level 2. 3 WCTs, lgs.
Bonaparte Lake (160 acres): About 18 miles northeast of Tonasket, this year-round lake has kokanee, rainbows, lake trout (mackinaw) and brook trout. A resort is available, plus a fishing pier at the USFS campground.
Campbell Lake (11 acres) and Davis Lake (39 acres): These small lakes southeast of Winthop (six and four miles, respectively) have a fall and winter "catch-and-keep" fishery, opening September 1 and running through March 31. Effective May 1, 2000, they will open with a spring catch-and-release only season running from May 1 through August 31, when the standard fall/winter season opens. Both lakes provide good fall trout fishing, but occasionally experience winter fish mortality. During mild winters fish survive well and grow rapidly, sufficient to provide recreational opportunities in late spring.
Chopaka Lake (149 acres): This fly-fishing-only
lake 6-1/4 miles north of Loomis has a one-fish
daily limit, and use of all motors is prohibited. Trophy
rainbow trout are found here, but fishing is
sometimes slow and road access poor early in the
season. It's accessible with car-topped boats and has
toilets and camping. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 season. Accessible fishing pier and toilets.
Conconully Lake (313 acres): Prospects are good with rainbows running 10 to 11 inches, plus some larger carry-overs. Largemouth bass are also present. Graveled boat launches with toilets are available. Located near the town of Conconully, this lake was formerly called Salmon Lake. Open last Saturday in April to October 31.
Conconully Reservoir (450 acres): This reservoir by the town of Conconully should offer fair fishing for rainbows averaging 10. There is also a small, self-sustaining population of kokanee. Boat launches, toilets and a resort are available. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Davis Lake: See Campbell Lake.
Ell Lake (21 acres): Fishing prospects are good for rainbow trout in the 12-inch range, and a large percentage of carry-overs. Low water levels have caused problems in the past, but the situation is vastly improved now. The excellent trout fishery is maintained by using an aerator to provide oxygen for the fish during both summer and winter. This small lake 16 miles southeast of Tonasket has selective gear rules and a one-trout limit. A boat launch and toilets are available. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Fish Lake (102 acres): Expect rainbow trout
averaging 10 to 11 inches, plus a fair number of
larger carry-overs. Two public access areas with
launches and toilets are provided. Fish Lake is about
4-1/2 miles northeast of Conconully. Open season is
from the last Saturday in April through September 30.
Disabled accessibility - Level 3. WCT south side, dp,
two WCTs, east side gravel, dirt areas.
Forde Lake (24 acres): Located on the
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area south of Loomis, this
lake is populated with wild brook trout. Open season
is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, lgs.
Green lakes (54 acres): These two lakes (Green
and Lower Green) located about five miles
northwest of Omak have a winter "catch-and-keep"
season running from December 1 through March 31.
In addition, new regulations effective May 1, 2000,
allow catch-and-release fishing from April 1 through
November 30. Fishing should be good for 10- to 14-inch rainbow trout. Green Lake (45 acres) has a boat
launch and toilets. Disabled accessibility level 3,
WCT with steep access. Little Green Lake (9 acres,
also called Lower Green Lake) also has level 3
disabled accessibility, with WCT, dirt paths, sloped.
High lakes: There are over 125 high elevation lakes in Okanogan County. Most are stocked with trout or have naturally-reproducing populations. Fishing is excellent July through October. Cutthroat are the main catch, but rainbows and brook trout are also available. Many of these lakes can be located on an Okanogan National Forest map.
Leader Lake (Reservoir) (159 acres): This lake 4-1/4 miles west of Okanogan was rehabilitated in fall of 1998. Catchable rainbow trout will be stocked prior to opening day, and fair fishing is expected for the opener. Boat launches, toilets, and camping available. Open season from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Little Twin Lake (23 acres): Located about two miles south of Winthrop, Little Twin has a special winter season; check the regulations pamphlet for details. Fishing should be good for 11-inch rainbows, with some carry-overs to 16 inches. There is an access area with boat launch.
Methow River: Long noted for its steelhead
fishery, the river is now closed to all steelhead
fishing. The National Marine Fisheries Service in
1997 designated steelhead runs in the upper Columbia
River Basin in danger of extinction. This listing
precludes any steelhead fishing opportunities. WDFW
is currently developing recovery plans. Trout fishing
will be closed in most of the watershed, wherever
salmon and steelhead occur, with the exception of
parts of the Methow, Chewuch and Twisp rivers.
WDFW is working with NMFS to conduct a test
fishery in 2000 and 2001 to examine the effects of a
catch-and-release fishery on ESA-listed species. If a
trout fishery occurs, selective gear rules will be
required (single, barbless hooks and no bait). Check
with the WDFW Ephrata office for more information,
and check the latest regulations pamphlet for
boundary restrictions. Dolly Varden/bull trout fishing
is prohibited to help improve numbers of these native
char. Some whitefish action will be available
December 1 through March 31, but is subject to
change due to ESA steelhead listing. Use of bait will
be allowed again for winter whitefish, but hooks must
not have larger than a 3/16-inch gap from point-to-shank (about size #14). Disabled accessibility - Level
2. DP, WCT, Blk Tpa, level area. Camping is
available but steep river banks are not very accessible
to wheelchair users.
Okanogan River: Due to steelhead ESA listing, fisheries have been modified substantially for all fish species on this river. The steelhead fishery is closed. Please check the regulations pamphlet for complete information. Smallmouth bass are the best bet, for fish averaging 10 to 12 inches, and some exceeding 3 pounds. Walleye action has grown over the past few years, mainly from the mouth upstream to the bridge at Malott. Most shorelines are privately owned; float trips offer the best fishing opportunity.
Osoyoos Lake (5,723 acres, 2,036 of which are in the U.S.): Anglers can expect low catches of naturally-reproducing rainbows and kokanee. Trout to 14 inches and larger can be caught, with kokanee running 10 to 14 inches. This lake also offers some good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing during the spring and summer, and good yellow perch fishing in winter. Open year-round. State park facilities are available.
Palmer Lake (2,063 acres): Smallmouth bass provide some excellent action. A slot limit for bass is in place; please check the regulations pamphlet for details. This year-round water 4-1/2 miles north of Loomis also offers kokanee, largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, and burbot, with the latter being primarily a winter fishery. Both numbers and size of burbot have declined. The statewide burbot catch limit has been reduced to five fish. Northern pikeminnows (squawfish) are present too. BLM and DNR campgrounds and toilets are available at each end of the lake.
Patterson Lake (130 acres): Although Patterson is sometimes a slow starter, anglers can expect fair to good early season action on rainbows 8 to 9 inches, with a few eastern brook trout and some carry-over rainbows up to 15 inches. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31. A resort, plus public access with toilets and a launch are available at this popular lake in the Methow Wildlife Area.
Pearrygin Lake (212 acres): Expect good
fishing for 9- to 10-inch rainbow trout in this
Methow Wildlife Area lake. Open season is from the
last Saturday in April through September 30. State
park facilities and a public access with launch and
toilets are available. Disabled accessibility Level 2
at state park, with accessible camping sites.
Rat Lake (63 acres): This lake 5-1/2 miles north of Brewster has a special winter season; check the regulations pamphlet for details. Fishing should remain good this year for 11- to 16-inch rainbow trout. There is a boat launch, but access may be a problem, as the road is not plowed.
Sidley Lake (116 acres): Sidley is located near Molson, less than a mile from the Canadian border. It should provide good quality rainbows in the 12- to 13-inch range, with carry-overs up to 18 inches. An aerator is maintained, so improved trout survival should mean better fishing. Open year-round.
Similkameen River: Steelhead fishing is closed due to ESA listing, but other game fish opportunities are available. Open season has changed to June 1 through August 31 from the mouth to Enloe Dam. Please check the regulations pamphlet for size, gear, catch limit and boundary restrictions. There is a fair fishery for whitefish during the special whitefish-only season above the dam during winter (December 1 March 31), when the river is not frozen (usually December and March).
Sinlahekin Creek: Access is difficult on this north-running stream, but good fishing is available for brook and rainbow trout. Selective gear rules are in effect during the short season (June 1 through August 31) from Palmer Lake to Cecile Creek bridge. There is a special winter whitefish-only fishery.
Spectacle Lake (314 acres): Spectacle's rainbow trout should range from 11 to 16 inches and provide good fishing. This lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. The season opens March 1 and runs through July 31. Three resorts and a public access with toilets and launch are available on this popular lake nine miles northwest of Tonasket.
Wannacut Lake (411 acres): This beautiful lake near Oroville is expected to be fair for rainbow trout on the opener. The best fishing occurs in May and June for 12- to 16-inch fish. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31. A resort and public access with toilets and launch are available.
Washburn Island Pond (130 acres): This lake contains good populations of largemouth bass and bluegill, with a slot limit on bass; please check the regulations pamphlet for details. The season runs April 1 to September 30, and both a state freshwater license and Colville tribal fishing license are required. The boat launch has been upgraded, and toilets and parking facilities are available.
Whitestone Lake (173 acres): Located 5-1/2
miles north of Tonasket, this year-round lake is
one of the most important warmwater fisheries in
Okanogan County. It offers good fishing for
largemouth bass during the summer months. Crappie
fishing has declined drastically since the illegal
introduction of sunfish and perch, neither of which
offer acceptable size for most anglers. A slot limit is in
effect on bass; please check the regulations pamphlet.
Well-developed access with launch and toilets
available. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, Blk
Tpa, level, camping available.
PACIFIC COUNTY
Black Lake: This small lake near Ilwaco provides angling for trout, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Facilities are limited, but some shore access is available.
Cases Pond: This small juveniles-only pond located east of Raymond is open from the last Saturday in April through November 30. It is stocked with rainbow trout prior to opening day. Adult coho salmon may be planted October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit. There are no facilities.
Columbia River/Ilwaco: A large charter fleet operates out of Ilwaco, providing sport fishing opportunities for salmon, sturgeon, bottom fish and albacore tuna. Sturgeon angling can be excellent from spring through fall. Downstream from Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River and all tributaries, the daily limit is one sturgeon between 42 and 60 inches long. Anglers may continue to catch-and-release after they have legally recorded their one fish bag limit. This portion of the Columbia will be closed to sturgeon retention in April and possibly again in the fall this year. Offshore salmon angling may be increased this year. Fall salmon fishing can also be good just upstream from the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The river below Bonneville Dam reopens to shad and steelhead angling May 16. For more information, contact the WDFW Vancouver regional office (phone number listed inside the front cover). Public boat launches at Chinook, Ilwaco and Fort Canby give access to the lower Columbia River and the sport fish mentioned above, plus crabbing. Jetty and surf fishing is available at nearby Fort Canby State Park.
Long Beach Peninsula ponds: Many smaller ponds on the peninsula contain yellow perch, with some largemouth bass available too. Most are open year around, with the exception of Loomis and Black lakes.
Loomis Lake (170 acres): This lake 2-1/2 miles south of Ocean Park provides fair fishing for 9- to 10-inch rainbows and some perch. It has a state access with concrete vault toilet and a small dock. The shallow launch site may present difficulties for large boats. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Naselle River: Winter steelhead, chinook,
chum and coho salmon, sea-run cutthroat and
sturgeon are found in the Naselle River. All wild
steelhead must be released. Check the regulations
pamphlet for season, gear and size restrictions.
Disabled accessibility - Level 3. WCT, lgs.
Nemah River (North, Middle and South): These three small streams support runs of chinook, chum and coho salmon, winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the regulations pamphlet for season, size and gear restrictions.
North River/Smith Creek: This site has public
access for winter steelhead, chinook, chum and
coho salmon, and good sea-run cutthroat fishing. All
wild steelhead must be released. Check the
regulations pamphlet for special size and catch limits
and seasons. A good canoe area for bird and estuary
viewing. Disabled accessibility Level 2. WCT, up
path on hill, gs.
Ocean beaches: Excellent razor clam digging can be found on the Long Beach Peninsula and from the Grayland area south to North Cove on Twin Harbors beach. Seasons change frequently, so contact the WDFW Region 6 office at Montesano for the most current information. Crabbing, surf fishing and beach combing are also popular at these same locations.
Palix River: This small river southwest of South Bend supports runs of salmon, winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the regulations pamphlet for special size and catch limits and seasons.
Radar Hill ponds: These small ponds four miles north of Naselle are good for 9- to 10-inch rainbow trout, and some eastern brook and cutthroat. Adult coho salmon may be planted October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit. Year-round open season.
Streams: Many streams in Pacific County have special gear, size and catch limits to protect juvenile salmonids. Bait restrictions increase survival of released fish.
Tokeland: A small boat launch gives access to the Willapa Bay salmon fishery, including Washaway Beach. Crabbing is also available.
Willapa Bay: This large bay is popular for
salmon fishing and crabbing. Sturgeon are also
popular here, with the best success below the Naselle
River mouth (Highway 101). Shallow shoals can be
rough depending on the tide. Nahcotta Tidelands
Interpretive Center has public beaches for gathering
oysters and hardshell clams seasonally. Contact the
Willapa Bay Field Station (number listed inside the
front cover) for more information. The Nahcotta site
also offers educational opportunities through
interpretive signage, plus disabled-accessible parking
and toilets.
Willapa River: A good river for winter steelhead, chinook and coho salmon, and sea-run cutthroat. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the regulations pamphlet for special gear, size and catch limits and seasons. Fishing from any floating device is prohibited November 1 through March 31 from the bridge on Willapa Road (Camp One Bridge) to Fork Creek.
PEND OREILLE COUNTY
Bead Lake (720 acres): This year-round lake eight miles northwest of Newport has been mostly inaccessible to the general public since the mid-1980s. A Forest Service boat launch and parking area at the south end of the lake can accommodate six boats and trailers. This facility may not be available by April, though. The lake is not stocked by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, but contains wild populations of kokanee, lake trout, burbot and many northern pikeminnow. Fishing should provide a unique experience.
Brown's Lake (88 acres): Spring and fall providing the best action for cutthroat trout on this fly-fishing-only lake. The trout run about 8 to 9 inches, with winter carry-overs at 10 inches or better. Brown's Lake is reached by crossing the Pend Oreille River at Usk and heading five miles north, then six miles northeast to the south shore, where there's a USFS campground and boat launch (no motorized boats). Last Saturday in April through October open season.
Carl's Lake (20 acres): Rainbow trout fry plants at this rich lake produce yearlings 9 to 11 inches and carry-overs up to 14 inches. Access can be rough (which contributes to the good fishing!), since it's four miles from Tiger on the Tiger-Colville Road, and south on an unimproved road. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Cook's Lake (11 acres): Located about four miles northwest of Bead Lake on a county road, this lake is open year-round. Rainbow trout catchables will be planted this year.
Crescent Lake (22 acres): This lake located nine miles north of Metaline Falls, adjacent to the west side of Highway 31, has a campground and launch on the south shore. Abundant precipitation in recent years, though, has brought the lake level up and over the access road, and has flooded the campground. Boats can still be launched from the access road, but parking is limited at that point. Crescent should produce 9- to 10-inch rainbow trout with larger carry-overs for the opener. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Davis Lake (146 acres): Early and late season fishing for sunfish, largemouth bass, kokanee, rainbow trout, and eastern brook trout is good here. Davis Lake is 5-1/2 miles south of Usk on Highway 211, and has public access on the north end. Open season is year-round.
Diamond Lake (755 acres): Illegally-planted
largemouth bass and yellow perch affect trout
survival. Larger carry-over trout may be available, but
yearlings could be sparse, and trout fishing will be fair
at best. Located seven miles southwest of Newport,
adjacent to Highway 2, Diamond Lake has public
access and resorts. Open season runs from the last
Saturday in April through October 31. Disabled
accessibility Level 1. WCT, Blk Tpa, level, good
WC accessibility.
Fan Lake (73 acres): Annual plants of rainbow trout yearlings should provide only fair fishing, with too many competing species in the lake. Fan Lake is located about eight miles northeast of Deer Park, 2-1/2 miles west of Highway 195. Public access is available, but internal combustion engines are not allowed. Last Saturday in April through September 30 open season.
Frater Lake (11 acres): Part of the Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes, Frater offers 9-inch yearling cutthroat trout, with carry-overs to 13 inches. Northernmost in the chain (just southwest of Ione), it's the only one without a perennial surface water connection to the others. There is no boat launch, but car-toppers can be launched from shore. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Halfmoon Lake (14 acres): This small alpine lake in the Kaniksu National Forest, 7-1/2 miles northeast of Usk, is planted annually with cutthroat trout. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Harvey Creek: The inlet to Sullivan Lake, this little waterway produces Eastern brook and cutthroat trout. Some portions are closed, others have size and bait restrictions meant to keep natural production going; check for details in the regulations pamphlet.
Horseshoe Lake (128 acres): Crappie, largemouth bass, perch, sunfish, catfish, kokanee, and lake trout are available here, with a generous kokanee limit. Chumming is not permitted. Horseshoe is located just down the road from the north end of Eloika Lake (see Spokane County), and has public access. Open season is last Saturday in April through October 31.
Leo Lake (39 acres): This small lake south of Frater Lake is stocked with cutthroat trout. Leo has a Forest Service campground and launch on the north end. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Lost Creek: A tributary of the Pend Oreille River south of Tiger, this waterway produces a few eastern brook and rainbow trout. A series of beaver ponds provides good holes. Access is by foot only.
Marshall Lake (189 acres): Rehabilitated in the fall of 1999, this lake was restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout for the 2000 season. Annual plants of cutthroat trout fingerlings will resume in fall of 2000. This beautiful lake 6-1/2 miles northwest of Newport, across the Pend Oreille River, has public access and a resort. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Muskegon Lake (8 acres): Cutthroat trout fingerling plants make for good carry-overs here. This small lake is located east of Metaline Falls near the Idaho border. Selective gear rules are in effect, and the daily limit is two trout. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Mystic Lake (17 acres): Because of low-nutrient water, cutthroat and rainbow trout fingerling plants grow slowly here, with 8- to 9-inch yearlings and 11-inch carry-overs. Located northwest of Newport, a couple miles past Bead Lake, its Forest Service campground gets lots of use. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Nile Lake (23 acres): Wild eastern brook trout reach 8 inches as yearlings here, with a few reaching 14-inches. Rainbows are frequent catches, too. Pumpkinseed sunfish are a problem with fish growth and availability. Nile is located five miles southwest of Tiger, adjacent to Highway 20. Small boats can be launched from shore. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
No-Name Lake (18 acres): Cutthroat and rainbow trout fingerling plants produce 8-inch yearlings and 11-inch carry-overs at this lake, located northwest of Newport, a mile past Bead Lake. A Forest Service campground is available. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Pend Oreille River (including Boundary Reservoir, 1,600 acres and Box Canyon Reservoir, 6,000 acres): A year-round fishery, this river has good numbers of crappie, perch, largemouth bass, net pen rainbow trout, and a few brown trout. Access is available at several points. Open to fishing year-round.
Petit Lake (11 acres): Cutthroat trout are the attraction at Petit, located at the north end of Diamond Peak, up LeClerc Creek Road from Ruby, at about 4,000 feet elevation. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Sacheen Lake (282 acres): Hefty plants of yearling eastern brook and rainbow trout are scheduled here. Located 11 miles southwest of Newport on Highway 195, and four miles north on Highway 211, Sacheen has public access on the northeast shore. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.
Skookum lakes, North (39 acres) and South (32 acres): Rainbow trout fry plants are providing some nice catches at these twin lakes located six and seven miles north of Usk on Highway 31. Carry-overs run 10 to 11 inches. An occasional eastern brook trout may show up in the catch. A Forest Service campground and ramp are at South Skookum, and a state campground and resort are at North. Both lakes have a last Saturday in April through October 31 season.
Sullivan Lake (1,290 acres): The state record brown trout (22 pounds) came out of here, and other whoppers are waiting to be caught! Seven-inch kokanee and occasional rainbow, eastern brook, and cutthroat trout are also available. Burbot have become popular here, and winter ice-fishing for them provides a temporary cure for cabin fever. Sullivan is located just southeast of Metaline Falls and has an adjacent Forest Service campground and boat access. Year-round open season.
Yocum Lake (42 acres): Cutthroat trout plants produce nice catches at this lake southeast of Ione, up the LeClerc Creek Road. Access via unimproved roads can be difficult early in the season. An unimproved campground is available. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
PIERCE COUNTY
Alder Lake (2,931 acres): This large reservoir
covers parts of Pierce (1690 acres), Thurston
(1117 acres), and Lewis (124 acres) counties. It has
several boat ramps and good bank access. Primary
species include rainbow, cutthroat, kokanee,
largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and
bullhead catfish. The season is open year-round.
Disabled accessibility at Tacoma City Light park -
Level 1. WCT, Blk Tpa, dp, docks, mooring.
American Lake (1,125 acres): Located eight miles southwest of Tacoma near Fort Lewis, American has a state boat ramp, while two county parks provide access, bank fishing and toilets. Private resort facilities are also available. Good fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee, with yellow perch, bullhead catfish, rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and cutthroat also available. The fishing season is open year-round.
Bay Lake (118 acres): Located about seven miles south of Vaughn on the Longbranch Peninsula. Bay is stocked with rainbow trout, and also provides fishing for largemouth bass, perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and brown bullhead catfish. It has a public access with toilet facilities. Open from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Bonney Lake (17 acres): This lake is 2-1/2 miles southeast of Sumner, and has a state boat ramp on the northwest shore. The year-round season offers anglers a chance to catch rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish.
Bradley Pond (13 acres): A small pond east of the South Hill Mall, at the top of the freeway hill south of Puyallup. Rainbow trout are planted annually in this shore-access pond. A warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, crappie, perch and brown bullhead catfish adds to angling opportunity. Adult coho salmon may be planted October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit.
Carney Lake (39 acres): Located four miles north of Vaughn on the Kitsap-Pierce County line, Carney is stocked primarily with rainbow trout. It has a public access with toilet facilities. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. There is a split season: last Saturday in April through June 30, closed during July and August, and re-opening September 1 through November 30. Adult coho salmon may be planted October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit.
Clear Lake (155 acres): Located four miles north of Eatonville, this lake has a state boat ramp with toilets on the northwest shore and a private resort located on the west shore. Primary species are rainbow and kokanee. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
DeCoursey Pond (1 acre): This small side-channel off Clarks Creek is located in Clarks Creek Park west of the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup. It is open only to juveniles. Rainbow trout are planted annually, and adult coho salmon may be planted in October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit.
Florence Lake (42 acres): There is an undeveloped boat ramp in the county park on the north shore of this lake on Anderson Island. Largemouth bass, bluegill and brown trout are available during the year-round open season.
Gig Harbor: Some surf smelt raking opportunities occur on the beach fronting the launch ramp at Randle Street, from October through March.
Harts Lake (109 acres): This lake seven miles southeast of Yelm has a state boat ramp and toilets on the northeast shore, with bank access available. Species available include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, channel and bullhead catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish. There is a slot limit on bass. Year-round fishing season.
Kapowsin Lake (512 acres): Located 13 miles southeast of Puyallup, Kapowsin has no boat launching facilities, but does have bank access on the west shore. Boat rentals are available from a private resort. Main species are rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and rock bass. There is a slot limit on bass. Year-round season.
Ohop Lake (235 acres): Located 1-1/2 miles
north of Eatonville, Ohop has a state boat ramp
and toilets on the south shore, with bank access along
the county road. Anglers can expect to find rainbow
trout, crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass,
bullhead catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish. There is
a slot limit on bass. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, Blk Tpa, dp.
Puyallup River: Anadromous species are the main attraction for anglers on the Puyallup River, including coho, chum, and chinook salmon, plus winter steelhead. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons, size restrictions and other rules. Watch also for emergency regulations necessary to protect wild salmon and steelhead.
Rapjohn Lake (56 acres): Located about four miles northwest of Eatonville, Rapjohn has a state boat ramp and toilets on the west shore. Primary species include rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch and crappie, with a slot limit on bass. This lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds each). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.
Silver Lake (138 acres): A private resort
provides a boat ramp, dock and bank access on
the northeast shore of this lake 4-1/2 miles west of
Eatonville. Rainbow and brown trout, largemouth
bass, yellow perch, crappie and brown bullheads
can be found here, with a slot limit on bass. Open
season runs from the last Saturday in April through
October 31. Disabled accessibility at private resort
Level 3.
Spanaway Lake (262 acres): Located 10 miles south of Tacoma on Highway 7, a county park provides boat ramp and bank access on the northeast shore of Spanaway. Primary species include rainbow, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads and crappie. The lake is open to fishing all year.
Tanwax Lake (172 acres): Located 5-1/2 miles north of Eatonville, Tanwax has a state boat ramp and toilets on the north shore. Two private resorts also provide boat rentals, dock and bank access. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish are caught during the last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. There is a slot limit on bass.
Tapps Lake (2,296 acres): This reservoir three miles northeast of Sumner has a city boat launch on the northwest shore. A county park on the northeast shore also provides a boat ramp and bank access. The lake level is down in winter and early spring. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, and rainbow are found. Year-round season.
Wapato Lake (28 acres): This small juveniles-only lake is located in Wapato Park in southeast Tacoma. Bank access is through the park, and young anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout and brown bullhead catfish. The lake is open to fishing year-round.
Waughop Lake (22 acres): This small lake in Fort Steilacoom Park is planted annually with rainbow trout. A warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, crappie, perch and brown bullhead catfish adds to angling opportunity. Adult coho salmon may be added in October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit. Open season is year-round.
Whitman Lake (29 acres): Located 6-1/2 miles north of Eatonville, Whitman has a small state boat ramp and toilets on the east shore. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish are available during the year-round season.