County-by-County [L-M]...

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.

LEWIS COUNTY

Carlisle Lake (20 acres): This popular opening-day lake near Onalaska is generously stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout for opening day, plus some broodstock (20-26 inches) rainbows and several thousand brown trout. An additional rainbow plant will be made in May. Carlisle also has largemouth bass, with a 14-inch minimum size limit for bass. Public access is available. Internal combustion engines are not allowed. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through February 28.

Cowlitz River: See Cowlitz County for a general description of the species available. The access area at Cowlitz Trout Hatchery (Blue Creek) provides a boat launch and is one of the most popular bank fishing areas on the river. Mill Creek and Blue Creek will be open in December to provide an additional hatchery winter steelhead opportunity. Night closures and non-buoyant lure restrictions will be in effect during this one-month fishery on these streams. For river flow information, call Tacoma City Light fishing hotline at 1-888-502-8690. Disabled accessibility at Blue Creek - level 3. WCT, lgs, Blk Tpa.

Fort Borst Park Lake (5 acres): Located in Fort Borst Park near Centralia, this family fishing lake (juveniles or licensed adults when accompanied by a juvenile) is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout for opening day. 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. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through February 28.

Mayfield Lake: The big attraction on this Cowlitz River impoundment is tiger muskies. The state record for this introduced hybrid is currently 28.25 pounds. Most of these fish are caught during the warmer months. The minimum size limit for muskies is 36 inches (but anglers are asked to consider releasing all muskies). Yellow perch are also caught in fair numbers. Fishing should be good this year for stocked catchable-size and one-pound rainbow trout. Year-round open season.

Mineral Lake (277 acres): Located about three miles south of Elbe, Mineral Lake often rewards anglers with a magnificent view of Mt. Rainier. More than 100,000 fingerling rainbows are planted each year, and good fishing is anticipated for trout up to 12 inches long with a few larger ones. 14,000 catchable-size rainbows were raised in net pens this past winter, to be released for the spring opening. Some broodstock rainbows will also be planted before the opener, plus several thousand brown trout. 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. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through September 30. There is restricted boat access, so patience is needed when launching. A new public fishing dock has been built to provide very good access for all anglers. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, lgs, steep in places.

Plummer Lake (12 acres): Catchable-size rainbow trout will be planted for opening day. There are also yellow perch, bluegill and a few largemouth bass in this lake located off I-5 at Centralia. The season runs from the last Saturday in April through February 28. Plummer has limited public access, with a car-topper launching area.

Riffe Lake (11,830 acres): Because of much lower than normal rainfall, this Cowlitz River reservoir will probably not fill enough in 2001 to provide any boating access. In normal years, Riffe provides good fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout, landlocked chinook and coho salmon, plus an occasional large brown trout. Smallmouth bass are well established, and a few largemouth are taken too. Other warmwater species present include brown bullheads, along with a few bluegill and crappie. Boat launches are at the east (Kosmos) and west (Mossyrock Park) ends, but again, are not likely to be usable this year. Bank access is available near the dam and at the "fishing bridge" near the upper end of the lake (which is now a free-flowing river again below the bridge). Mossyrock Park, south of the dam, has camping facilities that can be reserved by calling (360) 593-3900. Year-round open fishing season. Call 1-888-502-8690 to check reservoir levels.

Scanewa Lake (610 acres): Impounded in 1994 by Cowlitz Falls Dam, this reservoir southwest of Randle is closed from March 1 to May 31 to allow out-migration of juvenile salmonids. The reservoir is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout by Lewis County PUD. Excess hatchery coho are also released here in fall to provide additional fishing opportunity. Two parks have been constructed by the PUD, one for day use and one with campgrounds. The campground park is closed during winter; about October 1 through May 1. Both parks provide good disabled accessibility. Both parks offer a boat launch with 8-foot dock. To get to the day-use facility, turn on Savio Road west of Randle, go south on Kiona Road two miles to Falls Road, 3.7 miles and left on Champion Road 240, then left on the next road to the park. Open season is from June 1 through February 28.

Skate Creek: This popular stream near Packwood is stocked with catchable-size and one-pound rainbow trout before the June 1 opener and throughout the summer. Check the regulations pamphlet for special trout size limits.

South Lewis County Park Pond (17 acres): This small pond just southeast of Toledo is stocked with catchable-size rainbow and brown trout, and excess sea-run cutthroat when available.The pond has access for both boat and bank anglers. Some largemouth bass and bluegill are also available, and a few tiger muskies were introduced in 1999. Tiger musky minimum size limit is 36 inches. Grass carp have also been planted. It is illegal to fish for or retain grass carp. Year-round open season.

Swofford Pond (240 acres): Located near the south shore of Riffe Lake east of Mossyrock. Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and brown bullheads are available, with a slot limit on bass. Channel catfish have been stocked, and a couple of fish in the 20-pound class have been caught. Swofford also receives plants of several thousand catchable-size rainbow and brown trout in the spring, and there are some large carry-over browns in the lake. Gasoline engines are not allowed. Year-round open fishing season.

Tilton River: The mainstem from the mouth to West Fork is planted with catchable-size and one-pound rainbow trout before the June 1 stream opener and throughout the summer. Surplus hatchery steelhead and salmon are released here during fall and winter. Check the regulations pamphlet for special trout size limits.

LINCOLN COUNTY

Coffee Pot Lake (317 acres): This enlargement of Lake Creek about 12 miles northeast of Odessa consists of two sections. It was opened to the general public on March 1, 1998, after being closed for many years. Catchable-size rainbow trout will be stocked this spring. Selective gear rules are in effect, along with special limits on trout (2), bass (2) and crappie (10), plus a 14-inch maximum size limit on bass. Open season runs from March 1 through August 31. Boat launching and limited camping are available. This lake should provide a quality angling and wildlife-viewing opportunity, with excellent fly-fishing.

Crab Creek: Fishing can be fair to good for brown trout in some portions of this main Lincoln County farmland drainage. Catchable-size rainbows will also be planted this year. Access is primarily from private property. Make sure to get permission ahead of time. Open season is year-round.

Deer (Deer Springs) Lake (60 acres): Catchable-size rainbow trout are planted in this lake, located about 12 miles northeast of Odessa. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April to September 30. Rough camp sites are available on the north end. Access areas can be muddy early in the season, and water levels are expected to be low.

Fishtrap Lake (196 acres): This popular rainbow trout fry-planted lake often has the highest average catch rate measured in the region on opening day. Fishing is expected to be excellent again this year. The lake was rehabilitated in fall of 1998. This year it has 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. Some excess brood rainbows will probably be planted also. Located 6-1/2 miles east of Sprague, the lake can be reached via an I-90 exit to a county road running south. Both a resort launch and public access area launch are available. The season runs from the last Saturday in April to September 30.

Fourth of July Lake (110 acres): Refer to Adams County for a description of this lake straddling the county line a couple of miles south of Sprague. Also check the regulations pamphlet for special size restrictions. Large (13 to 20 inches) rainbows are not uncommon here during the winter-only (December 1 through March 31) season.

Goose Creek: Running through the town of Wilbur, this waterway's rainbow trout are now limited to juvenile anglers and free license holders (senior citizens, disabled, etc.)

Hawk Creek: Catchable-size rainbow trout plants in this waterway, (which flows northwest from Davenport to Lake Roosevelt), are often best caught early or late in the season.

Pacific Lake (140 acres): The wet years of 1996 and 1997 filled this "wide spot" in Lake Creek about five miles northwest of Odessa, after 10-15 dry years. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout fry, and should provide good fishing this year. Some catchable-size rainbows will also be planted this year. Access is via a county road that runs by the west end of the lake. Car-topper boat launching and camping is available, with fire pits and toilets. The season is open year-round.

Roosevelt Lake: Refer to Stevens County.

Sprague Lake (1,840 acres): Sprawling across the Adams-Lincoln county line, this fishery's prospects are listed under Adams County. Check the regulations pamphlet for special closure information.

Upper Twin Lake (39.2 acres): Located in the Lake Creek drainage about 20 mile southeast of Davenport, Upper Twin is stocked with rainbow trout catchables. Bass and crappie are also available. Access is provided by BLM. Year-round open season.

MASON COUNTY

Aldrich Lake (10 acres): Fishing should be fair-to-good for eight- to 10-inch rainbows in this small lake 1-1/2 miles southwest of Dewatto. The WDFW access has a primitive ramp. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Benson Lake (82 acres): Expect fair fishing for nine- to 11-inch cutthroat and rainbows on this lake a little over nine miles southwest of Belfair. 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 WDFW access has a boat launch and two toilets. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Cady Lake (15 acres): This small lake two miles southeast of Dewatto is stocked with seven- to 13-inch cutthroat trout. It is limited to catch-and-release and fly-fishing only, and internal combustion engines are prohibited. There is a public access with one toilet. Open season is year-round.

Clara Lake (17 acres): Also known as Don Lake, it provides fair-to-good fishing for seven- to nine-inch rainbows. Clara is located 1-1/2 miles south of Dewatto. A state access with one toilet is available. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.

Cushman Lake (Reservoir) (4,000 acres): This large lake four miles northwest of Hoodsport offers kokanee fishing in the summer and good late-season cutthroat fishing. It is closed to the taking of Dolly Varden/bull trout. Year-round open season on other species.

Deer Lake (90 acres): Expect fair fishing for rainbows up to 13 inches. Deer Lake is 10-1/2 miles northeast of Shelton, two miles south of Benson Lake. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.

Devereaux Lake (94 acres): Expect fair-to-good spring fishing for planted catchable-size rainbows, with carry-overs sometimes reaching five pounds. This lake, located 1-1/2 miles northwest of Allyn, is good for kokanee as the water warms and has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

DNR24: The beach at this park on the east shore of Hartstene Island, just northwest of McMicken Island and south of Fudge Point, has been enhanced (by the Washington Department of Fisheries) with Pacific oysters. Please respect private property in the Fudge Point area.

Haven Lake (69 acres): Haven Lake, located seven miles west of Belfair, is good-to-excellent for rainbows up to a foot long, plus cutthroat. 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. State access with one toilet. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Hood Canal: Recreational shrimp and crab harvesting opportunities are present throughout Hood Canal. Please consult the WDFW shellfish hotline at 360-796-3215, extension 300 for Hood Canal shrimp, extension 317 for Hood Canal crab, or the website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg for specific seasons. For clam and oyster openings, check the shellfish hotline, extension 309, or the website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/beachreg, or the Fishing in Washington sportfishing rules pamphlet.

Isabella Lake (208 acres): Located 2-1/2 miles south of Shelton, Isabella offers fair year-round fishing for rainbows up to a foot long. Largemouth bass and other warmwater species are also present. A state access with boat launch and two toilets is available.

Island Lake (109 acres): Year-round fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus a few large rainbows. There is a slot limit on bass. Island Lake is located 2-1/2 miles north of Shelton. There is a state access with boat ramp and one toilet. Disabled accessibility - level 3, WCT, lgs, steep to lake.

Kokanee Lake (150 acres): Located immediately below Cushman, Kokanee is sometimes called Lower Cushman and offers much the same type of fishing. It is planted with legal-sized rainbows in the spring, and is open to fishing year-round.

Lilliwaup State Park: Located on the west shore of Hood Canal just north of the town of Lilliwaup, the southern portion of the beach has a Washington state Department of Health restriction, but the northern half of the beach has a nice bed of Pacific oysters.

Limerick Lake (80 acres): This lake 5-1/2 miles northeast of Shelton is fair for rainbows, great for perch later in the summer, and fair for largemouth bass. It has a state access with two toilets. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Lost Lake (121 acres): If you find Mason County's Lost Lake, it should be fair for seven- to nine-inch rainbow trout and kokanee. Look 7-1/2 miles southwest of Shelton for this one. There is a state access with two toilets. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Maggie Lake (25 acres): Expect fair action in the spring provided by plants of legal-sized rainbows. There is a state access with boat launch and one toilet available on this small lake about two miles northeast of Tahuya. Open season is from the last Saturday in April 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.

Mason Lake (995 acres): The best fishing in Mason Lake is for kokanee during the summer. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullheads are also available, with a slot limit on bass. Mason Lake is about eight miles southwest of Belfair, and enjoys a year-round fishing season.

Melbourne Lake (35 acres): Located 2-1/2 miles north of Lilliwaup, Melbourne should be good-to-excellent for cutthroat up to 14 inches, especially in the fall. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Nahwatzel Lake (269 acres): Nahwatzel provides fair fishing for rainbows up to 10 inches with some larger carry-overs to spice things up. Largemouth bass become active as the summer warms up, with a bass slot limit in effect. Nahwatzel is 11 miles west of Shelton. State access with boat launch and two toilets. Year-round open season.

North Bay Oyster Reserve: Located at the north end of Case Inlet. The bay north of a line drawn southwest from Rocky Point to the north end of Reach Island, then due west to the mainland is closed to the harvest of clams and oysters year-round, EXCEPT state-owned tidelands on the east side of North Bay north of the power transmission lines crossing the bay and 1600 feet south of the power transmission lines are open and have an enhanced bed of Pacific oysters.

Oakland Bay Recreational Tidelands: This beach is located off Highway 3 just north of the Bayshore Golf Course. The 2001 clam and oyster season is from March 1 through September 30.

Phillips Lake (111 acres): Fair-to-good for eight- to 11-inch rainbows, Phillips is located seven miles northeast of Shelton. This year it 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. It has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Prices Lake (110 acres): Noted for fine fishing for large rainbows, cutthroat and eastern brook trout, Prices Lake is open only to catch-and-release, with selective gear rules in effect. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Rendsland Creek: Located on the east shore of Hood Canal by The Great Bend, the beach here has been enhanced (by the Washington Department of Fisheries) with Pacific oysters.

Robbins Lake (17 acres): This small lake 1-1/2 miles south of Dewatto has good fishing for planted rainbows. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Rose Lake (9 acres): Expect fair fishing for seven- to nine-inch rainbows in this small lake four miles southwest of Potlatch. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Spencer Lake (230 acres): Expect good-to-excellent fishing here all summer for eight- to 10-inch rainbows with some larger carry-overs. Fishing heats up again in the fall, and largemouth bass fishing is excellent in the late spring and summer, with a bass slot limit in effect. Spencer is seven miles northeast of Shelton off of Highway 3. State access with boat launch and two toilets is available. Year-round season.

Stump Lake (23 acres): Located 7-1/2 miles northeast of Elma, Stump has good fishing for rainbow trout and largemouth bass as the waters warm up. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. Open from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Tee Lake (38 acres): Good for yellow perch and largemouth bass, not so good for rainbows once the annual plants have been caught, with a slot limit on bass. Located a little over two miles southeast of Dewatto, Tee has a state access with ramp and one toilet. The season is open to fishing year-round.

Tiger Lake (109 acres): This is a good bet for eight- to 10-inch rainbows with some larger carry-overs. A state access with two toilets is available. Tiger is located in both Kitsap and Mason Counties, with 103 acres in Mason. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Trail's End Lake (74 acres): Formerly called Prickett Lake, this lake is fair for rainbows up to 10 inches. It can be found 5-1/2 miles southwest of Belfair, and has a state access with primitive ramp and one toilet. Year-round open season.

Twanoh State Park: This south Hood Canal park (between Union and Belfair) offers good access on its east and west edges. Check park regulations for late evening use September through February. Currently all other fishing areas along southern Hood Canal are private. The beach here has been enhanced (by the Washington Department of Fisheries) with Pacific oysters.

Twin Lake (15 acres): This largest of two small lakes lies 1-1/2 miles northeast of Wooten Lake, and is fair for rainbows up to nine inches. Little Twin Lake is 200 feet to the west. Both are open year-round.

Union River: This stream provides a limited winter steelhead fishery. All wild steelhead must be released. Closed from the watershed boundary upstream, including all tributaries.

Wildberry Lake (8 acres): Wildberry, located 1-1/2 miles northwest of Tahuya, should provide fair fishing for rainbows up to 11 inches. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Wooten Lake (68 acres): About seven miles west of Belfair, Wooten should provide fair-to-good fishing, with rainbows up to 10 inches and some cutthroat. It 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. A state access with two toilets is available. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.