County-by-County [T-W]...

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.

THURSTON COUNTY

Alder Lake: Since most of Alder is in Pierce County, it is described there. Thurston County has an access area on the north shore, but watch out for stumps.

Bald Hill Lake (45 acres): Largemouth bass and perch are the primary species in this lake 11-1/2 miles southeast of Yelm. Best fishing is late spring and early summer, as aquatic vegetation can make it difficult to fish in late summer. Year-round open fishing season.

Black Lake (570 acres): This lake four miles southwest of Olympia is slow in spring for rainbow trout, better later in the summer for cutthroat trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch and crappies, with a slot limit on bass. A few brown bullheads are available. The state access has a boat launch and two toilets. Year-round open fishing season. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, Blk Tpa, lgs.

Black River drainage: Selective gear rules and ideal canoe water with multiple state accesses make fishing for resident and sea-run cutthroat fun. The river has a low gradient with brushy shore, so it is best fished from a boat.

Burfoot County Park: This park north of Olympia provides miles of spawning beach in Budd Inlet for raking surf smelt, September through February.

Capitol Lake (270 acres): This Olympia lake provides a few cutthroat. A run of fall chinook passes through the lake, with a good fishery available some years depending on the strength of the run. Check the regulations pamphlet for the rather complex season.

Chambers Lake (118 acres): This shallow and weedy lake near Lacey (actually two lakes connected by a non-navigable canal) gets better for largemouth bass and perch as the water warms, with a slot limit on bass. Channel catfish and grass carp are present; grass carp must be released if caught. The state access has a boat launch and two toilets. Year-round fishing season. Disabled accessibility - Level 1. DP, WCT, level.

Clear Lake (170 acres): Fishing should be good for nine- to 13-inch rainbow and brown trout, with a few cutthroat and largemouth bass. Some brown trout to six pounds are caught. 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. This very popular lake in the Bald Hills region southeast of Yelm will be crowded on opening day. It has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Get there early for limited parking. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Deep Lake (66 acres): This lake 9-1/2 miles south of Olympia is good for nine- to 11-inch rainbow trout in spring. 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. Action improves later in the summer for largemouth bass and bluegill, with a slot limit on bass. Yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish are also present. Millersylvania State Park provides access and a boat ramp. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Deschutes River: Chinook salmon and resident coastal cutthroat draw plenty of angling action to this area. Fishing is very slow for winter steelhead. Check the regulations pamphlet for open seasons.

Elbow Lake (86 acres): This Bald Hills-area lake has limited cutthroat trout, largemouth bass and perch fishing after the water warms in spring, with a slot limit on bass. The lake is open to fishing year-round, but access requires a mile hike down an access road closed to vehicles.

Fry Cove County Park: Located on the west shore of Eld Inlet, the beach here has been enhanced with Pacific oysters.

Hicks Lake (160 acres): This Lacey-area lake should be good for nine- to 10-inch planted rainbows and some larger brown trout. Hicks 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. As the water warms up, so does the action for crappies, largemouth bass, perch, rock bass and bullhead catfish. Hicks has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Kennedy Creek: Fall salmon, winter steelhead, and resident and sea-run cutthroat provide angling action on this stream. Wild steelhead must be released.

Lawrence Lake (330 acres): This lake seven miles southeast of Rainier provides primarily warmwater fishing for largemouth bass, perch and brown bullheads, with a slot limit on bass. Brown and rainbow trout should also provide good fishing. There is a state access with boat launch and two toilets. The lake is open to fishing all year.

Long Lake (330 acres): Rainbows from nine to 12 inches and brown trout to six pounds are caught here. Long Lake also has perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, largemouth bass and rock bass, with a slot limit on largemouth bass (but not on rock bass). Located on the southeast side of Lacey, it has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 2. WCT, gs, Blk Tpa, WCT uphill from launch.

Longs Pond (10 acres): This juveniles-only pond in Lacey is planted annually with rainbow trout. A few largemouth bass, sunfish and perch are also available. Open season is year-round.

McAllister Creek: This stream hosts a special late summer/early fall season for sea-run cutthroat trout. Be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for size and catch limit restrictions.

McIntosh Lake (93 acres): This lake 3-1/2 miles northeast of Tenino is good for rainbows nine to 11 inches, lots of yellow perch plus a few largemouth bass. There is a slot limit on the bass. McIntosh 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 boat launch and two toilets is available. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 3. WCT, Blk Tpa, steep hill.

McLane Creek: This small stream provides a fall salmon fishery in lower Mud Bay.

Munn Lake (34 acres): Munn is fair for eight- to 10-inch rainbows, fair for largemouth bass and good for bluegill as the water warms, with a slot limit on bass. 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. Located 1-1/2 miles southeast of Tumwater, it has a state access with boat launch and one toilet. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Nisqually River: Chum and coho salmon, winter steelhead, whitefish and cutthroat are available for anglers. A pretty river to float, but with limited access. Disabled accessibility ­ Blk Tpa, bankside fishing with railing.

Offut Lake (192 acres): This lake 3-1/2 miles north of Tenino is open year-round. In addition to rainbow trout, Offutt is good for largemouth bass and yellow perch after the water warms, with a slot limit on bass. 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. There is a state access with small boat launch, two toilets and limited parking. The resort offers boat and dock rentals. Offut Lake has a 5 mph speed limit.

Pattison (Patterson) Lake (270 acres): Located in south Lacey, this lake provides fair fishing for brown trout and planted rainbows on opening day. Later in the summer, anglers catch largemouth bass, perch, crappies and rock bass, with a slot limit on the largemouth bass (but not on the rock bass). There is a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Percival Landing, Olympia area: Several beaches in this area offer access for surf smelt raking. Percival Landing offers occasional concentrations of winter surf smelt and herring for jigging.

Priest Point Park: This park north of Olympia provides dipbag opportunities for surf smelt September through February.

Puget Sound: Dungeness and rock crabs, along with several clam species, are available in many areas. Anglers fish for salmon, sea-run cutthroat and bottom fish. The southeast tip of Anderson Island, Johnson Point and Hammersly Inlet are popular salmon areas. All cutthroat and all wild steelhead must be released in all marine areas.

Skookumchuck River: Rainbow and resident cutthroat trout are available above the reservoir and steelhead and sea-run cutthroat below it. Selective gear rules apply above the reservoir. There is access to the river by Weyerhaeuser road from Vail, but the road is often gated shut.

South county ponds: Many of the ponds in the Bald Hills region of southern Thurston County have good populations of largemouth bass and possibly perch, brown bullhead catfish and crappies. Many also receive cutthroat fry plants.

Saint Clair, Lake (270 acres): This lake offers good fishing for rainbow trout, with kokanee later in the summer. 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. St. Clair is also popular for bluegill sunfish, and largemouth bass, perch, and crappies are available during the year-round season, with a slot limit on bass. There is a state access with two boat launches and two toilets. St. Clair is about five miles southeast of Lacey.

Streams: Most Thurston County streams have resident cutthroat for the angler. Be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for gear, size, and catch limit restrictions. Bait restrictions increase survival of released fish and will result in better trout fishing in the future.

Summit Lake (530 acres): Located about nine miles west of Olympia, Summit is considered good for eight- to 10-inch rainbows. Cutthroat and kokanee are available too, as well as largemouth bass, yellow perch and bullhead catfish, with a slot limit on bass. There is a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 2. WCTs, Blk Tpa, gs, unlevel surfaces.

Ward Lake (65 acres): Anglers should find good fishing for eight- to 10-inch rainbows in this lake 2-1/2 miles south of Olympia. Ward 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. Kokanee, largemouth bass and bluegill show as the weather warms. There is a slot limit on bass. Ward has a state access with boat launch and two toilets. Unauthorized swimming and/or partying on the access may result in access closure some weekends. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

WAHKIAKUM COUNTY

Columbia River: Steelhead and sea-run cutthroat fishing is usually good around the Cathlamet area during the summer. The river below Bonneville Dam reopens to shad and steelhead angling May 16 below the I-5 Bridge. Fall salmon fishing will probably open August 1. For more information, contact the WDFW regional office in Vancouver (phone number listed inside the front cover). Sturgeon fishing can also be very good in this area, with limited bank angling along the Columbia White-tailed Deer National Wildlife Refuge. From Bonneville Dam downstream to the mouth, the daily sturgeon limit is one fish 42-60 inches in length. Anglers can continue to catch-and-release after they have legally recorded their daily bag limit. From August 16 through September 15, 2001, the Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam is expected to be catch-and-release only for sturgeon to remain under the annual sturgeon guideline. Sturgeon catches will be monitored in-season, so check with the Vancouver WDFW office for the latest information. Public boat launches are available at Cathlamet (Elochoman Slough) Marina (small fee required) and Skamokawa (free but primitive).

Deep River: This river has a year-round warm water fishery. Expect fair angling for largemouth bass and crappie, with some yellow perch. Near the mouth in Grays Bay is a popular spot for sturgeon. A private (fee required) boat launch near the mouth provides access to the Grays Bay-area sturgeon fishery. See sturgeon size and catch limit information above under Columbia River. Deep River will also be open to salmon angling to harvest returning net-pen reared early coho and spring chinook. The salmon opportunity should be best in September for coho.

Elochoman River: This river west of Cathlamet has fair summer steelhead fishing from June through November, plus good winter-run steelheading in December, January and February. Fall chinook and coho salmon are expected in good numbers this year, which may support a fall fishery. Salmon angling areas are restricted; check the regulations pamphlet if there is a season. Sea-run cutthroat can be good during fall and early winter. However, the sea-run cutthroat hatchery program has been discontinued due to budget cuts. All wild steelhead and wild cutthroat must be released.

Grays River: A good steelhead river December through March. Wild steelhead must be released. The early coho return this fall may provide a fishery. Boating access is available near the Highway 403 bridge in the Rosburg area. The West Fork up to the hatchery opens for winter steelheading in mid-December. All chum salmon must be released in the Grays River system.

Skamokawa Creek: This small stream west of the town of Skamokawa gets some steelhead in December, January and February. All wild steelhead must be released.

WALLA WALLA COUNTY

Bennington Lake (formerly Mill Creek Reservoir): This popular impoundment receives a large annual plant of catchable-size rainbow trout, plus additional large fish of 1-1/2 to two pounds each from a cooperative program with a local fishing club. It has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece) this year. These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Some warmwater species are present. Good bank access and boat launch ramp, but internal combustion engines are prohibited. The season is open year-round.

Fishhook Pond: This small pond, found west along the tracks from Fishhook Park east of Burbank, is formed by seepage from Ice Harbor Dam pool. It provides good fishing for planted rainbow trout during the spring. Fishing is from the bank only only; fishing from floating devices is prohibited. Fishhook is open from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Columbia River/Lake Wallula: See Benton County.

Jefferson Park Pond, Lyons Park Pond: These small ponds in the towns of Walla Walla and College Place are well-stocked with 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout, plus some up to two pounds. Both ponds are open only to juveniles (14 years of age and under). Year-round open season.

Mill Creek: This stream flows southwest out of the Blue Mountains into Oregon, then northwest into Walla Walla County and to the Walla Walla River west of College Place. It is no longer stocked with trout, and restrictions are in place to protect wild steelhead and bull trout; check the regulations pamphlet for seasons and more details.

Quarry Pond (9 acres): This pond is located south of the mouth of the Snake River and Casey Pond, and west of Highway 12 along the Columbia River. It receives large numbers of catchable-size rainbow trout. This year it has been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece).

Snake River: See Garfield County.

Walla Walla River: Access can be a problem here, but three public access areas are now available west of College Place. One is near the Whitman Mission, and the other two are further west near McDonald Bridge. Look for signed parking areas. Channel catfish and smallmouth bass are caught near the mouth, and steelhead fishing can be very good during the late fall and winter.

WHATCOM COUNTY

Baker Lake (Reservoir) (3,616 acres): Located six miles northeast of Concrete, Baker has public access, a boat launch and resort. Fishing can be excellent for kokanee in April, May and June and again in the fall. Catchable-size rainbow trout are planted just before the 4th of July. There is an 18-inch maximum size limit on trout and kokanee. Baker Lake is closed to the taking of bull trout/Dolly Varden, and an area 200 feet in radius around the pump discharge at the south end of the lake is closed to all fishing. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Cain Lake (72 acres): This lake 9-1/2 miles southeast of Bellingham has a public access and boat launch at the south end. Fishing should be excellent for rainbow trout in the 3/4-pound range on opening day. The lake also contains largemouth bass and perch. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Diablo Lake (910 acres): Native, non-planted rainbow trout are the main attraction on this Skagit River impoundment six miles northeast of Newhalem. Diablo has a public access and boat launch, with a year-round open season. The lake is closed to the taking of bull trout/Dolly Varden.

Fazon Lake (32 acres): This small lake 1-1/2 miles northwest of Goshen has a public access with toilet and boat launch. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are available, and tiger muskies have been planted. There is a slot limit on bass and special restrictions on channel catfish and tiger musky. Be sure to check the regulations pamphlet. The lake is open to fishing all year, but fishing from a floating device is prohibited from October 4 through January 15. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 1. WCT, Blk Tpa, level.

Gorge Lake (210 acres): Expect fair fishing for rainbow trout in this Skagit River impoundment 2-1/2 miles northeast of Newhalem. Gorge Lake is closed to the taking of bull trout/Dolly Varden. The lake has public access and a boat launch, and the season is open year-round.

Nooksack River: Dipping along the river banks downstream from Ferndale, longfin surf smelt, or "hooligans," can be taken in winter months.

Padden Lake (152 acres): Padden provides rainbow, kokanee and a few cutthroat, and should be outstanding for rainbows averaging 3/4 of a pound on opening day. This lake in the center of Bellingham City Park has some of the best shore access in western Washington, and is a wonderful place to bring the kids for safe shoreline fishing. There is a boat launch, but gasoline motors are not allowed. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Ross Lake (11,674 acres): This large reservoir 9-1/2 miles northeast of Newhalem has a public access and boat launch at the north end accessible through British Columbia. There is a trail/boat access resort on the south end, plus several boat-access camping sites along the east shore. Fishing is mainly for native rainbow trout. For their protection, special catch and size restrictions are in effect, plus selective gear rules (except fishing from boats is allowed). Please check the regulations pamphlet for details. The lake is closed to the taking of bull trout/Dolly Varden. Open season runs from July 1 through October 31.

Samish Lake (814 acres): Located 6-1/2 miles southeast of Bellingham, Samish offers kokanee, largemouth bass, perch and cutthroat. Check the regulations pamphlet for a special size and catch limit on cutthroat. The best fishing is early June and September. Chumming is no longer legal due to water quality concerns. There is a public access with toilet and boat launch on the east side. Year-round open season.

Semiahmoo Spit County Park: This park is located at the western end of Semiahmoo Spit in Blaine. Surf smelt spawn on beaches around and south of the headquarters buildings at the base of the spit on the west (outer) shore. Spawning activity is at its peak in July through January.

Shellfish and Marine Fish: Good crabbing can be found adjacent to most marine beaches. Year-round, non-commercial crab zones exist in Chuckanut Bay and Birch Bay. Birch Bay State Park also offers excellent clam digging opportunites, and the beach there has been enhanced with Pacific oysters. Surf smelt can be harvested at Little Qualicum Park on Bellingham Bay. Marine fishing is available at 6th Street dock, Boulevard Park pier and Ferry Terminal fishing pier in Bellingham, and at the Blaine dock.

Silver Lake (173 acres): This Silver Lake three miles north of Maple Falls has a public access with toilet and boat launch. (Washington has at least a dozen Silver lakes). Rainbow and cutthroat trout are the primary species. Expect excellent fishing on opening day for rainbows averaging three-fourths of a pound. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Squalicum Lake (33 acres): Cutthroat and brown trout are the main attractions in this fly-fishing-only lake 6-1/2 miles northeast of Bellingham. All motors are prohibited. There is walk-in access with a toilet on the north end. Year-round open season.

Squalicum Mall Marina: This area offers winter jigging for surf smelt off marina floats. Current information can be obtained by calling the Bellingham WDFW office (360/676-2138).

Terrell Lake (438 acres): Excellent fishing for warmwater species is the rule in this lake five miles west of Ferndale. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bullhead catfish, plus cutthroat trout are taken. A slot limit on bass is in effect. There is public access, a fishing dock and boat launch on the west shore. The season is open year-round, but fishing from any floating device (except floating docks) is prohibited for part of the year. Check the regulations pamphlet.

Toad Lake (29 acres): Toad Lake is located five miles northeast of Bellingham, and has a public access with toilet and boat launch on the west end. Fishing should be excellent on opening day for 3/4-pound rainbow trout. Some kokanee are also available. Last Saturday in April through October 31 season.

Whatcom, Lake (5,003 acres): This large lake on the east edge of Bellingham has public access with toilet and boat launches. Available species include kokanee, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Fishing for cutthroat trout is closed due to a decline in numbers caused by siltation from logging and urban activities in their spawning tributaries. It is no longer legal to chum for kokanee, due to water quality concerns. All tributaries and that portion of the lake between Electric Avenue Bridge and the outlet dam are closed to fishing at all times. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Wiser Lake (123 acres): This lake three miles southwest of Lynden has public access with a toilet and boat launch. Largemouth bass, brown bullheads and pumpkinseed sunfish are available, with a slot limit on bass. Year-round season. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 2. WCT, lgs.

WHITMAN COUNTY

Garfield Pond: This juveniles-only pond near Garfield receives rainbow trout plants to provide a fair spring fishery. Open to fishing year-round.

Palouse River: Some fair-sized smallmouth bass are caught in portions of the Palouse. Public access is limited, however.

Pampa Pond (3 acres): Rainbow trout yearling plants offer bank-fishing only in this little pond four miles west of LaCrosse. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30.

Riparia Pond: This small pond is just below Little Goose Dam off the north side of the Snake River. Rainbow trout catchables are planted in spring for the year-round open season.

Rock Lake (2,147 acres): This mixed-species lake produces nice largemouth bass, and some fair-sized brown and rainbow trout from annual fry and yearling plants. Located a mile north of Ewan, the lake has public access with a boat ramp, and is open to fishing all year.

Snake River: Refer to Garfield County.

Union Flat Creek: Planted rainbow trout should provide good fishing here in early June after the water clears. This is a tributary of the Palouse River, between Colton and Uniontown, south of Pullman.