Locations showing ACCESS have enhanced accessability: WCT=Wheelchair (accessible) toilet; WC=Wheelchair; DP=(designated) Disabled Parking (state permit required); Blk Tpa=Blacktop areas; dp=dirt paths; ds=dirt surface(s); gs=gravel surface(s); lgs=(mostly) level gravel surface(s)

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: ACCESS. 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 50 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): ACCESS. 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.

Packwood Lake: Five miles southeast of Packwood, an easy 2.5-mile hike. Trail usually has some snow on opening day. Offers excellent trout fishing especially early in the season. Best fished away from shore from a packed-in floatable.

Plummer Lake (12 acres): ACCESS. 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.

Randle’s High Lakes- Takhlakh, Ollalie, Council, Horseshoe and Chain of Lakes: 25 miles southeast of Randle. Road is usually blocked by snow until several weeks after opening day. All produce nice trout, some are usually stocked. Best fished from small boats.

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): ACCESS. 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.

Walupt Lake: 16 miles southeast of Packwood. The road is usually blocked by snow until several weeks after opening day. Concessionaire campground and boat launch. Best fished early in season from a boat.

YAKIMA COUNTY

Ahtanum Creek: This stream normally offers fair fishing for eight- to 10-inch rainbow trout and an occasional whitefish. The South Fork, bordered by the Yakima Indian Reservation, produces small rainbows and cutthroat. The Middle and North Forks contain mainly cutthroat. All of these creeks are closed to bull trout fishing. Selective gear rules are in effect for the mainstem, Middle and North forks. Check the regulations pamphlet for closed areas. June 1 through October 31 season.

American River: This moderate-sized, high-elevation river is located adjacent to the Chinook Pass Highway. Expect poor summer fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, plus whitefish. The river is closed to fishing for bull trout, chinook salmon and steelhead. Selective gear rules are in effect. June 1 through October 31 open season.

Bear Lake (5 acres): This small lake in Oak Creek Wildlife Area, about 15 miles west of Naches, is planted with catchable rainbow trout. Although open all year to fishing, it is not accessible by vehicle until late April or early May, over a rough road. Expect fair-to-good fishing for eight- to 10- inch trout with a few to 14 inches.

Bumping Reservoir (1,310 acres): Also called Bumping Lake, this reservoir produces good kokanee fishing for six- to nine-inch fish starting in mid-May, with a generous kokanee limit. Trolling with gang trolls and maggots or still-fishing with flies and maggots is most successful. Expect fair fishing for eight- to 11-inch rainbow trout. The reservoir is closed to bull trout fishing. Excellent public camping is available at the lake, plus a good boat ramp. Year-round fishing season.

Bumping River: Hikers will find fair fishing for rainbow, eastern brook and cutthroat trout above Bumping Reservoir. Below the reservoir, there is fair fishing for wild rainbows, plus whitefish during the special whitefish-only winter season. Fish generally range from six to 12 inches. Selective gear rules are in effect for the river below Bumping Lake. The river is closed to bull trout, chinook salmon and steelhead fishing. Numerous Forest Service campgrounds with good river access are available throughout the area.

Clear Lake (265 acres): Located in the White Pass area above Rimrock Lake, south of Highway 12. Expect excellent fishing for planted and carry-over rainbow trout. Good access, campgrounds, fishing docks, and a boat launch. The Forest Service charges a boat launch fee. Open season is year-round.

Dog Lake (61 acres): Located just east of White Pass along the north side of Highway 12, this high-elevation lake doesn’t start producing well until early June. Fishing is good throughout the summer for seven- to 11-inch rainbow and brook trout. A large Forest Service campground and rough boat launch are located adjacent to the lake. Open to fishing year-round.

Leech Lake (41 acres): This high-elevation (4,412 feet) lake on the north side of Highway 12, just east of White Pass, is open to fly-fishing-only. The lake is usually ice-free by early June, and produces excellent fishing for eight- to 12-inch brook trout throughout the summer. Facilities include a Forest Service campground and boat launch. Use of motors is prohibited. Open season is year-round.

Little Naches River: Fair-to-good fishing for wild rainbow and cutthroat trout make the Little Naches River a popular area. There is good access via several Forest Service campgrounds. The upper sections and forks provide good fishing for small cutthroat. Selective gear rules are in effect. The river is closed to bull trout, chinook salmon and steelhead fishing. June 1 through October 31 open season.

Mud Lake (4 acres): This small lake is seven miles northwest of Naches on the south side of Cleman Mountain, at an elevation of 2500 feet. It produces good fishing for eight- to 12-inch rainbow trout with some carry-overs in the 12- to 16-inch range. Mud 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. Selective gear rules are in effect, with a trout daily limit of one fish. The road to the lake is heavily rutted and rough in some areas. Open season is year-round.

Naches River: This large river supports wild rainbow and cutthroat trout and whitefish populations. Above the confluence with Rattlesnake Creek there is fair fishing for wild rainbow and cutthroat. Selective gear rules are in effect, with a 12-inch minimum and 20-inch maximum size limit, and a two-trout daily limit. Expect excellent whitefish angling during the special whitefish-only winter season, with whitefish ranging from eight to 14 inches. The river is adjacent to the Chinook Pass Highway and is very accessible. Closed to all bull trout, steelhead and chinook salmon fishing. Open season for trout is June 1 through October 31.

Oak Creek: This small creek runs through the Oak Creek Wildlife area, and supports wild rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Good fishing for six- to 10-inch fish. June 1 through October 31 open season.

Rattlesnake Creek: Wild cutthroat and rainbows ranging from six to 12 inches produce good fishing. Little Rattlesnake Creek also produces good fishing for the same species. The best fishing is in hike-in areas. Catch-and-release, selective gear rules are in effect for Rattlesnake Creek. Anglers should avoid targeting bull trout, salmon or steelhead, which are protected here. Open season is June 1 through October 31.

Rimrock Lake (2,530 acres): This large reservoir along Highway 12, about 10 miles east of White Pass, provides good fishing for eight- to 11-inch kokanee, with a 16-fish kokanee catch limit. There are also a few rainbows to 16 inches. This is one of the best and most popular kokanee-fishing destinations in Yakima County from May - July. The lake is closed to bull trout fishing. Public and private campgrounds are located by the lake and public and private launch ramps are available. The Forest Service charges a boat launch fee. Open to fishing year-round.

Tieton River: Many Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 12 provide easy access. Fishing is fair for rainbows and whitefish. Whitefish angling is best during the special whitefish-only winter season. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons and fishing boundaries, as well as special regulations in the North and South forks. Closed to fishing for bull trout in all areas.

Wenas Lake (61 acres): ACCESS. Located about six miles north of Naches, this very productive reservoir is becoming one of the best-known brown trout fisheries in Central Washington. Browns to 13 pounds have been taken. Wenas also provides good fishing for eight- to 12-inch rainbows, with some in the two-pound range. No more than two of the five-trout daily limit can be brown trout. Channel catfish have been stocked the past few years, and some in the three-pound range have been caught. A public boat launch and a resort are located on the lake. Good early spring and fall fishing opportunity. Open season is year-round. Disabled accessibility ? Level 3. WCT, gravel, dirt, uneven areas.

Yakima River: ACCESS. Expect excellent fishing for rainbow trout and whitefish above Roza Dam. Rainbow action is best in the fall, with the top areas in Kittitas County. Whitefish action is best from January through March. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons; the section from Roza Dam near Yakima to Easton Dam near Cle Elum is under catch-and-release, selective gear rules. The entire river, including all tributaries and drains, is closed to steelhead and bull trout fishing. Depending on run size, anglers may expect a special fall chinook and coho salmon season again this year in September and October in the Yakima-to-Roza Dam reach. Public and private camping is available near the river. Disabled accessibility at Mellis Road access ? Level 2. WCT, lgs, ds. / At Zillah Bridge - Level 2. WCT, Blk Tpa, level.

PIERCE COUNTY

Alder Lake (2,931 acres): ACCESS. 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 and cutthroat trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bullhead catfish, with a slot limit on bass. The season is open year-round. Boat access to the reservoir may be delayed or unavailable this year due to low water level. Disabled accessibility at Tacoma City Light park - Level 1. WCT, Blk Tpa, dp, docks, mooring.

COWLITZ COUNTY

Cowlitz River: The Cowlitz usually provides excellent fishing for summer and winter steelhead, plus some sea-run cutthroat angling. All wild cutthroat and steelhead must be released. Also, all right-ventral clipped steelhead must be released in the lower Cowlitz (below the Barrier Dam); these fish will be used to provide natural production and enhance fishing opportunities in the upper river. With only 1,000 spring chinook expected to return this year, angling opportunity will be limited or non-existent. To help achieve the necessary hatchery escapement goal, the Cowlitz up to the Barrier Dam was closed to the retention of chinook from March 15, 2001 until further notice. In addition, the south bank closure from Mill Creek up to the Barrier Dam was extended to April 1 through June 15, 2001. Coho salmon abundance is expected to be good this year, and some fall fisheries are possible. Some sturgeon fishing takes place in the lower river. A limited smelt (eulachon) fishery will be available on the Cowlitz in 2001. The 2000 smelt return showed signs of improvement. For updated smelt information, call the WDFW office in Vancouver at (360) 696-6211 and press *1010. Refer to the Lewis County listing for more Cowlitz River information. For river flows, call Tacoma City Light fishing hotline at 1-888-502-8690.

Green River: This Toutle River tributary offers easy access along Weyerhaeuser logging roads (if the roads are not gated shut) for much of its length, and fair-to-good fishing for summer steelhead. All wild steelhead must be released, and the river is closed to all trout fishing other than steelhead. Improved fall chinook and strong coho salmon returns this year will likely allow a fishery. In addition, there will likely be opportunity to catch spring chinook. Check with the regional WDFW office in Vancouver for the latest information on seasons and catch limits. WDFW office phone numbers are listed on the inside front cover. Check the regulations pamphlet for legal fishing boundaries and steelhead and salmon open seasons.

Silver Lake (3,000 acres): ACCESS. Located between Castle Rock and Toutle, Silver Lake is open year-round. This is considered by some to be the best largemouth bass lake in western Washington. There is a 14-inch minimum size limit on bass. Silver also provides good-to-excellent fishing for yellow perch, bluegills, brown bullheads and crappies. Some pumpkinseed sunfish and warmouth are also taken. Grass carp planted in 1992 have reduced the aquatic vegetation. Anglers are reminded that regulations prohibit fishing for or retaining grass carp. Because of the reduction in aquatic weeds, rainbow trout are being planted again, with 10,000 catchable-size trout set for release this April. A few trout are also available as a result of natural production in the tributaries. A WDFW boat access is available with a small dock, as are ramps and boat rentals at private resorts. Disabled accessibility at WDFW access area - Level 1. DP, WCT, some Blk Tpa, gs in parking lot, accessible fishing dock.

Toutle River (North and South Forks): The South Fork Toutle supports an excellent fishery for hatchery summer steelhead, plus limited, mostly catch-and-release fishing for winter steelhead (no hatchery winter-run steelhead are planted). Check the regulations pamphlet for fishing boundaries. Selective gear rules are in effect for the winter season. All wild steelhead must be released. The North Fork and main stem Toutle (from the mouth to the forks) also provide some fishing for hatchery summer steelhead, with wild steelhead release. Some fall salmon seasons are possible on the North Fork this year. All North Fork and South Fork Toutle tributaries are closed to fishing.