Cat Lakes near North Yelm: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Cat Lakes is listed under Thurston County, Washington. The surface lies 476 feet up. Small at around 4 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Thurston County. Supplies mean a trip to North Yelm, 3.9 miles off. The nearest city of size is Tacoma, 22 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Cat Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name Chum salmon, largemouth bass and bluegill. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Cat Lakes repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 64°F and January about 39°F. The season runs year-round, with the peak either side of summer. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Cat Lakes runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Fiander Lake, 1.4 miles away. What applies at Cat Lakes may have changed since it was mapped.