Chikamin Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Washington, Chikamin Lake belongs to Kittitas County. The country round it is lake country bush from end to end. About 20 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It sits higher than most water we list in Washington. The nearest place of any size is Tanner, 21 miles away. Riverbend is 21 miles and Wilderness Rim 22 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Chikamin Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Kittitas County: cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Chikamin Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 56°F on average, January about 24°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It holds true on Chikamin Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Glacier Lake is 1.1 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Chikamin Lake for certain.