Fishing Christmas Lake in King County, Washington

• Overview

  Christmas Lake is one of the King County waters in Washington. Salt water lies 27 miles off. About 8 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Start from Wilderness Rim, 1 mile down the road. The nearest city of size is Renton, 22 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules. In wet weather the last stretch of track is the awkward part.

• Where to Fish on Christmas Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Survey and observation records for King County include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Christmas Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 62°F at the top of summer and 36°F at the bottom of winter. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Expect Christmas Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. Leave the car at Cedar Falls Trailhead, about half a mile from the bank. Mapping shows a picnic spot within half a mile. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Rainbow Lake is 0.7 miles distant. Nothing here settles the position at Christmas Lake for certain.