Clear Lake Fishing in Skamania County, Washington

• Overview

  Clear Lake is one of the Skamania County waters in Washington. This is open valley ground. Surface area runs to about 13 acres — small enough to read in one session. Nearest town is Carson, 21 miles off. After that come Stevenson at 23 miles and White Salmon at 25 miles. Others worth noting: Deer Lake at 0.2 miles, 0.4 miles away is Bear Lake, Lemei Lake at 0.4 miles, 0.6 miles away is Elk Lake and Acker Lake at 0.6 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Skamania County: Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and rainbow trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Clear Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 56°F, the coldest about 28°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Clear Lake fishes to that pattern most years. Conditions on the day matter more than the month on the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. The water borders Indian Heaven Wilderness, so expect the reserve rules to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Deer Lake sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Clear Lake locally before you travel.