Cougar Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Within King County, Washington, you have Cougar Lake. The ground round it is farm and woodlot. It covers about 21 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Nearest town is Tanner, 13 miles off. It is 31 miles to Bellevue, the nearest city. Water in the same corner: Marten Lake 0.9 miles away, Mowitch Lake within 0.9 miles, Goat Mountain Lake 1.1 miles away, Honey Lake within 1.9 miles and Anderson Lake 2.1 miles away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Cougar Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across King County include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and yellow perch. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Cougar Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 29°F and August at about 58°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Time your trip to Cougar Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Marten Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing on Cougar Lake should be assumed from this page alone.