Fishing at Diamond Lake, Lewis County, Washington

• Overview

  The Lewis County entry here is Diamond Lake, in Washington. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. About 16 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Washington water on our list, it sits high. The nearest town is Tieton, 30 miles away. The nearest city of size is Tacoma, 78 miles away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Diamond Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. County-wide records name Coho salmon, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and largemouth bass. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Read Diamond Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 25°F in January to roughly 56°F in August. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late November in autumn. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Plan around that when you fish Diamond Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. 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 whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Cirque Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Diamond Lake carry more weight than any list.