Elk Lake Fishing in Skamania County, Washington

• Overview

  Elk Lake is one of the Skamania County listings for Washington. Farm and woodlot runs right down to the water. With some 26 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. On our Skamania County list it sits near the top for size. Morton lies 16 miles from the water. Amboy is 31 miles away, with Castle Rock at 32 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Elk Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Skamania County records list Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and largemouth bass among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Elk Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 33°F in January and 58°F in August. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It holds true on Elk Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Forest Lake, 0.3 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Elk Lake for certain.