Fishing Flapjack Lakes in Mason County, Washington

• Overview

  Within Mason County, Washington, you have Flapjack Lakes. The shore lies 13 miles out. At 10 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Seabeck lies 25 miles from the water. It is 47 miles to Tacoma, the nearest city. Others within reach: 1.5 miles away is Smith Lake, Wagonwheel Lake 2.8 miles off, 4 miles away is Lake of the Angels, Lake Ben 4.5 miles off and 5.3 miles away is Hagen Lake. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Flapjack Lakes

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in Mason County include Chum salmon, cutthroat trout, Coho salmon, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Anyone new to Flapjack Lakes should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 57°F in August and bottoms out near 34°F in December. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It holds true on Flapjack Lakes more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There are toilets 120 yards off. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Smith Lake, 1.5 miles away. Treat Flapjack Lakes as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.