Fourth of July Lake in King County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Fourth of July Lake lies in King County, in Washington. Height above sea level is 4,446 feet. Gold Bar is the closest place, 15 miles off. After that come Sultan at 20 miles and Woods Creek at 24 miles. Close by you have: Lake Simms the better part of 0.5 miles, Sunset Lake roughly 0.8 miles, Eagle Lake the better part of 1.3 miles, Barclay Lake roughly 2.2 miles and Boulder Lake the better part of 2.6 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Fourth of July Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across King County: Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and yellow perch. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Fourth of July Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 58°F, with December the cold end at about 26°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Expect Fourth of July Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Lake Simms at 0.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Fourth of July Lake carry more weight than any list.