Hanks Lake in Mason County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Mason County in Washington is where Hanks Lake sits. The land about it is farm and woodlot. At roughly 18 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Shelton, 8.2 miles off. McCleary follows at 14 miles, then Elma at 19 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Hanks Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Public occurrence data for Mason County names Chum salmon, cutthroat trout, Coho salmon and largemouth bass. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Hanks Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 39°F to 62°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan around that when you fish Hanks Lake. A grey, mild day is often better than a bright, still one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Little Hanks Lake, 0.2 miles away. For Hanks Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.