Hidden Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Yakima County end of Washington holds Hidden Lake. It sits at 4,177 feet above sea level. At 7 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Nearest town is Cle Elum, 27 miles off. After that come Enumclaw at 29 miles and Buckley at 29 miles. Near neighbours: Echo Lake 2.4 miles away, 2.7 miles away is Lost Lake, Goat Lake 2.7 miles away, 3.2 miles away is Quinn Lake and George Lake 3.5 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Hidden Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Records held for Yakima County cover rainbow trout, pumpkinseed and mountain whitefish. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Read Hidden Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 56°F, with January the cold end at about 26°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Plan around that when you fish Hidden Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Echo Lake is 2.4 miles off. Check the position on Hidden Lake before loading the car.