Fishing Johns Lake in Mason County, Washington

• Overview

  Johns Lake is one of the Mason County waters in Washington. The bank is 213 feet above sea level. About 16 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is low-lying compared with other Washington water we list. Some 3.4 miles away sits Shelton, the nearest settlement. It is 33 miles to Tacoma, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Johns Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Mason County records list Chum salmon, cutthroat trout, Coho salmon 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. On Johns Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 39°F to 63°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Johns Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Turtle Lake is 0.4 miles distant. The position on Johns Lake is worth confirming on the day.