Lake Lawrence, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake Lawrence falls in Thurston County, part of Washington. The shore lies 18 miles out. At 327 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. Some 3.5 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. On our Thurston County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest place of any size is Rainier, 6.1 miles away. Then Yelm, 6.5 miles, and North Yelm, 7.8 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lake Lawrence

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Thurston County include Chum salmon, largemouth bass and bluegill. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The near bank of Lake Lawrence is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 64°F and January at 39°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. That shapes the year on Lake Lawrence. Cool nights slow the mornings but sharpen the evenings.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is a ramp at WDFW Public Boat Launch, half a mile out. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Nelda Lake sits 1.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Lake Lawrence if anything is unclear.