Fishing at McKenzie Lake, Thurston County, Washington

• Overview

  McKenzie Lake falls in Thurston County, part of Washington. Around the bank it is open plain. You can fish the entire water from one spot if you pick it well. Most waters listed here for Thurston County are larger. 0.5 miles away sits Yelm, the nearest town. Tacoma is the closest city, 23 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on McKenzie Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Thurston County records list Chum salmon, largemouth bass and bluegill among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On McKenzie Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 64°F, the coldest about 39°F. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. The season on McKenzie Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Goodwin Lake, 2.9 miles out. For McKenzie Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.