Fishing at Mud Lake, Stevens County, Washington

• Overview

  Mud Lake is listed under Stevens County, Washington. The water sits 1,900 feet up. Surface area runs to about 9 acres — small enough to read in one session. Kettle Falls at 9.7 miles is the nearest place to stop. Then Colville, 14 miles, and Republic, 26 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing. It is a working water rather than a showpiece.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Stevens County include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch and largemouth bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Mud Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 25°F in January up to 66°F in August. Whether it freezes depends on the year. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It holds true on Mud Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Lake Ellen, 2.4 miles away. Treat access at Mud Lake as something to verify.