Pheasant Lake Fishing in Jefferson County, Washington

• Overview

  Pheasant Lake is one of the Jefferson County listings for Washington. Tidal water begins 1.9 miles from here. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Lofall, is 4.1 miles distant. Then Port Ludlow, 5.3 miles, and Poulsbo, 8.8 miles. Round about: Mud Lake (0.4 miles), Lost Lake at 0.4 miles, Tule Lake (1.6 miles), Sandy Shore Lake at 3.4 miles and Horseshoe Lake (3.4 miles). Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Pheasant Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Public occurrence data for Jefferson County names Coho salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Chum salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Pheasant Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 62°F at the top of summer and 39°F at the bottom of winter. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It sets the rhythm of the year at Pheasant Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Mud Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Pheasant Lake carry more weight than any list.