Purvis Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Purvis Lake lies in King County, in Washington. It sits at 5,259 feet above sea level. At 7 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It sits higher than most water we list in Washington. Supplies mean a trip to Tanner, 21 miles off. Riverbend lies 22 miles off, North Bend another 22 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Purvis Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across King County, recorded fish include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish Purvis Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 58°F and December near 27°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Time your trip to Purvis Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Panorama Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Confirm before you fish Purvis Lake.