Fishing at Scout Lake, Mason County, Washington

• Overview

  Scout Lake belongs to Mason County, Washington. Salt water lies 11 miles off. At 24 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Seabeck sits 19 miles from the bank. Belfair is 23 miles away, with Chico at 25 miles. Water in the same corner: Hagen Lake about 1.2 miles, Upper Lena Lake some 1.7 miles off, Milk Lake about 1.7 miles, Lake of the Angels some 2.5 miles off and Lena Lake about 3.9 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Scout Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Mason County: Chum salmon, cutthroat trout, Coho salmon, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Scout Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 32°F and August at about 55°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Expect Scout Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Hagen Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Treat Scout Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.