Fishing Surprise Lake in Pierce County, Washington

• Overview

  The Pierce County entry here is Surprise Lake, in Washington. Tidal water begins 5.2 miles from here. Around 31 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. It lies lower than most water we list in Washington. The closest town, Edgewood, is 0.4 miles distant. The big place round here is Tacoma, 6.8 miles distant. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Surprise Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Pierce County, recorded fish include pink salmon, sockeye salmon, largemouth bass, Chum salmon and Coho salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Surprise Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 39°F in January to roughly 66°F in August. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. The season on Surprise Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. A platform or pier sits within 140 yards. There is camping recorded roughly half a mile off. Picnic facilities are recorded some half a mile out. Toilets show in mapping about half a mile away. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Trout Lake sits 1.7 miles off and takes the overflow. What applies at Surprise Lake may have changed since it was mapped.