Tumwater Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Tumwater Lake is one of the King County listings for Washington. The country here is mixed woodland. Small even by pond standards, it rewards one careful line. Most waters listed here for King County are larger. For supplies, Tanner is 19 miles out. Riverbend is 20 miles and North Bend 20 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Tumwater Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across King County, recorded fish include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and yellow perch. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Tumwater Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 27°F in December and 58°F in August. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan any trip to Tumwater Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Francis Lake, 0.8 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Tumwater Lake.