U Lake Fishing near Belfair, Washington

• Overview

  Within Mason County, Washington, you have U Lake. Salt water lies 1.2 miles off. At roughly 14 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The nearest town is Belfair, 12 miles away. Allyn is 12 miles and Shelton 15 miles. Within easy reach: 0.3 miles out stands Robbins Lake, Don Lake at 0.4 miles, 0.5 miles out stands Aldrich Lake, Lone Duck Pond at 0.6 miles and 1.1 miles out stands Cady Lake. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on U Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Mason County records list Chum salmon, cutthroat trout and Coho salmon among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Fish U Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 39°F and August at about 62°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Expect U Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is a ramp at Don Lake Boat Launch, half a mile out. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A picnic spot sits half a mile from the bank. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Robbins Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at U Lake are worth checking on the day.