Fishing Alder Lake

AKA: Alder Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Alder Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Alder Lake, WA

Popular Fish Species Alder Lake, WA

Alder Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Washington, Alder Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Alder Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Alder Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Alder Lake Popular Fish - Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for cutthroat trout in Alder Lake is again delivering great results, year round. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Alder Lake. For those who enjoy fly fishing, the key is to match the hatch. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges. Catching cutthroat trout here with lures or bait is also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons.

Alder Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, cutthroat trout, yellow perch, kokanee and sockeye salmon at Alder Lake in Washington.

Kokanee salmon are a prime draw at Alder Lake in southwest WA, 40 miles southeast of Olympia. The 3,100-acre lake is 7 miles long with 28 miles of shoreline. In addition to kokanee and sockeye salmon, the lake has populations of bass, crappie, trout and perch. There is no marina or boat rentals, but there are several boat launch ramps and good access for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Alder Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Alder Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Alder Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Alder Lake Park Road E, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rocky Point Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off National Park Highway, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.