Fishing Alder Lake
AKA: Alder Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Alder Lake, WA

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.

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.

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.
Fishing Guides On Alder Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington fishing license.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Alder Lake Park Campground - 360 569-2778
Rocky Point Campground - 888 226-7688
Mill Village RV Park - 360 832-3507
Alder Lake WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Alder Lake
Alder Lake Park
50324 School Rd
Eatonville, WA 98328
360 569-2778
Fishing lakes in each state.
021725
Alder Lake in WA
WASHINGTON


Fishing for kokanee salmon in southwest WA.