Fishing Cle Elum Lake

AKA: Cle Elum Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Cle Elum Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Cle Elum Lake, WA

Popular Fish Species Cle Elum Lake, WA

Lake Trout Fishing

Very good fishing for lake trout has been reported at Cle Elum Lake this year. They can be caught from Spring through Fall with May through July the best bets. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 20 feet to 120 feet or more, and anywhere in between. Good electronics are a big help in locating lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches.

Cle Elum Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Cle Elum Lake is on the rise. Catching rainbow trout here often involves using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Cle Elum Lake Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Cle Elum Lake is very good. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Always experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Cle Elum Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, cutthroat, sockeye salmon and burbot at Cle Elum Lake in Washington.

Primarily a trout lake, Cle Elum Lake is a 4,800-acre lake in central WA, 10 miles northwest of the town of Cle Elum. The lake also has populations of salmon and burbot. There are a little over 20 miles of shoreline, and the lake is at an elevation of 2,223 ft above sea level.

Popular fish species found in Cle Elum Lake include kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout (Mackinaw), and smallmouth bass. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. These species provide a variety of angling opportunities for targeting trophy-sized lake trout.

Primary fish species residing in Cle Elum Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Cle Elum Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

The Last Resort
Rentals: Pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
509 649-2222

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Speelyi Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Lake Cabins Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wish Poosh Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Salmon La Sac Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.