TOP FISHING SPOTS IN YOUR COUNTRY

Matt Case - March 7th, 2025 - 2:33pm PST 

Best Fishing Spots in Thurston, Mason, and Pierce Counties, Washington

Washington State is known for its abundant fishing opportunities, and Thurston, Mason, and Pierce counties offer some of the best spots for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're after trout, bass, salmon, or steelhead, these five locations provide excellent fishing experiences year-round.

1. Lake St. Clair (Thurston County)

Lake St. Clair, located just southeast of Olympia, is a favorite among local anglers. Known for its healthy populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, and rainbow trout, this lake offers fishing opportunities from both the shore and boat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regularly stocks the lake with trout, making it a great spot for year-round fishing.

Best catches: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout
Best time to fish: Spring through fall for bass; year-round for trout

2. Summit Lake (Thurston County)

Summit Lake, west of Olympia, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and excellent trout fishing. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and has a thriving population of kokanee salmon. The deep waters also support cutthroat trout, providing diverse fishing opportunities.

Best catches: Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout
Best time to fish: Spring and summer for trout; early summer for kokanee

3. Mason Lake (Mason County)

As the largest freshwater lake in Mason County, Mason Lake is a top destination for anglers seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake is also home to perch, bluegill, and stocked trout. With multiple public access points, it’s an excellent spot for boaters and shoreline fishing alike.

Best catches: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, rainbow trout
Best time to fish: Spring through fall for bass; year-round for trout

4. Hoodsport (Mason County - Hood Canal)

For saltwater fishing enthusiasts, Hoodsport on Hood Canal is a prime location. This area is well-known for its fall chum salmon run, attracting anglers from all over the state. Additionally, shellfish harvesting, including oysters and clams, is popular in the region.

Best catches: Chum salmon, coho salmon, cutthroat trout
Best time to fish: September through December for chum salmon; summer for cutthroat trout

5. American Lake (Pierce County)

Located near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, American Lake is one of the largest and most diverse fishing lakes in Pierce County. The lake offers excellent year-round fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, as well as warm-water species like largemouth bass and perch. With multiple boat launches and a fishing pier, it’s a great destination for anglers of all experience levels.

Best catches: Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, yellow perch
Best time to fish: Spring and summer for trout and kokanee; summer through fall for bass

Final Thoughts

Whether you're fishing in the calm waters of Summit Lake or chasing salmon along the Hood Canal, YOUR COUNTRY counties offer some of the best fishing in Western Washington. Before heading out, be sure to check WDFW regulations for licensing, catch limits, and seasonal restrictions. Happy fishing!