If being on a kayak with a fishing rod in your hand is the height of peace and contentment for you, respond to the call of the great outdoors by visiting the Mount Rainier region. World famous for its natural beauty, this area of Washington state has several sparkling lakes on which you can paddle out to fish on.
Whether you take a mid-week break, or you spend a weekend camping in the park or staying at one of the charming accommodation facilities, you’re sure to agree that there’s no place quite like it. Let’s take a closer look at the best spots for kayak fishing.
Mowich Lake
Mowich Lake, is open for fishing between mid-July and mid-October. You’re most likely to catch kokanee while paddling in Mount Rainier National Park’s largest lake. Non-motorized boating is permitted. There is a rustic campground at the lake with sites for tent camping. There is no potable water at the campground so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. And you’ll want to drive a vehicle with decent clearance as the road to the lake is bumpy, take it slow.
Mineral Lake
Open for fishing from late-April until late-September, Mineral Lake is one of the best spots for trout in western Washington. The lake can get busy during the summer, so if you’re looking for more solitude, try one of the park’s lakes that isn’t as accessible. Located outside of the national park in Mineral, Washington.
Rimrock Lake
You can go kayak fishing any time of the year at Rimrock Lake, although May through July is the best time for catching kokanee, which has a 16-fish catch limit. Fishing for bull trout’s not allowed at Rimrock. Rimlock Lake is part of the Wenatchee National Forest.
Other Lakes For Fishing
Alder Lake—Picturesque Alder Lake also offers year-round recreational fishing. Getting onto the water shouldn’t be a problem, as there’s great bank access and there boat ramps. Once you’re on the lake, you can while away the hours by trying to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout, kokanee, yellow perch, largemouth bass, bullhead catfish, and black crappie. Alder Lake fishing is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Game.
Silver Lake—The Silver Lake fishing season runs from late-April until late-October. The beautiful spring-fed lake hosts fish such as rainbow trout, perch, catfish, largemouth bass, crappies, and bluegill. Silver Lake is part of the Washington state Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Project.
Dog Lake—is a smaller lake in the region but it’s still a fine spot for kayak fishing, especially if you’re a beginner. You can fish any time of year, but the best time for it is from June through August. Dog Lake fishing is managed by the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Packwood Lake—Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Packwood Lake is open for fishing from January until late December. To get there, you’ll need to hike 4.6 miles on the Packwood Lake Trail. Selective fishing regulations apply, so while you can go kayak fishing on the lake itself, you cannot fish its inlets. Restricted fishing is allowed in the outlet.
A Few Things To Note
You don’t need a state fishing license for kayak fishing in Mount Rainier National Park, although you must have a Washington state catch record card for salmon and steelhead. You can keep kokanee and brook trout, but you must release any native species you catch. Fishing in Tipsoo, Shadow, Reflection, Frozen, and Ghost lakes is prohibited.
If you enjoy kayak fishing, you won’t want to miss out on what the Mount Rainier region offers. Come visit!