Category: Fishing

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Fishing Close to Home: Your Local Guide to Fishing in Western Washington

Guy DuVall fishing on a boat in Western Washington waters, smiling beside his rod and reel during a local Pacific Northwest fishing trip.

Where to Cast a Line in Thurston and Pierce County Without Driving Half the State

If you’ve lived in Western Washington for more than five minutes, you know one thing. We are surrounded by water. Lakes, rivers, inlets, ponds. You almost have to try not to trip over a fishing spot around here.

And the best part? You do not need to drive across the Cascades to find a good place to cast a line.

Some of my favorite days have been spent fishing right here in Thurston and Pierce County. No big production. No epic expedition. Just a rod, a thermos of coffee, and a little patience. Sometimes you come home with fish. Sometimes you just come home with a clearer head. Both are wins in my book.

Let’s talk about where locals actually fish and what you should know before you drop that line in.

🎣 Lake St. Clair – A Personal Favorite Near Olympia

If you ask me for one of my go to spots, Lake St. Clair is always high on the list.

This lake has treated me well over the years, especially for trout and largemouth bass. It’s close to Olympia, easy to access, and has that classic Pacific Northwest feel.

Before heading out, you can check regulations and lake details through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife here:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations

If you are looking for fishing near Olympia WA that feels local and dependable, this is a great place to start.

🎣 Black Lake and Long Lake – Lacey Area Staples

Black Lake and Long Lake are two Thurston County favorites that plenty of locals rotate through.

Both lakes offer public access and are stocked with rainbow trout along with bass and perch. You can check current stocking reports directly through WDFW here:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports/stocking

If you live in Lacey or Olympia, you are practically fishing in your backyard.

🎣 American Lake – Always a Great Catch

American Lake in Lakewood is always a great catch as well. See what I did there.

This Pierce County lake is known for trout, kokanee, bass, and perch. It has multiple public access points and boat launches.

For lake access details and species information, visit:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations

If you are searching for fishing in Pierce County Washington, American Lake earns its reputation.

🎣 Spanaway Lake and Ohop Lake – Quiet Pierce County Options

Spanaway Lake offers shoreline access through Spanaway Park and is a comfortable place to fish for bass and trout.

Ohop Lake near Eatonville is another peaceful option if you are looking to avoid heavier traffic.

Always double check local regulations before heading out:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations

🌊 What You Can Expect to Catch Around Here

Depending on where and when you go in Western Washington, you might hook into:

  • Rainbow trout
  • Kokanee
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass
  • Yellow perch
  • Crappie
  • Salmon during select river runs

Seasonal rules and limits apply, so check the Fish Washington mobile app for real time updates:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/app

🧠 Fish Smart, Not Just Hard

Before you head out:

✔️ Purchase your Washington fishing license here:
https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov

✔️ Check water access sites and maps here:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations

✔️ Respect private property and posted areas

✔️ Clean, drain, and dry your gear to protect our lakes and rivers

Fishing responsibly protects the waters we all enjoy.

Local Tip from a Neighbor

Some of the best moments in Olympia happen when you lean into the season instead of fighting it. Winter is the perfect excuse to revisit favorite spots or finally try a new one by the water.

Have a favorite cozy waterfront restaurant in Olympia that belongs on this list? Share it with me. I am always looking to try new local favorites and add them to the blog.

More local guides coming soon.

🧡 For more hyperlocal resources, community guides, and neighborhood support, visit guyduvall.com

Thinking about relocating closer to the water? Let’s talk about neighborhoods near your favorite lake.

Contact

For more local guides and real estate insights, visit guyduvall.com and check out my blog.

Guy DuVall

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