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.
For more local guides and real estate insights, visit guyduvall.com and check out my blog.
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Real Estate Blog by Guy DuVall 
I like the idea of creating a designated calming space in my house.