When fishing Alder Lake, head to the north end and Rocky Point for bass, while the dam is popular for kokanee. For kokanee, use small lures with corn or worms and focus on 50-54°F waters. Target largemouth bass around submerged stumps using spinnerbaits. Explore deeper pools for cutthroat trout with fly fishing or drifting half nightcrawlers. Summer sees kokanee moving deeper, so use down-riggers. Try ultra-light rods with 6-8 lb. test lines and live baits for panfish such as crappie. Utilizing these spots and techniques can maximize your catches, offering more insights for a productive fishing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Alder Lake Park and near the dam are popular spots for catching kokanee.
- Rocky Point Campground is ideal for smallmouth bass, especially near submerged stumps.
- Use spinners, spoons, or hootchies with bait for effective kokanee fishing.
- In spring, fish in shallow waters; in summer and fall, target deeper areas with weighted lines.
- For panfish, employ ultra-light rods and live baits like minnows or worms.
Location and Access Points
Nestled about 10 miles south of Eatonville, Alder Lake offers a tranquil escape for fishing enthusiasts, spanning parts of Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties. To reach this serene spot, head to the main park entrance off State Highway 7. If you're traveling from Tacoma, take I-5 south to State Route 512, then exit at Pacific Avenue (SR 7). Coming from Olympia, follow I-5 east and continue on State Route 512 to access Highway 7. Alder Lake is located on State Highway 7, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling from different areas. Before heading out for your fishing trip, consider stopping at a nearby Walmart store to conveniently obtain a fishing license and any necessary supplies.
As you plan your visit, know that Alder Lake offers year-round access except from December 20 through January 1. For camping, consider Rocky Point Campground, situated 4 miles southeast of the main entrance. If you're only visiting for the day, Sunny Beach Point—a half-mile east of the main entrance—provides a lovely 9-acre day-use area with picnic shelters and a swim zone. Campsites include fire rings/grills and picnic tables, enhancing the outdoor experience for visitors. While Alder Lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities, Walter Wirth Lake is known for its rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Be aware of the no-wake zones, especially in parts of the Little Nisqually Arm. There are also designated non-motorized areas to guarantee a peaceful experience. Don't forget the extra vehicle fee is $15, and day-use parking fees apply on peak days. Always check lake levels before launching your boat.
Fish Species and Regulations
Many anglers find Alder Lake a rewarding destination, thanks to its diverse fish species and straightforward regulations. You'll encounter yellow perch throughout the year, while black and white crappie are found in various parts. yellow perch at Alder Lake are native to North America, unlike their larger European counterparts. For bass enthusiasts, the lake offers largemouth bass in coves and near woody structures, and smallmouth bass around rocky areas. The lake is also known for providing good opportunities for catching kokanee, which are reported as the most commonly successful catch. When fishing for walleyes at dusk, try using light jigs and soft plastics to increase your chances of success.
Fishing here can be compared to Timothy Lake, where kokanee fishing is best achieved with trolling methods for success. When targeting kokanee, remember there's no minimum size, and you can catch up to 10 daily. For other trout, the daily limit is 5, excluding kokanee. Regulations for other game fish follow statewide rules. Conveniently, Alder Lake has no special seasonal restrictions, so you can fish year-round without worrying about closures.
To make the most of your trip, focus on effective methods. Trolling small lures works well for kokanee and trout, while corn, maggots, and worm pieces make excellent bait. For bass, soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinners are the go-to. If you're after panfish, smaller natural baits near the bottom can yield great results.
Understanding these species and regulations helps facilitate a successful and enjoyable fishing experience at Alder Lake. Stick to these tips, and your fishing adventures will be rewarding.
Prime Kokanee Spots
After mastering the diverse fish species and regulations at Alder Lake, you might wonder where to focus your efforts for kokanee. Start at Alder Lake Park and near the dam; these areas are known for good kokanee fishing. The Little Nisqually Arm, on the lake's west side, offers a prime spot with its no-wake zone providing a peaceful fishing experience. Access is convenient with several boat ramps and bank access points along SR 7 and within Tacoma Power's parks. Kokanee prefer water temperatures between 50-54°F, so targeting areas where these conditions are met can improve your chances of success.
For trolling, use small lures like spinners, spoons, or hootchies. Pair them with baits such as corn, maggots, or worms, and add attractor blades or dodgers to entice kokanee. Depth is key, especially in late summer and fall when kokanee are deeper. Kokanee are known to inhabit cooler depths below the thermocline during summer, making dawn and dusk the most active times for fishing. Use downriggers or weighted lines to reach these depths. Adjust leader lengths and vary dodger sizes and colors to improve success rates. Side imaging can be a valuable tool for identifying fish-holding structures and improving fishing efficiency. Flashers can be a vital tool during ice fishing seasons, offering real-time feedback that can enhance your fishing technique.
Kokanee are shallower in May and June, so fish early or late in the day for best results. Utilize fish finders to locate schooling fish and optimize your gear. Guarantee your rod is light action and equipped with rubber snubbers to prevent fish loss.
Targeting Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout at Alder Lake offer an exciting challenge for anglers looking to test their skills. These coastal cutthroat, known for their diverse habitats, are a rewarding catch. You'll find them in deeper pools and areas with cover like woody debris or undercut banks. Alder Lake's clear, cold waters create ideal conditions for these trout, which can grow over 24 inches and weigh up to 5 pounds. As part of the Salmonidae family, cutthroat trout require clean, cold, and well-oxygenated waters to thrive, making Alder Lake an excellent habitat for these fish.
To target cutthroat trout effectively, try fly fishing with dry fly patterns like Parachute Adams or stimulators. Using a lighter line, such as a 2-6 pound test, can improve casting distance and prevent spooking these wary fish. If you're more into spin fishing, small spinners, jigs, or beads around spawning salmon can be your go-to. Don't overlook the effectiveness of drifting a half nightcrawler through deep runs or using attractor spinners. The best type of line for ice fishing includes monofilament due to its excellent water resistance, although fluorocarbon and braided lines are also popular choices.
Alder Lake provides excellent bank access and several boat ramps, making it easy to find your perfect spot. For stillwater fishing, consider using a nymph under an indicator, especially if the trout aren't rising. And don't forget to try step ladders to reach deeper waters. With a daily catch limit of five cutthroat trout, using flashers and wedding ring-type lures with bait can maximize your success. Happy fishing!
Bass Fishing Strategies
Bass fishing at Alder Lake is an angler's delight, offering diverse habitats and abundant opportunities for a rewarding catch. To maximize your chances, head to the north end where largemouth bass thrive, or try Rocky Point for smallmouth bass. For bigger fish, target areas around submerged stumps and tight to the shoreline where cover is plentiful. Avoid fishing near the dam due to heavy water output, as bass tend to steer clear of those areas. Spinnerbaits and swimbaits are effective lures for this lake, but anglers should be cautious as the strong current near the dam can make fishing challenging. It's important to remember that Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is also famous for excellent largemouth bass fishing, especially in the Niangua and Glaize Arms. Lakes like Clear Lake in California also offer excellent fishing opportunities, being renowned for their abundant catfish and bass populations.
When selecting lures, crankbaits in natural or bright, shocking colors are effective. Spinnerbaits with 3/8-ounce gold blades work well across conditions. Soft plastics in natural hues like green pumpkin and watermelon red seed are popular choices, while jigs and topwater lures can be effective near structures or during dawn and dusk. It's important for beginners to start with smaller bass to gain experience and build confidence in their skills.
Vary your techniques by adjusting lure speed and depth. Casting repeatedly over structures can provoke strikes. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to fish, so plan your trips accordingly. Always check water levels and try different spots around the lake. Choosing the right lure colors for the water clarity and utilizing natural cover will enhance your success rate.
Panfish and Catfish Techniques
As you shift your focus from bass to other species at Alder Lake, panfish and catfish offer their own unique challenges and rewards. For panfish, start with an ultra-light to medium-light rod paired with a spinning or spin-casting reel. Use a 6-8 lb. test line, adjusting to stronger lines in weedy areas. Small hooks (size 6-10) and live baits like minnows, worms, and crickets work wonders. In spring, target shallow waters near structural edges and as temperatures warm, move deeper. Remember that panfish tend to stay in their core areas, so focusing on the immediate vicinity where they were last found can be effective. During summer, look for them near vegetation. Slow your presentations in fall, as panfish respond best to deliberate movements with live bait. For anglers interested in ice fishing, using a short rod can offer exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces. Due to their natural movement, leeches can be an effective bait for enticing fish during ice fishing.
For catching yellow perch, focus near the bottom using small minnows and worms. Crappie are often deeper in warm water, so use small jigs and minnows. Sunfish prefer slow presentations with crickets and grubs.
When targeting catfish, particularly bullheads, bottom fishing with a #4 or #6 hook is key. Use nightcrawlers or chicken livers in the evening for best results. The slip sinker method, leaving 8"-12" between the sinker and hook, enhances your chances. Focus on fishing near structural elements to increase your catch.
Seasonal Fishing Tips
Why not take advantage of the changing seasons to enhance your fishing experience at Alder Lake? In spring, capitalize on the high, clear waters. Kokanee are shallow, making them easy targets near river and creek mouths. Use small lures like spinners and hoochies with bait such as corn or worms. For cutthroat trout, try slow-trolling flies or still-fishing with natural bait, especially near these same spots. Shore access is excellent along SR 7 and Tacoma Power's parks. Cloudy and rainy conditions generally enhance fishing success by stimulating trout feeding activity, making spring an excellent time for anglers.
As summer warms the surface, kokanee retreat deeper. Use weighted lines or down-riggers, focusing around the dam and Little Nisqually Arm. Pink and green lures work wonders for both kokanee and trout, which you can find near cooler waters at river mouths. Trolling remains effective for these summer residents.
Come fall, as water temps drop, kokanee school deeper. Utilize fish finders to locate them and adjust your lure weights accordingly. Trout activity peaks, so concentrate efforts near river mouths with appropriate tackle adjustments. It's important to note that kokanee are often found in the top 5 feet of the water column during early spring, making it challenging to mark them with sonar.
Winter's lower water levels and cold temps call for targeting bass and crappie. Smaller lures and slower presentations near structures like logs and stumps can yield success. Despite limited boat access, shore fishing remains viable.
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