Mt. Rainier & Crystal Mountain Lodging

Mt. Rainier Fishing

Cast a line in one of the rivers and lakes in the Mt. Rainier region. Take in the outstanding natural beauty of the area as you experience the thrill of catching rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout among others.

MT. RAINIER AREA

Lake Fishing
With over 250 lakes, it seems logical to think of Mt. Rainier National Park as a fisherman’s paradise. However, the park has a limited season. Because of the high elevation, most lakes are ice-free only mid-July through October. Lakes and ponds open for fishing the last weekend in April and run through late October. Rivers, streams and beaver ponds open late May or early June through late October. Please check the Washington State fishing regulations for exact dates and more detailed information. There are no limits on the number of fish that can be taken from park lakes, but you are encouraged to use barbless hooks and artificial lures. Note that motorized boating is prohibited in the park. Non-motorized boating is permitted on all lakes except Frozen Lake, Reflection Lakes, Ghost Lake and Tipsoo Lake. Anglers making overnight trips into the backcountry must have a wilderness camping permit which may be obtained from any Ranger Station. More Info…

RIVERS AND STREAMS:

American River
Fish: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Whitefish
Access: At the Mesatchee Creek Trail about 6 miles east of Chinook Pass off Hwy 410. Also, approximately 8 miles from Chinook Pass it is possible to bushwack and wade upstream from the Lodgepole Campground. Other access can be found along approximately 12 miles downstream to the junction of the Bumping River.

This moderate-sized, high-elevation river follows the Chinook Scenic Byway (SR 410) from its source at American Lake, before emptying into the Naches River.

Bumping River
Fish: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout
This river, popular for fishing and outdoor recreation, flows down the east side of the Cascade Range, through the Wenatchee National Forest and the William O. Douglas Wilderness area. It is joined by the American River and eventually becomes the Naches River.

Ohanapecosh River
Fish: Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat and Brook Trout
This river and its tributaries are open to fly fishing only. The use of bait or other lures except artificial flies is not permitted.

White River – Greenwater area

Lake Fishing
Lake fishing is more popular than river fishing in the region. The White River is too turbid and fast flowing, rendering it unfishable during most of the spring and summer. Access to the Greenwater River is restricted by private timber companies. Fees and passes are required.

Dalles Lake
Size: 2.5 acres; 13 ft. deep
Directions: Drive 6 miles on Forest Road 72 and continue another 7 miles to the road’s end.
Rainbow trout.

Greenwater Lakes
Size: Lower lake is 4 acres, upper lake is 6.2 acres
Directions: A couple miles east of Greenwater, turn left on Forest Road 70. Continue for 8 miles, cross a bridge and take a right at the sign for the trail. Hike 1.5 miles to reach the first lake and 0.5 miles further for the second lake. Both lakes are popular and heavily fished with self sustaining populations of cutthroat, brook trout and a few rainbow trout.

Quinn Lake
Size: 1.5 acres; 13 ft. deep
Directions: A couple miles east of Greenwater, turn left on Forest Road 70. Continue for 8 miles, cross a bridge and take a right at the sign for the trail. Hike 3.2 miles on Greenwater Lake Trail to the Lost Lake Trail. Continue 2.5 miles to the lake. Fish for Eastern brook trout at Quinn Lake

Echo Lake
Size: 62 acres; 32 ft. deep
Directions: A couple miles east of Greenwater, turn left on Forest Road 70. Continue for 8 miles, cross a bridge and take a right at the sign for the trail. Hike 7 miles on the Greenwater Lakes Trail to the lake. Although quite a hike to reach the lake, this is one of the most heavily fished lakes in Pierce County. Known for abundant, yet small native cutthroat trout.

Lost Lake
Size: 26 acres|
Directions: A couple miles east of Greenwater, turn left on Forest Road 70. Continue for 8 miles, cross a bridge and take a right at the sign for the trail. Hike 3.2 miles on Greenwater Lake Trail to the Lost Lake Trail. Continue 3 miles to the lake, 0.5 miles past Quinn Lake. This lake is known to be packed with brook trout.

Lonesome Lake
Size: 12 acre lake; 40 ft. deep
Just east of Greenwater, turn right between mileposts 46 & 47 onto Forest Road 74. Drive 0.5 miles to a Y and take the lower road. At 6.2 miles from the turn off Highway 410, go left on Forest Road 75. In another 3.5 miles, go right on Forest Road 7530 and drive another 3.6 miles to the lake. Despite the name, Lonesome Lake is a popular spot for fisherman catching Eastern brook trout.

Please be aware that every body of water has unique and specific rules and regulations. Please check the current “Fishing in Washington” regulations pamphlet for the actual regulatory language, rules and sport fishing seasons. Download the entire pamphlet and purchase your fishing license online.