By Alyssa Ramsfield
Thurston County is a fisherman’s paradise. There are many local lakes to choose from and a variety of fish to catch. With the beautiful weather upon us and many fishing holes stocked, it is the perfect time to go out fishing!
Before you can cast your line, there are requirements in Washington State for fishing.
The first item you will need is a fishing license. You can buy a Combination License or just a Freshwater License. The Combination License allows you to fish in both freshwater and saltwater while the Freshwater is for freshwater fishing only. For an annual Combination License (ages 16-69) the cost is $54.25. The Freshwater License (ages 16-69) costs a little more than half of that at $29.50. Licenses are valid for one fishing season. Children under 15 do not need a license, but will need a Catch Record Card which are available at no cost. Licenses and Catch Record Cards can be acquired at local tackle shops, grocery stores, and online at: https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/.
Now that you have your Fishing License in hand, it’s time to fill your tackle box with the necessities. “The basics are really all you need,” explains Tom’s Outboard Inc. owner, Tom Turnbow. “Sinkers, lures, extra line, a couple of different hooks and bobbers are always good to have in your box.” If you know what type of fish you are specifically trying to catch, going to a shop and speaking with a professional will also help in your fishing success.
So when is the perfect time to hit the lakes? “Now is the time to go for sure,” says Turnbow. “Fish are coming out in schools now that the sun is out. A good rule of thumb is if basketball playoffs are going on, it is all good out on the lakes. Fishing usually stays that way until the NBA Championship game is over and then picks back up in August.”
There are multiple lakes in our area that increase your odds of catching fish. Local fishing enthusiast, KJ Smith explained, “I do not have any real secret spots to fish. The fish are biting on Black Lake, but the lakes are all recently stocked and the fish are surface feeding so fishing will remain easy until the water temperature climbs and the fish stay deeper.”
Some of the top spots in Thurston County to catch fish include: Black Lake, Chambers Lake, Clear Lake, Deep Lake, Hicks Lake, Lake Lawrence, Long Lake, McIntosh Lake, Munn Lake, Offutt Lake, Pattison Lake, Skookum Reservoir, St. Clair Lake, Summit Lake, and Ward Lake. All of the mentioned fishing holes are stocked with different species, with an emphasis on trout, annually.
The first weekend of June, is a “Free Fishing Weekend” in Washington. On June 7 and 8, fishing licenses are not required and are open to all residents. Discovery Passes and Catch Cards are also not necessary during this weekend of angling. For specific information on rules and regulations during “Free Fishing Weekend” visit: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free/.
Local Fishing License Suppliers: http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/county/THURSTON/
Tom’s Outboard Inc.
221 Easy Bay Drive
Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 754-3882
