9 Tips From Locals on Where to Fish in Pierce County
In Pierce County, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by gorgeous scenery and opportunities for getting outside and staying active. And with the Puget Sound and a long list of lakes right in our backyard, fishing is a popular activity for many people in our region!
Read on to learn where several local Tacomans recommended going fishing in Pierce County, and their insider tips!
________________________________________________
American Lake
Located at 9222 Veterans Dr SW, Lakewood, Washington 98498
REALTOR® Jaron Witsoe recommends heading to American Lake in Lakewood to fish for Rainbow Trout. Open year-round for fishing, American Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Kokanee, and there is also a large population of other natural fish. Not only does American Lake have some great fishing, but it’s also home to some truly beautiful scenery! We recommend taking a look at this handy lake locator from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help plan your fishing trip. You can search by location, or type of fish you're hoping to catch!
________________________________________________
The Puget Sound & Slag Pile Area by Vashon Island
“Love fishing in the Puget Sound! You can rent boats at the Point Defiance Boat House." “[There’s] great fishing just off the Slag Pile Vashon Island. It's a good day when you catch a 30-pounder—normally they're more like 12 to 15 pounds.”
Right next to the Vashon Ferry Terminal at Point Defiance, there’s a public boat launch that’s open all year long from sunrise to sunset. You can get an annual pass or punch card, or pay per launch.
________________________________________________
Ruston Way Docks
Located at Ruston Way Waterfront Tacoma, Washington 98402
Want to go fishing for squid? Jaron Witsoe says that the Ruston Way docks during the colder months at night are the place to be! The Les Davis Pier is conveniently open all year long, 24/7 for fishing.
________________________________________________
The Puyallup River
Dreaming of salmon fishing? Good news—the Puyallup River offers an excellent opportunity to try your hand at catching a beautiful salmon. “[I recommend the] Puyallup River for coho salmon and steelhead fishing!” shares Jaron. Fishing begins on the first Saturday in June, and you can take a look at a map of recommended fishing spots along the Puyallup River here.
“Even if you're not fishing you can see the schools of salmon traveling along the bays edge on their way to the Puyallup River." “These fish like to jump out of the water, so they're easy to spot. If you own waders, head to the Puyallup River for more fish concentration.”
________________________________________________
Silver Lake
Located at 40724 S Silver Lake Rd E Eatonville, WA 98328
Henley’s Silver Lake Resort in Eatonville to go fishing for trout, perch, crappie, and bass. Plus, there’s also a neat resort there—you can stay in cabins, RV sites, and campsites. There are also bathrooms, a bait shop, a dock, and a boat launch to take advantage of.
________________________________________________
Dash Point State Park
Located at 5700 S.W. Dash Point Road Federal Way, WA 98023
Michael recommends checking out the pier at Dash Point State Park Park for fishing. This incredible 398-acre park is packed with a ton of things to do, from biking and hiking to camping and boating as well.
________________________________________________
Browns Point Lighthouse Park
Located at 201 Tulalip St. N.E. Tacoma, WA 98422
“Browns Point Lighthouse Park is a nice spot for bank fishing." This 4-acre park shows off stunning views of the Puget Sound, and in addition to fishing and a great picnic space, this park also has a long history dating back to the 1840s.
________________________________________________
Lake Ohop
Located at Ohop Lake, Washington 98328
Lake Ohop is located in Eatonville just south of Northwest Trek. The lake is open all year, and has especially good fishing during the summer months. Check out the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife's Lake Ohop page to see what you may catch there!
________________________________________________
Lake Kapowsin
For a relaxing day of fishing, we recommend heading to Lake Kapowsin, just off of Kapowsin Highway E via Highway 161. This great spot is open all year, but the best fishing starts in May and slows down in September. The lake is stocked each year with rainbow trout and has a boat ramp, a dock, and parking.
________________________________________________
"Pink salmon runs happen on odd years, so 2021 will be fishing time. [It’s the] smallest of the salmon family and [they] average a few pounds or more. Very aggressive and attack anything pink in color.” Don’t miss out on catching a delicious pink salmon next year!
Curious to check out some other fishing spots in Pierce County? Take a look at the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s guide to Pierce County’s fishing spots here, and view their fishing regulations and rules for even more helpful information for a successful fishing trip. Reel 'em in!