Lake Cushman, WA

About Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman is a large, deep reservoir tucked against the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains in Mason County, Washington, near the town of Hoodsport. Created by a dam on the North Fork of the Skokomish River, it is a long, fjord-like impoundment with steep timbered shorelines, clear cold water, and dramatic mountain scenery that makes it one of the most scenic fisheries on the Olympic Peninsula. The lake's surface level can fluctuate substantially through the year as it is managed for hydropower and water storage, which is something every angler planning a trip should keep in mind.

Anglers know Lake Cushman best as a cold-water trout and kokanee fishery. Its depth and clarity favor coldwater species, and the lake has a strong reputation for kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) along with rainbow and cutthroat trout. It also holds warmwater species in its shallower bays. The combination of an accessible launch, a wild backdrop, and a genuinely productive fishery makes it a popular destination for both trolling enthusiasts chasing kokanee and casual anglers fishing for stocked and wild trout.

Fish Species

Lake Cushman supports a mix of cold-water and warm-water species, with the cold-water fish being the headline draw.

• Kokanee — The signature fishery. These landlocked sockeye are prized as outstanding table fare and are targeted by trollers who suspend their gear over deep water. Schools roam the open basin and respond well to attractors trailed by small baited hooks.
• Rainbow trout — Widely available and a reliable target for trollers and bait anglers alike. They feed actively in cooler water and provide steady action through much of the open-water season.
• Cutthroat trout — Native coastal cutthroat are present and often hold near shorelines, inlets, and structure. They can be aggressive toward small spoons, spinners, and flies.
• Warmwater species — The lake also holds bass and other panfish-type warmwater fish that concentrate in the warmer, shallower bays and around wood and rock structure, especially in summer.

For most visitors, kokanee and trout are the reason to come; the warmwater fishing is a worthwhile bonus when the shallows warm up.

Best Seasons & Times

Spring: As the water begins to warm, trout fishing turns on near the surface and along shorelines. Early in the season fish are often shallow and willing, making spring one of the best windows for rainbow and cutthroat. Kokanee fishing builds as the season progresses.

Summer: Warm surface temperatures push kokanee and trout deeper, and successful anglers follow them down with downriggers or weighted lines to find the cooler thermocline where fish stack up. Early morning and the last hour of light are the most productive times once midsummer heat sets in. Warmwater species become active in the sun-warmed bays during this period.

Fall: Cooling water pulls trout back toward the surface and shorelines, and kokanee begin staging. Crisp fall mornings can offer excellent, less-crowded fishing.

Winter: Fishing slows with cold water and lower lake levels, and access can be more limited, but determined anglers can still find trout. Throughout the year, fishing dawn and dusk consistently outproduces the bright midday hours, particularly for kokanee.

Techniques & Baits

Because Lake Cushman is deep and clear, presentation and depth control matter more than heavy tackle.

• Kokanee: Troll slowly behind a small dodger or flasher trailed by a tiny hoochie, spinner, or baited hook. Tip hooks with white shoepeg corn (often scented) and run pink, orange, or red hardware. Use a downrigger or leaded line to reach the depth where the schools are holding, and once you locate fish, stay precisely on that depth. Kokanee have soft mouths, so a soft rod tip and steady drag help keep them buttoned.
• Rainbow and cutthroat trout: Trolling small spoons, spinners, or a wedding-ring-and-worm setup behind flashers is effective, as is suspending bait such as worms or PowerBait under a bobber or off the bottom in shallower zones. Casting small spinners and spoons from shore or near inlets takes cutthroat, especially early and late in the day.
• Warmwater species: Work soft plastics, small crankbaits, and jigs around wood, rock, and shoreline cover in the warmer bays during summer.

A fish finder is genuinely valuable here for locating bait and the depth band where the cold-water fish are suspended.

Access & Launches

Lake Cushman is reached from the Hoodsport area off US Highway 101 on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. There is public boat-launch access to the lake, and a nearby state park provides shoreline and recreation access. Much of the surrounding shoreline is bordered by private property and a residential community, so anglers should respect posted private land and use established public access points for launching and bank fishing.

Because Lake Cushman is a managed reservoir, water levels can rise and fall significantly through the season, which affects ramp usability and the amount of exposed shoreline. It is wise to check current lake-level and launch conditions before towing a boat, and to be prepared for variable conditions. As always, confirm the latest access details and any day-use or launch arrangements locally before your trip.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid Washington fishing license is required to fish Lake Cushman, and anglers should carry the appropriate license and any required catch-record or endorsement documentation as applicable. Specific season dates, slot and size limits, daily bag limits, and any gear restrictions can vary by species and can change from year to year.

Before fishing, review the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for this water and the surrounding waters, paying particular attention to any rules specific to trout and kokanee. Practicing selective, ethical harvest and releasing fish you do not intend to keep helps sustain the fishery for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is Lake Cushman known for?
Lake Cushman is best known as a cold-water fishery for kokanee (landlocked sockeye), along with rainbow trout and native cutthroat trout. Kokanee are the standout draw and are prized table fare. The lake also holds warmwater species like bass in its shallower bays.

What's the best way to catch kokanee at Lake Cushman?
Troll slowly with a small dodger or flasher trailed by a tiny hoochie or baited hook tipped with scented white corn, in pink, orange, or red colors. Use a downrigger or leaded line to reach the depth where schools are holding, and once you find them, stay precisely on that depth. Fish early and late in the day for the best action.

When is the best time of year to fish Lake Cushman?
Spring and fall are excellent for trout near the surface and shorelines, while summer offers strong kokanee fishing once you go deep with downriggers to follow fish into cooler water. Dawn and dusk consistently outproduce midday throughout the season, especially for kokanee.

Do I need a license to fish Lake Cushman, and are there boat ramps?
Yes, a valid Washington fishing license is required. There is public boat-launch access and a nearby state park offering shoreline access, but much of the shoreline is private, so use established public access. Because the lake is a managed reservoir, check current water levels and launch conditions before towing a boat.