Make sure you're reppared for the correct fish by having the best lures and bait for the fish that are likely in Riffe Lake . Because of this lake's size, changing water levels, and dangerous winds, this is not a beginner boater's lake.Trolling for Coho and ChinookBecause this lake is so deep, downriggers are almost necessity here, although deep divers might make a good alternative. Make sure to bring a variety of options to see what the fish want that day. This is a great opportunity to net yourself a huge trout in Riffe Lake!Here is some background on Riffe Lake and its unique fishery, for those unfamiliar. Below is directions to the southwest site. Of course these should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on the banks of Riffe Lake.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. Other lures sometimes fish best without bait, including spinners, spoons and wobbling lures like bright FlatFish. Many fishermen agree that these fish are most active from May to August. This lake also provides good fishing for Yellow Perch, Bluegill Sunfish, Brown Bullhead , an Ohop Lake is currently open year-round. Fishing reports and forecasts for ~10,000 streams and lakes and rivers across North America and the United Kingdom. This is a massive, 13 mile long lake, so finding the fish is the most time consuming part. Riffe Lake is a 23 mile long reservoir that holds a variety of species including rainbow, brown trout, landlocked coho, bass, bluegill,crappie, and perch. In my week camping there I caught fish every time I went out and they were good quality fish. Riffe Lake is a very large freshwater lake located in Lewis County, Washington. The building or camp sites will be private surrounded by forest & soils appear to drain well & should perk no problem. Mostly nocturnal feeders, crawfish will come from long. This is a massive, 13 mile long lake, so finding the fish is the most time consuming part. Battle Ground Lake - WDFW planted an additional. Surf Perch off the beach Winds may gust up to 2mph. They also are great fighters for their size, prone to making strong runs and sometimes spectacular leaps. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. It's more of a wife tail but always fun to recollect. By 2022, we would expect fewer but larger trout here. Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Total catch for the day for all of us, minus the few that got away! During the day the maximum temperature will be 42F with a min temperature of 21F around Riffe Lake . Mayfield Lake fishing is very good for Trout. The wild cutthroats and browns are targeted by a minority of anglers, but if you try this we suggest you work the waters near the mouths of incoming tributaries, particularly at the eastern (upper) end of the reservoir. For shore bound anglers, there is access on both sides of the dam as well as at the fishing bridge near Taidnapam Park. Open in Google Maps. The fish can be found there. Trolling southeasterly at 30 feet near the island along an underwater ridge. The long ramp at Mossyrock Park is accessible except in the lowest-water conditions. There are two excellent Tacoma PublicUtilities parks with excellent boat ramps and also a concrete ramp at the end of Komos Drive.For recorded information on river flows, lake levels and boat launch usability, call the Tacoma Power Fishing and Recreation line at (888) 502-8690.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------. The average temperature will be 0F during the day. Some fishermen believe they grow larger than other trout because the energy normally used for reproduction is instead used for eating. There are no Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) in this lake. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Riffe Lake . Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for Riffe Lake on Sat 4th March will be from a south easterly direction which means fishing is poor. Read the reports here and of we went. This is a non-realtime station. Because this lake is so deep, downriggers are almost necessity here, although deep divers might make a good alternative. Available Fishing Guide: Yet despite its considerable size over 23 miles long with more than 50 miles of shoreline and offers excellent if sometimes under-appreciate fishing opportunities. If you are new to the lake a couple of tips. Coastal cutthroat trout also are native to the Cowlitz and its tributaries and occasionally make their way into the reservoir, where they can be caught to nice size. Kokanee There are no Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) in this lake. If you are specifically trying to find largemouth bass at Riffe, wed suggest trying out some of the shallower cove areas where the water is a little warmer. Mayfield Lake fishing is very good for Trout. Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. Smallmouth bass love rocky and hard-bottom structure but will use all types of structure. Anglers, usually after the land-locked coho but occasional catching other salmon or trout, dangle baits down into the water some 40 feet below. There are a multitude of recreational opportunities are nearby. If the winds pick up enough to make controlling your boat difficult, try trolling with the wind. Try playing around with herring and shrimp scents on your lures. Blue Creek: . Rather than see them go to waste, Pryor says he went to work reaching out to various federal and state agencies, utilities and tribes to see if anybody could take the fish. Shoreline access: Good However, largemouths do have the potential to grow a bit larger than smallmouths in the Northwest. It's a good idea to call Tacoma Power or check their website for current water levels. It is well worth the effort to learn the lake. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are also available. Rearing the East Coast fish was banned in Washington after company nets overloaded with mussels and marine plants tore loose in August 2017 and a quarter million farmed fish escaped. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. Winds may gust up to 6mph. New Podcast 2023: Float Tubes and Boats on Crowley Lake . I think because of the quality of all the sticks and floating logs in the lake ( as well as the wind) it does not appear to be really popular with the water maggots (aka Jet Skies) or ski boats. Also, WDFW plants steelhead upriver along with the salmon to spawn, and their young also can find their way into Riffe the same way the young coho and Chinook do. The lake supports naturally reproducing populations of black crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead catfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, and Silver Lake is currently open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31st and offers good harvest opportunity for stocked rainbow trout. If you want easy access to bank, pier and boat fishing, this is a spot to consider. What is the goal? Since these fish were just stocked, it's likely they will be hanging out in shallower depths than normal. She enjoys both freshwater and saltwater fishing adventures in the Puget Sound area with her fishing group, the Straw Hat Fishermen. There are launch points at the SW and NE ends of the lakes. But Riffe typically does have some rainbows that likely drop in from the Cowlitz and possibly a few from stockers put into Rainey Creek at the northeast end of the reservoir. Here is some background on Riffe Lake and its unique fishery, for those unfamiliar. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Riffe Lake . These salmon are smaller than ocean-going coho but very often reach 12 to 15 inches (and sometimes larger) and can be nearly as fat as footballs. However, weve seen some reports of nice triploid rainbows caught from the bank in the upper part of the reservoir. Soft plastics, crainbaits, spinners, and other lures will catch smallmouth bass. You still may end up catching more smallmouth than largemouth. The lake also has several camping areas available. If the winds pick up enough to make controlling your boat difficult, try trolling with the wind. I'm sure you've heard of the old sying: Wind from the West, fish bite the best. Many trout die from the stress of reproduction, triploids may live longer and grow larger. Taidnapam Park boat launch is closed. Most fish are being taken 150 feet back on the. There are no Kokanee in Riffe Lake. If none of these work, sometimes cured coon shrimp or even a small piece of herring is the ticket. Unfortunately, recent reports suggest that the sheer numbers and voracious appetites of the triploid trout might be reducing forage and stunting normal growth rates for the coho, which anglers say seem to be shorter and skinnier than usual for this point in the season. Honestly, if youre looking for crappie, bluegill, largemouth and even channel catfish (as well as stocked trout in the spring), consider neighboring Swofford Pond. Former bass fishing guide Roger Luce told us that Riffe Lake is one of his preferred fishing spots for big smallmouth bass in Washington, along with the Columbia River. The wind is an ever constant companion if you are a kayaker or have a very small boat so plan accordingly.If you have never been to this lake get out there. How is the fishing in Riffe lake? Theyll stage and hunt off shorelines, points, drop-offs, stumps, rock-face dams and other spots. Cowlitz: Is open for Hatchery Steelhead, Sea run Cutthroat and Salmon. Thu 1st January, 1970 Weather Conditions For Riffe Lake Temperature Updated Just Now During the day the maximum temperature will be 0F with a min temperature of 0F around Riffe Lake . We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Riffe Lake used to be kept at near capacity level between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but updated outflow requirements intended to benefit federally-protected fish species have gradually forced. Fishing in Washington doesnt reopen until May 5, and boat launches and parks on Riffe are also shut down for the time being. You chances of bagging a few has increased. Bluegill prefer small natural baits but also hit artificial flies and small lures. Its more like an hour and a half from Tacoma, taking Highway 7 south to Morton located north of mid-lake, and then Highway 12 to whichever end of Riffe you plan to fish. It is well worth the effort to learn the lake. The day-use area is open. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for Riffe Lake. Winter is the most difficult season in which to catch Bluegill, but persistent anglers can find them in schools of like-sized fish offshore. This is the third and final report on my week of fishing at Riffe Lake. Caution must be used when fishing from a boat here. Winter Steelhead are now showing up in good numbers the u Riffe Lake is currently under a "Waning Gibbous" phase 32" Rainbow Trout. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Learn More, 02/05/2023 Speaking from experience, these salmon are expert bait stealers.Bank Fishing for Coho and ChinookThe most popular shore fishing here is at the deep waters on either side of Mossyrock Dam or the fishing bridge at Taidnapam Park. South blows bait in their mouth.. Most of my big fish were caught in 300 feet of water 30 feet on the rigger. Lots of anglers also troll with lures. Itll take some serious scrambling to reach water in many spots, especially in big middle of the lake. This is a very special fishery, and one of my favorites. The salmon here are the product of WDFWs program of trucking mature hatchery salmon into the Cowlitz River system upstream from the dams. Riffe also has some largemouth bass, although reports from the reservoir suggest this is a smaller fishery than the smallmouths these days. I fish .8-1.2 mph. October 18, 2022September 15, 2022by Brent Pollock Riffe provides good fishing for landlocked coho and Chinook salmon, plus an occasional large brown trout. Silver Lake is an excellent fishery for Largemouth Bass. View Fishing Details, For March: View Fishing Details. Station Notes. Mossyrock Park also has shoreline access but its not as popular for catching salmon from the shore right there as it is for boaters heading out onto the lake. Other Fishing Reports for Kelso Horseshoe Lake Good Riffe provides good fishing for landlocked coho and Chinook salmon, plus an occasional large brown trout. There is no need to wait for fall salmon runs if you're craving some smoked salmon! We are seeing schools of Bluefin Tuna of various sizes. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Riffe Lake is a 13 mile long reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. It's a good idea to call Tacoma Power or check their website for current water levels. There are 3 boat launches, 2 of which are not accessible during low water conditions. Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. Learn More, 03/03/2023 An experiment that didn't work. Learn More, 02/05/2023 Theres an old saying on wind direction which has many variations but here's the most popular which I'm sure you've heard: Wind from the West, fish bite the best. Use your favorite Kokanee flasher and a pink or chartreuse wedding ring or spoon. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. We will never share your email with third parties or spam you. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingproreport_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Pack your bags, rod and head out the door right now as you've got 100% cloud cover over Riffe Lake. Also what size I should use to catch steelhead from the beach on the Cowlitz in the spring time and if a glo or non glo would be best? Riffe Lake fishing is very good, lots of silvers and a few trout to be caught. 215 Logged catches. Tie on a slip bobber and fish about 40 to 60 feet deep and you'll be on a salmon in no time. In the winter when water conditions are good some It's a good idea to call Tacoma Power or check their website for current water levels. Landlocked salmon rules apply. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. Trolling for these land locked coho and chinook isn't too different from trolling for Kokanee or rainbow trout. Recent Posts. Fishing includes Channel catfish, Brown Bull head, Brown and Rainbow trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth bass, Sucker, Yellow perch, and Crappie. depth (ft) To depth map Go back While the salmon may not be as large as those caught in saltwater or in rivers, the limit is generous and they are a blast to catch. Both of those are stocked with large numbers of hatchery rainbows each year. More: Bass Fishing: Simple How-To Techniques and Tips. Mossyrock Park boat launch remains useable during most low-water conditions. Premier Campground Management - Advanced campground reservation and management system for any size park. The channel catfish were recently stocked and will be entering the fishery this year. Learn More, 03/03/2023 How do we do it? County: Lewis The level of that lake had been lowered by 30 feet amidst earthquake concerns at Mossyrock Dam and revealed a glimpse of what was once beneath the waters. Tiger muskie The state record rainbow trout was a 30 pounder out of Rufus Woods Reservoir. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from Riffe Lake Fishing License 24/7. Northern pikeminnow It is a popular water for smallmouth bass. Bank fishing by the dam with a sliding bobber with Shrimp and worms can also produce fish. Should be good it's the end of the winter season. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Tiger trout fishing nearby Pindall (AR) Below you can see the analytics for Tiger trout fishing near Pindall (AR). 4.8 (8) Washington, United States 215 Logged catches. It runs parallel to the vehicle bridge for Champion Haul Road. Your email address will not be published. Determine which day is best for you the bag your best catch on Riffe Lake. Riffe covers more than 11,000 acres at full pool (typically in the spring), making it the largest non-Columbia River reservoir in Washington. Riffe has become so reliable for this fishery that even some fishing guides fill up boats with customers who then fill up the boats with five-fish limits of these tasty fish. Copyright 2023Sportsman's Warehouse. The average temperature will be 34F during the day. Good news, the wind speed is currently at 13 mph is considered in the optimal range for fishing as the ripples caused by the wind on the water's surface will help hide the line an lure on Riffe Lake. Outside the Northwest fishing world, with meat processors having to shut down, farmers are having to make tough decisions about slaughtering their livestock. The Columbia River: Near Longview is open for hatchery Salmon and Steelhead. Get out and explore fishing here! Still fishing and trolling are both good options for boaters. Like other catfish, these fish are easily caught on bait whenever you locate them. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the. Website: This is the third and final report on my week of fishing at Riffe Lake. 749 ft) Learn about changes to Riffe Lake levels. 2021-2022 California Sport Fishing Regulations; Inyo National Forest Interactive Map; Camp Like a Pro; Mammoth Lakes Tourism 888-466-2666; CDFW 916-445-7600; Mono Country Tourism 800-845-7922; Inyo County 760-787-0292; LADWP 760-873-0256 Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active from a south easterly direction which means fishing is poor. Other warm water species present include brown bullheads, along with a few bluegill and crappie. Try starting out by the dam and keep a close eye on your fishfinder. Below is directions to the southwest site. Riffe Lake, historically known as Mossyrock Lake then as Davisson Lake, is a reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. Some anglers will keep releasing fish to try to include a Chinook or two in their bag limit. Wind from the Or try our advanced Washington fishing lake finder - search for any species of fish, filter by stocked lakes only, lake amenities and more. Rooster tails, flatfish lures, and small pink hoochies are great options. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. There are 3 boat launches, 2 of which are not accessible during low water conditions. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving. Gear for Crappie Usual trolling and bait-fishing techniques will catch trout when you can find them, but again the best approach is probably to come to Riffe for the coho and pick up an occasional trout. Stocked rainbow trout also provide good fishing. I hope you will give me some answers. With the wind forecasted at 1mph hardly a puff out there makes for a calm mirror like surface. Riffe Lake has 52 miles of shoreline and 11,830 acres to enjoy all your favorite water activities which can include; wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, kneeboarding, wakesurfing, and wake skating. Anglers dont always have the upper hand. About Riffe Lake. Still-fishing also is a good way to catch coho, and is especially popular for bank fishing near the dam and up at the fishing bridge at Taidnapam. Riffe Lake Stocked With Unexpected 405,000 Triploids From Cooke. You can combine some lures with or without bait, such as Wedding Ring spinners or hootchies. The infamous Riffe Lake afternoon winds can be quite dangerous, whipping the smooth, blue morning waters into jagged white caps. 1307. Spri Fish at any of the aforementioned shore access areas using a worm, power bait, or power eggs. Bank access is available on both sides near the dam and at the Taidnapam Park "fishing bridge" near the upper end of the lake. When they hook a fish, the goal is to get that fish straight up as fast as is safe without the fish coming loose and dropping back into the lake. Hannah Pennebaker graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in Environmental Studies. If you use bait, each catch will be counted towards your limit even if released. An unexpected 405,000 triploid rainbows were released into Riffe Lake earlier this month, fish that almost had to go to the landfill but down the line will make some Southwest Washington anglers happy instead. Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. Bull trout Hatchery winte Best technique use Arrow Flash dodgers and lake trolls with a wedding ring or a During the day the maximum temperature will be 40F with a min temperature of 26F around Riffe Lake . 2023 Fishidy. Blue Creek: . First time fishing Riffe Lake. Denny. Riffe Lake has two boat launch ramps located at Mossyrock Park and Taidnapam Park. Coordinates: 46.4968, -122.332. If none of these work, sometimes cured coon shrimp or even a small piece of herring is the ticket.Catching TriploidsIf you're looking to catch yourself some of the 400,000 triploids freshly stocked in the lake, typical rainbow trout methods will apply, but be prepared to catch a 6+ pound football! Wind from the North, do not go forth. Fishing for Bass a Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Riffe Lake, historically known as Mossyrock Lake then as Davisson Lake, is a reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are also available. Horseshoe Lake: was stocked with some large Trout in December and has been stocked with surplus Steelhead. Learn More, 02/05/2023 Recommended gear for trolling a hoochie or wedding ring spinner about a foot behind an Arrow flasher, tip hooks with shrimp. It's a good idea to check your bait if you haven't had a bite in some time, or if you lost a fish. There are a number of similar sized lakes relatively close to Riffe Lake, including Riffe Lake, historically known as Mossyrock Lake then as Davisson Lake, is a reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. After spawning and as the waters warm, smallmouth bass are likely to move into somewhat deeper water but will still be relatively high in the water column, probably in 10 to 20 feet or less in most cases, although bright mid-day sunlight may push them deeper. Every great once in a while a really big brown trout is taken here (anglers report 10-plus pounders), and there also are scattered numbers of rainbow and cutthroat trout. Fishermen all over the state held their breath, and cheered as he announced re-opening recreational fishing on May 5, albeit with some restrictions still in place on coastal fisheries. From Interstate 5 near Napavine, expect the drive to Riffe to be between 30 minutes and an hour heading east on Highway 12 past Mossyrock, depending on which part of the big reservoir you go to. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. Horseshoe Lake: was stocked with some large Trout in December and has been stocked with surplus Steelhead. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Normal lake elevation varies from 600 feet, minimum operating level, to 770 feet, normal operating pool, with crest of the spillway at 728 feet and top of tainter gates at 778.5 feet . Still fishing and trolling are both good options for boaters. It can take some work to find the schools, but easy limits can be had in less than an hour once you've found them. Editor's Note - this article was first published in 2020. Riffe Lake WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas Lake Video Riffe lake fishing June 24th. Link and Contacts. Once known as Mossyrock Lake, and even as Davisson Lake, it was eventually named for the community of Riffe inundated by Mossyrock Dam in the late 1960s. - Available by the dam and at theTaidnapam Park fishing bridge.