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Washington · Fishing
Elma sits in Grays Harbor County in western Washington, and the fishing around town centers on a handful of small lakes that are worth knowing about if you're in the area. Lystair Lake, Stump Lake, and Huttula Lake are the three local options, all falling into the lake fishing category.
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Elma sits in Grays Harbor County in western Washington, and the fishing around town centers on a handful of small lakes that are worth knowing about if you're in the area. Lystair Lake, Stump Lake, and Huttula Lake are the three local options, all falling into the lake fishing category. These are quiet, accessible spots rather than destination fisheries — the kind of places where you can get out for a few hours without driving deep into the Olympics or fighting crowds. Western Washington's mild, wet climate means these lakes stay fishable across a long season, though spring and early fall tend to produce the most consistent action on still water. Gear requirements are straightforward for lake fishing of this type: a basic spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations. If you're traveling from out of town, Elma itself is a small community, so stock up on bait and tackle before you arrive rather than counting on finding a well-supplied shop locally. A valid Washington State fishing license is required for anyone 15 or older fishing any of these waters.
The available listing data doesn't specify species for each lake, so we're not going to guess. Your best source before the trip is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's stocking reports, which are updated regularly and will tell you exactly what's been planted and when at each specific water body.
Yes. Washington State requires a valid freshwater fishing license for anyone 15 years of age or older. Licenses are available online through the WDFW website or at local license dealers. Check the current regulation pamphlet for any lake-specific rules before you go.
Stump Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Lystair Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Sarvinski Lakes
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Cranberry Marsh
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Cranberry Marsh
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Huttula Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Panhandle Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Cranberry Marsh
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Cranberry Marsh
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Cranberry Marsh
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Little Hanks Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Isabella Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are generally the most productive windows for still-water fishing in western Washington. Midday can slow down considerably, especially in summer when surface temperatures rise.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most lake fishing situations well. Bring a mix of PowerBait or worms for planted fish, and a few small spinners or spoons if you want to cover more water. A small tackle box, a net, and a valid license are the basics.
Access details vary by lake and can change, so confirm current conditions through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or the relevant land manager before your trip. Some smaller lakes in this part of the state have limited or informal access points, and it's worth knowing what you're walking into before you load up the car.
