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Washington · Fishing
Hoodsport sits at the edge of Olympic National Forest with the Hood Canal to the east and the Skokomish River drainage pushing up into the mountains to the west, and the fishing options near town reflect that geography.
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Hoodsport sits at the edge of Olympic National Forest with the Hood Canal to the east and the Skokomish River drainage pushing up into the mountains to the west, and the fishing options near town reflect that geography. The three lakes in the area — Flapjack Lakes, Lake Standstill, and Miller Pond — are all still-water fisheries, which means you're working with lake tactics rather than river techniques. Flapjack Lakes sit up in the backcountry of Olympic National Park, requiring a roughly 8-mile hike in, so they're a destination for anglers who are already planning an overnight trip rather than a quick afternoon outing. Lake Standstill and Miller Pond are more accessible and better suited to a day trip out of Hoodsport. None of the waters in this listing are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so expectations should be set accordingly — these are solid recreational fisheries, not trophy destinations. That said, a quiet morning on any of these lakes with the right setup can be genuinely productive. A basic spinning or fly rod, a Washington freshwater license, and some patience will cover most situations you'll encounter fishing around Hoodsport.
Yes, a valid Washington State freshwater fishing license is required for all three waters. Flapjack Lakes are inside Olympic National Park, which may also require you to follow National Park Service fishing regulations in addition to state rules — check both the WDFW and NPS websites before your trip since park-specific rules can differ from standard state regs.
Flapjack Lakes involve a backcountry hike of roughly 8 miles one way with around 2,800 feet of elevation gain, so this is not a casual day-trip fishery. Most anglers pair the fishing with an overnight backpacking trip. The trailhead is accessible from the Staircase area off Highway 119 north of Hoodsport.
Miller Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Lake Standstill
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Flapjack Lakes
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Elk Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Aldrich Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Wildberry Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Jiggs Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Erdman Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Collins Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Twin Lakes
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Little Island Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Lake Connie
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
A light to medium spinning rod with 6-8 lb monofilament covers most situations on these lakes. Small spinners, PowerBait, and worms under a bobber are reliable producers on accessible lakes like Miller Pond and Lake Standstill. If you're hiking into Flapjack Lakes, a packable fly rod or ultralight spinning setup saves weight without sacrificing much fishing capability.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for lake fishing in western Washington. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and slow surface activity considerably. On overcast days, which are common in the Hoodsport area, fish can be active throughout the day.
Miller Pond and Lake Standstill are the better choices for beginners or families since they don't require a long hike to reach. Still-water fishing with basic gear is a straightforward introduction to the sport. Flapjack Lakes are better suited to anglers who are already comfortable with backcountry travel, since the hike in is the bigger challenge compared to the fishing itself.
