Washington · Fishing
Fishing in North Fort Lewis, Washington
Fishing around North Fort Lewis is almost entirely a marsh and lake game. The four spots on this page — Elliot Marsh, MacKay Marsh, Park Marsh, and Sequalitchew Lake — sit within or immediately adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which shapes everything about how you access and fish them.
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View on mapFishing · 4 spots
Fishing around North Fort Lewis is almost entirely a marsh and lake game. The four spots on this page — Elliot Marsh, MacKay Marsh, Park Marsh, and Sequalitchew Lake — sit within or immediately adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which shapes everything about how you access and fish them. Sequalitchew Lake is the largest and most structured water of the group, offering the clearest shoreline access for anglers who want to work the edges with a rod. The three marshes are shallower, weedier environments where patience and light tackle pay off more than distance casting. None of these waters appear in Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's gold-medal or wild-trout designations, so expect a mix of stocked and resident warmwater species rather than trophy trout fishing. That said, these spots see far less pressure than public lakes in the greater Tacoma area, which counts for something. Access to waters on or near JBLM land may require a base pass or coordination with installation recreation offices, so confirm your access status before you drive out.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a military base pass to fish Elliot Marsh, MacKay Marsh, or Park Marsh?
These marshes are located on or adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord land, so access rules apply. Active duty, dependents, and authorized DoD personnel generally have access through normal installation entry. Civilians should contact the JBLM Outdoor Recreation office directly to confirm whether day passes or guest sponsorship are required before making the trip.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at these spots?
The three marshes are shallow, weedy environments that tend to hold warmwater species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. Sequalitchew Lake supports a broader mix and receives periodic stocking from WDFW. None of the waters here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so don't plan the trip around trophy trout.
What gear setup works best for the marshes versus Sequalitchew Lake?
For Elliot, MacKay, and Park Marsh, light spinning tackle with small soft plastics, spinners, or bobber-and-worm rigs handles the weedy, shallow conditions well. Sequalitchew Lake gives you more room to work, so medium spinning or baitcasting gear with crankbaits or jigs along the drop-offs is a reasonable approach. A kayak or small inflatable opens up a lot more water at all four locations.
What time of day is best for fishing here?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for warmwater fish in marsh environments, when surface temperatures cool and fish move shallower to feed. Midday in summer is generally slow across all four spots, especially in the marshes where water heats up quickly in the shallows.
Do Washington state fishing regulations apply here, and do I need a license?
Washington state fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply to civilian anglers at these locations. Active duty military and their dependents may qualify for a reduced-fee or exempted license under state law, but you should verify your specific status with WDFW. Check the current WDFW regulation pamphlet for Pierce County rules on seasons, size limits, and daily bag limits before you go.
