Washington · Fishing
Fishing in Olympia, Washington
Olympia sits at the southern end of Puget Sound, and while the saltwater gets most of the attention, the city is quietly surrounded by a solid collection of freshwater lakes worth putting on your calendar.
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View on mapFishing · 7 spots
Olympia sits at the southern end of Puget Sound, and while the saltwater gets most of the attention, the city is quietly surrounded by a solid collection of freshwater lakes worth putting on your calendar. The seven lakes covered here — McAllister Spring Lake, Offut Lake, Tempo Lake, Smith Lake, Black Lake, Grass Lake, and Seeley Ski Lake — are all within reasonable driving distance of downtown and cover a range of sizes and access situations. Black Lake is the largest and most developed, with a public boat launch and consistent largemouth bass and trout fishing. McAllister Spring Lake is spring-fed, which keeps water temperatures more stable than the shallower options nearby. Offut Lake has a resort and public access on the same water, so you can fish from a rental boat without trailering anything. Most of these lakes receive regular WDFW stocking of rainbow trout in spring and fall, making March through May and October through November the most productive windows for trout. Bass and panfish hold through summer when trout slow down in warmer water. None of the lakes on this list carry a wild trout or gold medal designation, so expect a mix of hatchery fish and resident warmwater species rather than trophy trout hunting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish these lakes?
Yes. Washington State requires a valid freshwater fishing license for anyone 15 or older. You can purchase one online through the WDFW website or at local sporting goods stores. Some lakes may also have specific rules around gear type or season dates, so check the current WDFW regulation pamphlet for Thurston County before you go.
What species can I realistically expect to catch?
Rainbow trout are the most common target across most of these lakes, particularly after stocking events in spring and fall. Black Lake also holds largemouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie, which fish well through summer when trout become less active in warmer surface water. Offut Lake and Smith Lake similarly hold warmwater species alongside stocked trout.
What time of day is best for fishing these lakes?
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, especially for trout in spring and fall when surface temperatures are cooler. Bass on Black Lake tend to feed actively in low light conditions, so the first two hours after sunrise and the hour before sunset are worth prioritizing. Midday fishing in summer is generally slow across all seven lakes.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
Several of these lakes have fishable shoreline access, but a small boat or kayak opens up significantly more water. Offut Lake has rental options through the resort on the lake, which is useful if you don't own a boat. Black Lake has a public launch suitable for trailered boats. For lakes like Grass Lake and Tempo Lake, shore access is more limited, so check access conditions before making the drive.
Is this a good destination for beginners or kids?
Yes, particularly for stocked trout fishing in spring. Hatchery rainbow trout are relatively easy to catch on basic gear like a spinning rod with a small PowerBait setup or a worm under a bobber. McAllister Spring Lake and Offut Lake are both manageable for newer anglers given their size and access. Avoid the peak summer heat if fishing with young kids, as the bite slows considerably and the experience suffers.
