What You'll Find at Cle Elum Lake

Cle Elum Lake is a 3,400-acre reservoir in the central Cascade foothills, about 80 miles east of Seattle. It holds kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout, with kokanee as the main draw for most anglers. The lake sits at 2,240 feet elevation and runs roughly north to south for about 7 miles, with steep forested banks and a few developed access points on the western shore.

The water is cold and clear, which suits kokanee well — they thrive in deep, oxygen-rich reservoirs. Cutthroat and rainbow fishing is secondary but steady, especially in spring and fall. The lake is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and receives regular stocking of both kokanee and trout.

Key Takeaways

  • Kokanee fishing peaks from late July through September when the fish move into shallower water and are most active.
  • The lake has two main boat launches — Cle Elum Park on the north end and Salmon La Sac on the south — plus shoreline access at several pullouts.
  • Kokanee respond to small jigging spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) and small spinners fished 30 to 60 feet deep, often in the main channel.
  • A Washington fishing license is required, and the lake is open year-round, though winter access can be limited by snow and road conditions.
  • Cutthroat and rainbow fishing is best in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) from shore or boat in shallower bays.

When to Fish Cle Elum Lake

Kokanee season runs strongest from late July through September. During summer, the fish move away from the surface into deeper, cooler water — typically 40 to 80 feet down — but they become more aggressive as water temperature stabilizes in late summer. August and early September are the most reliable months for consistent catches.

Spring (April through May) is better for cutthroat and rainbow trout, which feed actively in shallower water before the lake warms. Fall (September through October) brings another window for trout, and kokanee are still present. Winter fishing is possible but hampered by snow on access roads and ice near the shoreline; call the ranger station before heading out in December through February.

Boat Launches and Shore Access

Cle Elum Park sits on the north end of the lake and has a paved two-lane launch, parking for about 30 vehicles, and restrooms. It is the most developed access point and fills quickly on summer weekends. Salmon La Sac, on the south end, has a single-lane gravel launch and smaller parking area but is less crowded and closer to the deeper water where kokanee hold.

Several pullouts along the western shore allow shoreline casting for trout, particularly near the inlets where creeks feed the lake. These spots are free and require no boat, making them good options for anglers without a trailer. Road access to all sites is via Washington State Route 903, which runs along the western shore.

Kokanee Jigging and Trolling Tactics

Kokanee at Cle Elum respond best to vertical jigging with small spoons. Use 1/8 to 1/4 ounce spoons in silver, chartreuse, or white, and fish them in the main channel and deeper basins where the lake bottom drops away. Drop your spoon to 40 to 60 feet, then jig with short, steady strokes — the goal is a flutter on the fall, not aggressive movement.

Trolling small spinners (size 1 or 2) and small crankbaits also works, especially in early morning and late afternoon. Keep your speed slow — about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour — and troll parallel to the main channel rather than across it. Many anglers use a depthfinder to locate suspended fish; kokanee often hold at specific depths depending on water temperature and oxygen levels.

Live bait (small shiners or minnows) can work but is less common here than spoon jigging. Check current regulations before using live bait, as some areas have restrictions.

Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout Fishing

Cutthroat and rainbow trout at Cle Elum are smaller than the kokanee — typically 8 to 12 inches — but they are more aggressive and easier to catch from shore. In spring, fish the shallow bays and creek inlets with small spinners (size 0 or 1), small spoons, or flies. Fly anglers do well with small nymphs and streamers cast from shore or from a boat in shallow water.

Fall fishing for trout is similar: focus on the same shallow areas and use the same small lures. The water cools in September and October, and trout move back into shallower feeding zones. Bait fishing with salmon eggs or small worms works but is less selective than lures or flies.

Regulations and Licensing

Washington State requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at local sporting goods stores. Cle Elum Lake is open year-round, but check the current regulations pamphlet for any seasonal closures or special restrictions on specific species.

Catch limits and size restrictions vary by species and can change annually. As of recent years, kokanee have a daily limit of 16, and cutthroat and rainbow trout have a limit of 5 each, but verify the current rules before you fish. The regulations pamphlet is free and available online or at license vendors.

Gear and Boat Setup

For kokanee jigging, a medium-light spinning rod (5.5 to 6.5 feet) with 6 to 8 pound test line is standard. A depthfinder is not required but is very useful for locating suspended fish and understanding the lake bottom structure. Bring extra spoons in different colors and weights, as fish preferences can shift throughout the day.

For shore fishing, a 6 to 7 foot spinning rod with 6 pound test is adequate for trout. A small tackle box with spinners, spoons, and a few flies covers most situations. If you plan to troll, a boat with a slow-speed capability (trolling motor or very low engine RPM) is helpful, though many anglers simply jig from an anchored boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cle Elum Lake in winter?

Yes, the lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on snow and road conditions. State Route 903 is plowed regularly, but parking areas and launch ramps can be icy or snow-covered. Call the Cle Elum Ranger District before heading out in December through February to confirm access.

Do I need a boat to fish Cle Elum Lake?

No. Shore access at pullouts and creek inlets works well for cutthroat and rainbow trout, especially in spring and fall. Kokanee fishing is easier from a boat because the fish hold deep, but shore jigging is possible in deeper areas near the main channel.

What's the difference between kokanee and regular salmon?

Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon — they spend their entire life in freshwater rather than migrating to the ocean. They are smaller (usually 10 to 14 inches at Cle Elum) and require cold, deep water with good oxygen levels, which is why they thrive in mountain reservoirs like this one.

How deep should I fish for kokanee?

Kokanee at Cle Elum typically hold 40 to 80 feet deep, depending on water temperature and time of day. Early morning and late afternoon, they may move shallower (30 to 50 feet). Use a depthfinder if you have one, or start at 50 feet and adjust based on where you hook fish.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive for both kokanee and trout. Midday can be slow, especially in summer when the sun is high and water is warm. Overcast days often fish better than clear, bright days.