Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. It's a good idea to call Tacoma Power or check their website for current water levels. There are a tremendous amount of options for bait. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Horseshoe Lake: was stocked with some large Trout in December and has been stocked with surplus Steelhead. There are two excellent Tacoma PublicUtilities parks with excellent boat ramps and also a concrete ramp at the end of Komos Drive.For recorded information on river flows, lake levels and boat launch usability, call the Tacoma Power Fishing and Recreation line at (888) 502-8690.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------. I've found the most success with a worm and a piece of shoepeg corn cured pink. Chinook salmon Deep. Others use yellow corn or a piece of shrimp. Riffe Lake, historically known as Mossyrock Lake then as Davisson Lake, is a reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. South blows bait in their mouth.. Winter Steelhead are starting to show up in good numbers and in the catch. Blue Creek: . Reports in 2021 so far are that the sterile rainbow trout have grown into nice keepers and some days are hard to keep off the hook if you are specifically targeting the coho. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Once you've keyed onto the fish, try trolling in a circle, always changing up speed and depth to find the largest school. However, its so big, once there anglers can spread out. We are constantly posting fishing reports, how-to tutorials, and detailed reviews of Washington's best fishing areas. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. Fishing in Washington doesnt reopen until May 5, and boat launches and parks on Riffe are also shut down for the time being. The infamous Riffe Lake afternoon winds can be quite dangerous, whipping the smooth, blue morning waters into jagged white caps. Try starting out by the dam and keep a close eye on your fishfinder. Coho Salmon with a Fisherman Catcher - Pink Hoochie. Rooster tails, flatfish lures, and small pink hoochies are great options. Find more places to go salmon fishing in Washington and also pick up some tips to catch more salmon in our simple how-to fishing guide. Best Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM Alternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM Fishing Mossyrock Dam, WA on 1/26/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM. Bank access is available on both sides near the dam and at the Taidnapam Park "fishing bridge" near the upper end of the lake. Despite being well over 20 miles long with tons of shoreline, bank access isnt as good as you might think. Riffe Lake is a very large freshwater lake located in Lewis County, Washington. There is no need to wait for fall salmon runs if you're craving some smoked salmon! Once you've keyed onto the fish, try trolling in a circle, always changing up speed and depth to find the largest school. As the water levels drop toward late summer and into fall, the east end ramps at Kosmos and Taidnapam tend to become inaccessible. Bullheads often will like siltier bottoms found in coves and shallows. Winter Steelhead are starting to show up in good numbers and in the catch. Riffe Lake provides opportunities for bluegill, brown trout, coho salmon, black crappie, brown bullhead, chinook salmon, smallmouth bass and coastal cutthroat trout (resident) throughout the year. Boat launches at the east end (Kosmos and Taidnapam Park) are not usable during low-water periods. Riffe Lake Stocked With Unexpected 405,000 Triploids From Cooke. This is a fun experience, even just to watch. Fishermen all over the state held their breath, and cheered as he announced re-opening recreational fishing on May 5, albeit with some restrictions still in place on coastal fisheries. Leftover hatchery chinook and coho salmon are stocked in this lake once quotas have been met for the nearby Cowlitz River. Today we departed on Joe Beck and Mal Wagstaf's annual six day trip, which is our first post-boat work excursion! Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. You can check Tacoma Public Utilities access page for current access at Riffe and its other recreation areas. WDFW Hatchery Manager Eric Kinne said the state wasnt in a position to buy them, nor did it have a lake to put them into, but after Tacoma Power which operates the dam, launches and parks on Riffe expressed interest, agency fisheries scientist Ken Warheit visited Cookes facility on April 2, sampled the fish for PRV and ran the tests while other agency staffers expedited stocking and transportation permits. Riffle Lake Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. The release drew the attention of a dozen eagles, Pryor says, but he believes the fish will have spread throughout the lake by now. These salmon are smaller than ocean-going coho but very often reach 12 to 15 inches (and sometimes larger) and can be nearly as fat as footballs. The long ramp at Mossyrock Park is accessible except in the lowest-water conditions. We didnt want to see the fish destroyed or end up used for crab bait, Kinne said. However, there are decent spots to fish from shore at both ends of the dam on the west side and at and Taidnapam Park at the upper (east) end of the reservoir, where there also is a fishing bridge. I no longer have my old land line phone number, so I can't get on line with you. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Use your favorite Kokanee flasher and a pink or chartreuse wedding ring or spoon. A few days later, WDFW announced the release of over 400,000 triploid trout into Riffe Lake. Because of this lake's size, changing water levels, and dangerous winds, this is not a beginner boater's lake.Trolling for Coho and ChinookBecause this lake is so deep, downriggers are almost necessity here, although deep divers might make a good alternative. The best way to fish crawdads is to set a baited trap in fairly deep water, allow it to "soak" overnight, and pull it in the morning. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe. Also, by that time of the year, most of your catch will be the younger class of fish, which are roughly the size of just-legal stocked rainbows. New Podcast 2023: Float Tubes and Boats on Crowley Lake . Don't miss out! 2023 Fishidy. It is a popular water for smallmouth bass. Most fish are being taken 150 feet back on the. However, weve seen some reports of nice triploid rainbows caught from the bank in the upper part of the reservoir. When they hook a fish, the goal is to get that fish straight up as fast as is safe without the fish coming loose and dropping back into the lake. If none of these work, sometimes cured coon shrimp or even a small piece of herring is the ticket.Catching TriploidsIf you're looking to catch yourself some of the 400,000 triploids freshly stocked in the lake, typical rainbow trout methods will apply, but be prepared to catch a 6+ pound football! Northern pikeminnow The water levels have dropped again and the boat launches are high and dry. Riffe Lake is a massive Cowlitz River reservoir that anglers should get to know better if they like to catch lots of land-locked coho salmon and smallmouth bass. Read the reports here and of we went. Coastal cutthroat trout (resident) Copyright 2023Sportsman's Warehouse. Because this lake is so deep, downriggers are almost necessity here, although deep divers might make a good alternative. Riffe Lake provides good shoreline access and a number of boat launches. At an elevation of 774 ft. and 11325.9 acres, it's home to several species of fish, including bluegill, brown trout, coho salmon, black crappie, brown bullhead, chinook salmon, smallmouth bass and coastal cutthroat trout (resident). We have been fishing offshore still. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on Riffe Lake . Pretty good cloud cover today at 75% although there may be times when the sun will break through but should be enough cloud cover to find a good spot on Riffe Lake. Other Fishing Reports for Kelso During the spring spawning period, smallmouths often can be found in very shallow waters and also will move into some cove areas, like the little lake fingers where small tributaries come into the reservoir. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are also available. Coho, land locked salmon and rainbow trout Watch on Contact Information Riffe Lake Mossyrock Park Campground & RV Park 202 Ajlune Rd Mossyrock, WA 98564 360 983-3900 Fishing lakes in each state. 32" Rainbow Trout. The launch at Mossyrock Park is usually a good bet year round. Find Medical Lake, WA recreational land for sale properties. Learn More, 02/05/2023 The other potentially great fishery here is for smallmouth bass, which are available in good numbers and can reach trophy sizes in the 5-pound range or better, which is a very nice smallmouth in the Pacific Northwest. The go-to baits are nightcrawler (or a piece), corn and shrimp, or combinations of two of the three, according to Lip Rippers Fishing Adventures. But they werent exactly meant to be let loose in the lake more like Puget Sound netpens instead. While anglers will eventually benefit from the permitting delay and downturn in commercial markets that left no buyers for the fish, Pryor hopes the stocking will result in an economic boon for area businesses. This is exciting news for anglers with cabin fever!Triploid trout differ from other trout because they have 3 sets of chromosomes and are therefore infertile. Kokanee If you are targeting the browns, try using lures that imitate smaller fish, which are a favorite brown trout forage. And right now, Riffe Lake also is at least temporarily an excellent trout fishery, now that the survivors among about 400,000 triploid rainbow trout stocked in 2020 are plenty big enough to keep and in many cases are snatching coho lures before the salmon. Silver Lake is an excellent fishery for Largemouth Bass. First time fishing Riffe Lake. The launch at Mossyrock Park is usually a good bet year round. In typical years trout were caught more incidentally than on purpose by anglers fishing for more numerous land-locked salmon, and at least some drop down from the Cowlitz and tributaries. For boating & fishing Mayfield Lake a 2000 acre lake just 10 minutes away & Riffe lake 11,000+ acre lake is only 30 minutes from the property. Some fishermen believe they grow larger than other trout because the energy normally used for reproduction is instead used for eating. This is a very special fishery, and one of my favorites. Stocked rainbow trout also provide good fishing. Normal lake elevation varies from 600 feet, minimum operating level, to 770 feet, normal operating pool, with crest of the spillway at 728 feet and top of tainter gates at 778.5 feet . Like other catfish, these fish are easily caught on bait whenever you locate them. Triploids are created when trout eggs are exposed to a heat or pressure bath, causing a chromosome to split. Still-fishing also is a good way to catch coho, and is especially popular for bank fishing near the dam and up at the fishing bridge at Taidnapam. 17 in. Riffe Lake is a 13 mile long reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. If you're looking for a quality salmon and steelhead fishing guide, you have found one of the best. A few days later, WDFW announced the release of over 400,000 triploid trout into Riffe Lake. They looked like alien creatures that had crawled out of the water. I only used Shoepeg corn with NTO Scent Spinner in white trout sized with Seahawk colored beads pulled behind an Arrowflash dodger. Read up on the best catfish fishing baits and techniques. which means its less optimal fishing time. This is a very special fishery, and one of my favorites. Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking during the spawn in early-Summer. Riffe Lake, historically known as Mossyrock Lake then as Davisson Lake, is a reservoir formed by Mossyrock Dam. An occasional Chinook will wind up in the catch, and might be a bit larger, but the coho are the bulk of salmon caught here. Learn More, 02/05/2023 Bull trout Learn More, 03/03/2023 There are 3 boat launches, 2 of which are not accessible during low water conditions. There are no Kokanee in Riffe Lake. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Tacoma Power report that there are no kokanee salmon in Riffe, although some anglers swear that remnants of these land-locked sockeye still exist in the reservoir. On the hook, especially on light tackle, smallmouth are strong fighters for their size. And, maybe more importantly, this time of year the bulk of your catch will be second-year coho, which tend to be at least 12 inches and often better. A lot of fun. Fishing is best for Coastal Cutthroat in the spring and fall. Crappie and Perch are hanging out in the canals for the winter. These fish are easy to fillet and delicious when smoked, almost like candy. Anglers reported the most success with salmon. Currently, most of the fish are being caught most on or near the surface. . The lake also has several camping areas available. Recent Posts. - Available by the dam and at theTaidnapam Park fishing bridge. Riffe Lake fishing is very good, lots of silvers and a few trout to be caught. Riffe Lake (WA) nautical chart and water depth map Riffe Lake nautical chart The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of Riffe Lake on the map, which is located in the Washington state (Lewis). Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Learn More, 02/05/2023 Taidnapam North boat launch is closed. About Riffe Lake. From Interstate 5 near Napavine, expect the drive to Riffe to be between 30 minutes and an hour heading east on Highway 12 past Mossyrock, depending on which part of the big reservoir you go to. Good news, the wind speed is forecasted to be at 5mph and considered in the optimal range for fishing as the ripples caused by the wind on the water's surface will help hide the line an lure on Riffe Lake Lots of anglers also troll with lures. Others use yellow corn or a piece of shrimp. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. W hile camping and fishing at Mossyrock Park with the Boy Scouts on Riffe Lake, I was fascinated by the exposed stumps along the shoreline. Website: Riffe Lake is a 23 mile long reservoir that holds a variety of species including rainbow, brown trout, landlocked coho, bass, bluegill,crappie, and perch. It's a good idea to check your bait if you haven't had a bite in some time, or if you lost a fish. We have had a lot of ups and downs. Cloud Cover & Rain Updated Just Now Caution must be used when fishing from a boat here. Soft plastics, crainbaits, spinners, and other lures will catch smallmouth bass. Catch is lowest in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary streams. The building or camp sites will be private surrounded by forest & soils appear to drain well & should perk no problem. Station Notes. WDFW Fishing and Stocking ReportsWDFW Fishing RegulationsNational Weather Service forecasts, Riffe Lake Fishing: How to Catch Coho, Bass & More (2023), tips to catch more salmon in our simple how-to fishing guide, great fishery here is for smallmouth bass, Bass Fishing: Simple How-To Techniques and Tips, trolling and bait-fishing techniques will catch trout, best catfish fishing baits and techniques, Crappie like lures that imitate very small fish. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Fishermen all over the state held their breath, and cheered as he announced re-opening recreational fishing on May 5, albeit with some restrictions still in place on coastal fisheries. The lake stretches more than 13 miles along US-12 east of Mossyrock and has a year-round open fishing season. We're building software in our members area to tell you. Outside the Northwest fishing world, with meat processors having to shut down, farmers are having to make tough decisions about slaughtering their livestock. While anglers will eventually benefit from the permitting delay and downturn in commercial markets that left no buyers for the fish, Pryor hopes the stocking will result in an economic boon for area businesses. There is a 5 fish limit on both triploids and landlocked salmon. If you are specifically trying to find largemouth bass at Riffe, wed suggest trying out some of the shallower cove areas where the water is a little warmer. Cloud cover not as optimal today at 57% but still enough cover there to grab a catch on Riffe Lake With that level of cloud coverage in the sky there is a 0% probability of rain. Hannah Pennebaker graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in Environmental Studies. The average temperature will be 0F during the day. Winter is a difficult time to target this species. Coho salmon are the most popular quarry at Riffe Lake, and this is one fishery that will draw fair numbers of anglers to the reservoir. Kress Lake: Trout was recently stocked with over 2,000 rainbow trout and also surplus Steelhead. 50-80 ft. Because of this lake's size, changing water levels, and dangerous winds, this is not a beginner boater's lake. There are lots of silvers and a few trout to be caught. Remember to keep 6 feet away from other fishermen, and fill that cooler!