Fishing Lake Crescent
AKA: Crescent Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Crescent, WA
Beardsley Rainbow Trout Fishing
Again this year, fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Crescent continues to be very productive for local anglers with catches over 20 inches not uncommon. The actual species of rainbow trout here is known as Beardsley Trout, identified by the fact its head that takes up about 1/3 of its body (not shown above). Fish for these unique rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or streamer flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.
Coastal Cutthroat Trout Fishing
Fishing for cutthroat trout in Lake Crescent is again delivering great results, year round with the Coastal species of cutthroats stocked here. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is typically in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Lake Crescent. For those who enjoy fly fishing, the key is to match the hatch. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges. Catching cutthroat trout here with lures or bait is also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on streamer flies, small spinners and spoons.
Kokanee Salmon Fishing
Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Washington State, Lake Crescent delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.
Lake Crescent Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for Beardslee rainbow trout, cutthroat and kokanee at Lake Crescent in Washington.
Nestled in the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Crescent is a dream destination for anglers. The fishing is limited to catch and release only, with artificial lures which have a single, barbless hook. Popular fish species found here include rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, cutthroat and kokanee all reside in the crystal clear water and grow big and healthy. This 5,100-acre lake in the northwest corner of the state, 15 miles west of Port Angeles, WA has a campground and a lodge, both on the water. There are about 26 miles of shoreline, and the lake sits at an elevation of 580 ft above sea level. Areas around the Lake Crescent Lodge, Fairholme Campground, and along some of the roads adjacent to the lake are areas for fishing from the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Crescent
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Crescent Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Sites: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Crescent Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Boat Launch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Crescent
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington fishing license.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Fairholme Campground - 360 565-2955
Lake Crescent WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent Lodge
416 Lake Crescent Rd
Port Angeles, WA 98363
888 896-3818
Fishing lakes in each state.
021725
Lake Crescent in Washington.
WASHINGTON
Information about fishing lakes in Washington
Lake Crescent provides anglers to opportunity to fish for Beardslee rainbow trout, cutthroat and kokanee on the Olympic Peninsula in northwest Washington.
