Fishing Rufus Woods Lake

AKA: Rufus Woods Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Rufus Woods Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Rufus Woods Lake, WA

Popular Fish Species Rufus Woods Lake, WA

Rufus Woods Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Again this year, fishing for big rainbow trout in Rufus Woods Lake continues to be extremely productive for local anglers. There is always a good chance you can catch a trout over 10 pounds here. Fish for rainbow trout 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 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.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Rufus Woods Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Rufus Woods Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are another favorite of many locals at Rufus Woods Lake. Smallies like the cool, clear water, they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Rufus Woods Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Rufus Woods Lake in Washington.

Synonymous with big trout, Rufus Woods Lake is a year-round fishery at an elevation of 950 ft above sea level. It is home to a nice variety of fish species, including trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, perch and salmon all of which are here in good numbers. The lake is formed by the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River and has 6,400 surface acres, covering a 51 miles. Well over 100 miles of shoreline invite anglers to cast for their favorite species. Boat launch ramps can be found at Bridgeport State Park, the Army Corps of Engineers access area, and other locations around the lake. A WA license is required when fishing from the Douglas County shoreline. In marked areas on the Colville Reservation shoreline, either a tribal permit or Washington State fishing license is required. The Bridgeport State Park campground is the only camping facilities at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Rufus Woods Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rufus Woods Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Martin Olbricht Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Spirit Ridge Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.