Top Trout Fishing at Battleground Lake

Battleground Lake, situated in Battleground Lake State Park in Battleground, Washington, is a fantastic fishing spot for tourist and locals alike. Several species of fish are available to catch here and the abundant walking and hiking trails make shoreline fishing relatively accessible. Fishing is not the only attraction at Battle Ground Lake State Park as horseback riding, hiking, camping, swimming and other activities draw thousands of people each year. The park consists of 280 acres of heavily forested land in the Cascade Mountains.

Battleground Lake is extremely deep, at roughly 400 ft deep, due to the volcano crater it is situated inside. It somewhat like a smaller version of the massive Crater Lake in Oregon, thanks to the similarities between depth and formation (both are inside of old volcanic craters). This depth helps keep the water cool enough year-round for the most popular type of fishing here, trout fishing.

Battleground Lake holds several species of fish, including small bass, sunfish and catfish, but is heavily stocked with trout (mostly rainbows) and these shiny, silvery fish are the most popular target for anglers here. The state Fish and Game department stocks Battleground Lake every year with many thousands of fish, including some very large "trophy" or "broodstock" specimens, keeping the anglers returning year-round. Many people like to take small inflatable boats, float tubes, or small boats with trolling motors only (special motor rules in effect at this lake) for fishing here. There is also as nice dock to fish off of, although it gets crowded fast during peak use.

Fishing Licenses are required for Battleground Lake. The closest place to buy one is probably the Fred Meyers in the town of Battleground, or the Bait 'n Tackle store near Dollars Corner, just outside Battleground. Both stores sell a variety of fishing equipment and bait, so be sure to stock up before heading out.

Baits to use include the typical array of stocker trout offerings, such as Powerbait, night crawlers, marshmallows, bread balls, and the like, along with artificial like dry and wet flies, spoons, and spinners. My largest Battleground Lake trout was caught on an inline spinner several years ago.

Drifting, trolling, and "bait 'n wait" are all popular tactics for trout anglers at this lake. Camping fees range from $19 - $24, entrance fee was $5 (last time I checked, may have changed) and paddle boats are available for rent at $10 an hour.

Battleground Lake State Park is located at:
18002 Northeast 249th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604-5800
(360) 687-4621‎