Low elevation brookie lakes in Washington?

J

JeffRaines

Smolt
Hopefully this isn't as sacrilegious as asking for a river spot as these guys aren't native here(and most of the places I've encountered them, they're overpopulated).

I have a ton of experience catching these guys in high mountain lakes and some of the small streams on both sides of the state... however, I'm itching to get out and wet a line. As you know, most of the small streams are closed... and the high lakes that I would normally chase these guys at are also inaccessible currently. Does anyone here have any suggestions on where a guy could go to potentially feel a tug at the other end of the line for these guys?

I have checked WDFW, and most of the brookie lakes they have listed are either high lakes or absolutely massive lakes where they're likely not the predominant species... also, there are a number of lakes I've caught them at that aren't on that list, so that's definitely not an exhaustive list. I'm hoping a few lower elevation - currently accessible - lakes just didn't make the list.

PMs would be preferred if you decide to indulge. I don't bring crowds with me(hell I have no friends that fish save for my immediate family).

Thank you.

P.S. If you know of another, better resource than WDFW, feel free to clue me in!
 
In the Western Washington lowlands I believe that the planting of brook trout was ended years ago. That said there still are some "legacy populations" left that are mostly in the foot hills (beaver ponds, bogs, and smallish lakes). While most populations are smallish fish where the magically conditions occur (limited reproduction and productive water) a few waters have larger fish (personal best in those waters was 3#ish.
Unfortunately most are located on private forest lands and access can be difficult.

Maybe the best resource might be some of those old fishing guides, look for waters that historically produced brook trout and that might have a tributary to support spawning - there is some evidence that they can also spawn in spring upwellings in some lakes.

Good luck with your exploration.

curt
 
Not to hotspot but WDFW seems to plant alot of TEBT, Triploid Eastern Brook Trout, in the North Central area lakes.
I completely understand why they don't plant non-sterile Brookies in this day and age but this seems like the Triploids would be a good option for other areas of the state. My guess as to why not would be distances from the hatchery where they are reared.
 
Old406Kid said:
Not to hotspot but WDFW seems to plant alot of TEBT, Triploid Eastern Brook Trout, in the North Central area lakes.
I completely understand why they don't plant non-sterile Brookies in this day and age but this seems like the Triploids would be a good option for other areas of the state. My guess as to why not would be distances from the hatchery where they are reared.
Click to expand...
Not enough C&R either. Think of the expense to truck them out west, or raise there I suppose, only to get yanked and kept right away.
 
Thanks for the input(and the couple of PMs I’ve received). I have no issues going east - in fact, the rest of this week I was supposed to go to Montana however from what I’ve gathered trying to camp where I want to camp isn’t really an option, and spending $30 a night to set up a tent is ridiculous(plus the added fuel costs of commuting from town daily).

Couple that with some recent issues at work(and having an interview this evening for a different company) and yeah, I’m just trying to salvage my time off a bit.

I usually greatly prefer moving water… but you know moving water that’s open in Washington this time of year is few and far between.
 
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