09-23 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 15
You don’t need to see all 200+ feet
of the lake, adjust your settings so
you only see the depth you need.
As of this writing, all boat launches
except Mossyrock Park are
closed due to low water levels. As
previously mentioned, Tacoma
Power raises and lowers the water
levels throughout the year. You
can give them a call or check
their website to see which boat
launches are open. There’s a nice
fish cleaning station at Mossyrock
Park, restrooms, ample parking,
and a play area for the kids. You
can find restaurants, stores, and
other amenities at the nearby
town of Mossyrock. Once you’ve
launched, you can start your
troll and turn left or right. I’ve
consistently found fish in both
directions. Some days, we’ve
limited out all 4 people in an hour,
and couldn’t even get all 4 rods
back in the water! There are fish all
over Riffe Lake. If you’re struggling
to find willing biters, try targeting
points and islands. These fish like
drop-offs, just like their saltwater
cousins.
There’s something for everyone at
Riffe Lake. Don’t have a boat? No
worries, there are several places
near the dams that you can shore
fish. Cast out a piece of shrimp
underneath a bobber, and wait.
Just like when you’re fishing from
a boat, you’ll want to adjust the
depth you’re fishing at to find
the fish. Remember that there
is a 5 fish limit. You can catch a
variety of species at this lake other
than coho, including cutthroat
trout, rainbow trout, brown trout,
chinook salmon, and steelhead.
You can keep any variety of these
fish, but you can’t exceed the limit.
During this time of year, I would
highly recommend keeping
anything you catch. Salmonids
have a hard time surviving catch
and release, especially in this hot
weather. Seagulls at this lake
tend to follow boats and pick off
released fish struggling to swim
back down. Another word of
warning, check the forecast before
heading out. Riffe Lake is famous
for those afternoon winds that can
blow small vessels off the water.
Grab the life vests for the dogs and
the little ones just in case. Most
importantly, remember to have
fun! Riffe Lake is a special fishery.
Where else can you consistently
bring home limits of land locked
salmon? Go catch your limit, let
the kids play at the park, and have
some ice cream and burgers in
Mossyrock before heading home
to barbeque your fish!
SEPT 2023 | 15