Lake Quinault

Anglers know Lake Quinault as one of the lesser-trafficked lakes of Washington, United States. The standard playbook on a lake this size is to start shallow at first light, work outward toward deeper water as the sun climbs, and circle back to the shallows before dusk. Surface activity at Lake Quinault is a useful tell — boils, swirls, and rising baitfish point straight at the predator zone.

Location

47.4768, -123.8722 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Rainbow troutLake charCoastal cutthroat troutSteelheadBrown troutDolly varden

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Lake char

  Target lake trout in deep, cold water during the summer months, focusing on areas with structure or drop-offs; use a fish finder to locate schools of fish and baitfish.

• For Coastal cutthroat trout

  Focus on fishing near structure like fallen logs, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation, as coastal cutthroat trout often ambush prey from these locations.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Lake Quinault.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Lake Quinault, make sure your licence covers Washington, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

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