What You'll Find at Lacamas Lake

Lacamas Lake is a 272-acre reservoir in Clark County, about 30 miles east of Portland and just outside Camas. The lake sits in a narrow valley with forested banks and is fed by the Lacamas Creek system. It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish — a mixed warm-water fishery that draws local anglers year-round but stays quiet enough that you won't fight crowds.

The lake is managed by the Camas-Washougal Utility Commission and open to the public. Access is straightforward: a public boat launch on the north shore, a day-use area with parking, and a few informal shore-fishing spots. The water is clearest in late spring and early summer; by late summer and fall it can turn greenish from algae blooms, which is normal for a shallow reservoir in this climate.

Lacamas is not a destination lake — most anglers are locals fishing after work or on weekends. But that's its advantage: if you're in the Camas or Washougal area and want a reliable place to catch bass or panfish without driving far, this lake delivers.

Key Takeaways

  • Lacamas Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, with spring and early summer producing the most consistent action.
  • The public boat launch is on the north shore near Lacamas Lake Road; day-use parking is available and there is no launch fee.
  • Washington fishing regulations apply: you need a current fishing license, and bass have a year-round season with a five-fish daily limit (check current rules before you go).
  • The lake is shallow and warms quickly, so early morning and evening are best in summer; fall and spring offer all-day fishing.
  • Lacamas is a local fishery — expect to see a handful of other boats on weekends but rarely a crowd.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Largemouths bed in 4 to 8 feet of water along the banks; smallmouths prefer slightly deeper structure. Crappie and bluegill also spawn in spring, and they're aggressive. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but you can catch fish all day. Water clarity is usually good.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite. The lake warms into the 70s and low 80s, and bass move deeper or suspend. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark) are the only reliable windows. Midday fishing is slow. Bluegill and crappie remain catchable in deeper holes and around submerged structure. Algae blooms can reduce visibility by mid-to-late summer.

Fall (September through November) picks up again. Water cools from the 70s back into the 50s, bass return to shallower feeding zones, and the bite improves throughout the season. October is often excellent. Crappie fishing can be outstanding in October and November. Clarity improves as algae dies back.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Water temperatures drop into the 40s. Bass are lethargic and deep. Some anglers catch catfish and crappie in the deepest holes, but most local anglers take a break. The lake rarely freezes solid enough to close.

Species and Tactics

Largemouth bass are the primary target. They're found along the shoreline in spring and fall, especially near fallen trees, rock piles, and the creek inlet on the north end. In summer they move to deeper water and structure. Soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits), crankbaits, and topwater early in the day work well. Largemouths here run 12 to 18 inches on average; fish over 20 inches are less common but possible.

Smallmouth bass are present but fewer than largemouths. They prefer rocky areas and slightly deeper water. They're more active in cooler months. Small jigs, tubes, and drop-shot rigs are effective. Smallmouths here average 10 to 14 inches.

Crappie (both black and white) spawn in spring and are easy to catch on small jigs and live minnows in 4 to 10 feet of water. Fall crappie fishing can be excellent. They school, so once you find one, more are nearby.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and reliable. They bite year-round on small jigs, flies, and live worms. Spring and early summer are peak. Kids and beginners catch plenty here.

Catfish are present but not a primary fishery. They're caught incidentally on bass lures and intentionally by anglers fishing cut bait or chicken liver at night in deeper holes.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

The main public access is at Lacamas Lake Park, located on Lacamas Lake Road on the north shore (near the town of Lacamas, just west of Camas). There is a paved boat launch, day-use parking lot, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No overnight camping is allowed at the day-use area. The launch is free and typically open dawn to dusk.

Parking fills on summer weekends and fall Saturdays, but rarely to the point of turning people away. Arrive early if you want a spot close to the launch. The lot holds roughly 30 to 40 vehicles.

There is no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself. Camas and Washougal are 5 to 10 minutes away and have gas stations, restaurants, and motels. The nearest larger town is Camas, which has a grocery store and tackle shops.

Shore fishing is possible at the day-use area and at a few informal spots along Lacamas Lake Road, though access is limited. Most anglers use boats.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a current Washington fishing license. Licenses are sold online at wdfw.wa.gov, at sporting goods stores, and at some gas stations. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish infrequently.

Bass (largemouth and smallmouth combined) have a year-round season and a five-fish daily limit. Check the current Washington Sport Fishing Pamphlet on the WDFW website before you fish, as rules can change. Crappie, bluegill, and catfish have generous limits and few restrictions.

Lacamas Lake is not a catch-and-release-only water. You can keep fish within the legal limits. The lake is not designated as a trophy fishery, so standard regulations apply throughout the year.

Nearby Fishing and Lodging

If Lacamas is your base, you're close to several other options. Merwin Lake (about 20 minutes south) is larger and holds striped bass and largemouths. Yale Lake (30 minutes south) is a bigger reservoir with kokanee and bass. Both require a short drive but offer more variety if you want to explore.

Camas has a few small motels and vacation rentals. Washougal is slightly smaller but also has lodging. Neither town is a tourist destination, so don't expect resort amenities. Most anglers fish Lacamas as a day trip from Portland or as part of a longer trip to the Columbia River Gorge (which is 20 to 30 minutes away).

If you're staying overnight, the Gorge itself offers hiking, windsurfing, and scenic driving. Lacamas is a quiet add-on, not a destination in itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Lacamas Lake?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most consistent. Spring offers spawning bass and aggressive panfish; fall offers cooling water and active bass. Summer is slowest because of heat and algae. Winter is possible but slow.

Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?

A boat gives you much better access to structure and deeper water. Shore fishing is possible at the day-use area and a few spots along the road, but most productive areas require a boat. If you don't have one, you can rent from nearby marinas or fish the shallows from shore for panfish and small bass.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouths average 12 to 18 inches; smallmouths 10 to 14 inches. Fish over 20 inches are uncommon. Crappie run 8 to 11 inches. Bluegill are typically 6 to 8 inches. This is a solid local fishery, not a trophy lake.

Is there a launch fee?

No. The public boat launch at Lacamas Lake Park is free and maintained by the Camas-Washougal Utility Commission.

Can I fish at night?

The day-use area closes at dusk, so night fishing from the public launch is not permitted. Some anglers fish from private property or informal shore spots after dark, but access is limited and you should ask permission first.