Lake Sutherland is a smaller Olympic Peninsula lake about ten miles southwest of Port Angeles. Kokanee and resident trout live here, but routine trout stocking has been suspended as part of Elwha fish restoration. Plan around the lake's current fishery rather than a put-and-take trout trip.
Lake facts
- Size: 351 acres
- Main fish: Kokanee, coastal cutthroat trout and rainbow trout
Where to fish
Much of the shore is private, so choose a public access before leaving home. A boat lets you search for kokanee with small trolling gear at the depth of a school. Light lures or flies give you another way to fish for permitted trout. Check the fish identification rules before deciding what to keep.
Fishing tips and rules
The listed season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31, with size restrictions protecting young kokanee and returning sockeye. Read the current wording before fishing. Those protections are tied to the Elwha restoration. Nearby Lake Crescent has different park rules and its own distinct trout, so don't mix the two lakes' fishing information.
Camping and lake access
A picnic at a permitted access or a calm-weather paddle can fit around a short fishing visit. Confirm the site's facilities, launch arrangements and operator before arriving. Limited public shoreline makes planning ahead easier than searching residential roads for somewhere to cast. Stay off private docks and use the lake access you've arranged.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.