Cottage Lake

Stocked Rainbow Trout and native Coastal Cutthroat Trout are primarily targeted at Cottage Lake. Additional fishing opportunities include Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Brown Bullhead.

This lake is one of only ten waters in King County managed with a seasonal fishing closure. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season and decline as fish are harvested and as warmer water temperatures force trout to seek areas of colder refuge. Fall is often overlooked by anglers, but can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

The lake can be accessed through Cottage Lake Park (King County Parks and Recreation) on the north shore. Car-toppers can be carried to the lake across a short graveled section of shoreline and a fishing pier is available for shore-bound anglers.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Fishing pier

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 62.70 ac.
Elevation: 235 ft.
Center: 47.753212, -122.088289
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: COTTAGE LK (KING)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 12, 2004	Rainbow	2,508	1.9	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 7, 2003	Rainbow	2,200	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2002	Rainbow	5,000	2.6	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2002	Rainbow	2,530	2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2001	Rainbow	2,520	2.1	WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 4, 2000	Rainbow	2,520	2	WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 9, 1999	Rainbow	4,500	3	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Apr 3, 1996	Rainbow	1,701	2.7	PALMER HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Coastal cutthroat trout (resident)

Fishing is best for Coastal Cutthroat in the spring and fall. There is a summer lull as fish move offshore into deeper waters to escape the summer heat in July and August. Catch is lowest in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary streams.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.

Photos

Photo by WDFW