Lake Sawyer

Sawyer offers a diverse mix of species, including stocked Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee and resident Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish. There is a boat ramp and bank access available at Lake Sawyer Park (City of Black Diamond).

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Bank fishing at the public park

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 285.70 ac.
Elevation: 498 ft.
Center: 47.333257, -122.037614
Open in Google Maps

View larger map

Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: LK SAWYER (KING)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
May 7, 2024	Rainbow	4,500	2.5	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 9, 2023	Rainbow	3,000	2.6	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 11, 2022	Rainbow	25	0.29	KENDALL CR HATCHERY
May 11, 2022	Rainbow	1,674	1.8	KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 28, 2021	Rainbow	2,031	2.6	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 6, 2020	Rainbow	3,024	2.8	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 23, 2019	Rainbow	1,520	1.9	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Mar 22, 2019	Rainbow	1,500	2.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 30, 2018	Rainbow	1,000	2.3	PUYALLUP HATCHERY
May 8, 2017	Rainbow	350	0.8	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL

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.

Smallmouth bass

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.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.

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