Tunnel Lake

A backwater of the Columbia River formed Tunnel Lake during the construction of the highway. It is a popular lake even though shore access is limited. Tunnel Lake is located just north of Highway SR-14, between Drano Lake and Underwood. With a year-round open season, this small lake is stocked with catchable size and broodstock rainbow trout for anglers to catch.

It also has a good population of yellow perch and a few largemouth bass. There is no boat ramp, but the west shore of the lake is close enough to the road that car-top boats/rafts or float tubes can be carried to the water.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - West side of lake offers limited access for the physically able.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Skamania
Acreage: 14.60 ac.
Elevation: 77 ft.
Center: 45.717531, -121.615839
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: TUNNEL LK (SKAM)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Jan 7, 2002	Rainbow	3	0.1	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Apr 24, 2001	Rainbow	3,117	2.6	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 9, 2001	Rainbow	18	0.23	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 2, 2001	Rainbow	13	0.125	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Apr 28, 2000	Rainbow	1,875	1.25	VANCOUVER HATCHERY
Jan 3, 2000	Rainbow	13	0.1	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 3, 2000	Rainbow	18	0.2	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Apr 20, 1999	Rainbow	4,131	2.7	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 5, 1999	Rainbow	16	0.1	GOLDENDALE HATCHERY
Jan 5, 1999	Rainbow	20	0.2	GOLDENDALE 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.

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.