The Lake Koeneman Unit is located in southern Kitsap County and provides recreation opportunities at Lake Koeneman. This water access area has been newly designated as a wildlife area unit to better aid management and conservation actions on the ground. The unit is over 150 acres, consisting of riparian habitat, wetlands, open water, small meadows, and mature second-growth evergreen forest.
The unit provides hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. The lake can be accessed by parking at Carney Lake and walking along the 1.4-mile lightly trafficked primitive trail. Lake Koeneman is a lowland lake about 19 acres in size. It reaches depths of 20-25 feet.
The Lake Koenemen Unit is located in Kitsap County about 3 miles southeast of Belfair and just west of Carney Lake. Access is limited to walk-in only, in cooperation with a private landowner via a 1.4 mile trail, with parking available at Carney Lake.
This unit is part of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 627
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- 1.4 mile trail to the lake
- No public restroom
- No boat launch
Hunting
The unit is located in GMU 627. Primary hunting opportunities on the unit include deer, bear, and waterfowl hunting.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities on the unit include cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as bass. It is open to fishing from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31 and is listed as a “selective gear, catch-and-release” lake.
Wildlife viewing
The unit provides ample opportunity to view various wildlife, including waterfowl species, beaver, blue heron, songbirds, deer, and bear.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Land stewardship
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1952 and 1953.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Management Plan (January 2022)
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Advisory Committee