Washington lake guide
Horsethief Lake Fishing
Horsethief Lake is a Klickitat County fishing water documented by WDFW. Launch or fish from the state park. Start with stocked trout in spring, then work warmwater habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill and perch as temperatures rise. Spring is the primary stocked-trout window; bass, panfish and occasional walleye add warm-season opportunity. Park opening and closing dates should be checked before travel.
LocationKlickitat County, Washington
Primary targetsWalleye, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
Best seasonSpring through fall
Lake size84.5 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Elevation163 feet
Summer cautionHeat
Lake depth map
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Contour line20 ft Visible depth label
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology. Historical survey data may not reflect current water levels or underwater hazards. Informational only; not for navigation.
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What makes Horsethief Lake distinctive
FishyNW documents 12 fish species here, giving Horsethief Lake an unusually broad mix of fishing opportunities.
Horsethief Lake has documented stocking context in the FishyNW research record, adding a managed-fishery component to its profile.
Horsethief Lake is documented in Klickitat County County with a dedicated FishyNW fishing and access profile.
Measured & official data
Water Science
Loading available public monitoring and fishery science…
Pass 3 · depth + water column
Seasonal Fish Habitat
Surface · 0 ft
How to read this data
Temperature, dissolved oxygen, clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, pH, and conductivity are observations from public monitoring records and may be historical. Thermocline depth is shown only when FishyNW can derive a strong vertical temperature gradient from a measured profile. It is not treated as a permanent lake characteristic.
Trophic indication uses the Carlson Trophic State Index only when FishyNW can normalize a measured chlorophyll-a, Secchi, or total-phosphorus value. It is a derived ecological indicator, not an agency impairment determination.
Seasonal Fish Habitat is shown only when verified bathymetry overlaps a same-day, same-station temperature and dissolved-oxygen profile. It is a historical screening snapshot, not a live prediction of where fish are located.
For lake trout, FishyNW uses the broader USGS-tested screening combination of water at or below 15°C (59°F) and dissolved oxygen at or above 4 mg/L. For other coldwater species, FishyNW does not invent a preferred-temperature threshold; it shows only the observed thermocline-to-oxygenated-depth refuge when the evidence supports it.
Harmful-algae status is never inferred from missing data. Always check the linked state source for current advisories before contact recreation.
Open matched Water Quality Portal recordsFishery record
Documented fish species
These species come from the lake record. Open a species guide for identification, seasonal behavior, and practical tactics without confusing general species guidance with a lake-specific survey result.
Perch and pike
Walleye
Use bottom bouncers, slow death rigs, jigs, crankbaits, or blade baits.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Largemouth Bass
Look for weeds, docks, wood, shade, and warmer pockets.
View species guide
Trout and salmon
Rainbow Trout
Use bait, small spinners, spoons, or slow trolling depending on access.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Black Crappie
See cover, seasonal movement, presentations, and practical gear tips.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Bluegill
See cover, seasonal movement, presentations, and practical gear tips.
View species guide
Catfish and bullheads
Brown Bullhead
See bottom-oriented tactics, timing, bait options, and handling tips.
View species guide
Carp and minnows
Common Carp
See habitat, seasonal behavior, presentations, and identification details.
View species guide
Carp and minnows
Northern Pikeminnow
See habitat, seasonal behavior, presentations, and identification details.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Pumpkinseed
See cover, seasonal movement, presentations, and practical gear tips.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Warmouth
See cover, seasonal movement, presentations, and practical gear tips.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
White Crappie
See cover, seasonal movement, presentations, and practical gear tips.
View species guide
Perch and pike
Yellow Perch
Use small jigs, bait, or dropper rigs near schools.
View species guide
Stocking information
Horsethief Lake Fish Stocking
Recent stocking information summarized from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dates and quantities can change. Always verify current fishing rules with the official agency before fishing.
Official stocking history
Five-year summary · 2022–2026
View agency record Fish stocked79,390
Stocking events36
Years stocked5
Species stocked1
Species in this period: Rainbow
Most recent stockings
| Date | Species | Quantity | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | Rainbow | 3,000 | 2.5 fish/lb (~0.4 lb each) | GOLDENDALE HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
| May 6, 2026 | Rainbow | 3,000 | 2.5 fish/lb (~0.4 lb each) | GOLDENDALE HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Last checked: Aug 27, 2026 12:54pm
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
8
verified signals
Research & surveys
Official survey records available
Use the evidence
Turn records into a fishing plan
- Compare survey evidence with the seasonal guide.
- Use the map to connect depth, access, and structure.
- Confirm current rules and access before your trip.
Trip conditions
Current conditions
Loading the local forecast. Check access and official notices before leaving.
TodayLoading
WindLoading
GustsLoading
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Four day outlook
Tools
Today's Lure Pick
Open Tools for species-specific lure guidance.
Angler interpretation
How the fishery changes through the seasons
This is the practical layer: use it alongside the documented species, depth, stocking, survey, access, and regulation record above. The current season opens first.
Spring
trout, bass, walleye- Start here
- Cooler water, recent stocking, fish moving shallow, and protected shorelines or inlets that warm first.
- Watch for
- Cold fronts, changing water levels, muddy inflow, and early-season ramp conditions.
Summer
bass, panfish, catfish- Start here
- Fish early or late, then adjust toward deeper water, shade, vegetation, or comfortable temperature zones.
- Watch for
- Heat, weeds, algae, heat, and heavier boat traffic.
Fall
trout, bass, walleye, pike or muskie- Start here
- Cooling water, shoreline structure, points, weed edges, and simple presentations that let you cover water.
- Watch for
- Wind on open water, rapidly changing weather, and shorter daylight windows.
Winter
perch, trout, panfish- Start here
- Legal open-water or ice access, stable depth zones, and conservative cold-weather trip plans.
- Watch for
- Ice safety where relevant, ramps, road conditions, cold-water exposure, and current rules.
Know before you go
Rules and restrictions
Verify current WDFW statewide, emergency, and water-specific rules before fishing. Any restriction explicitly noted in this guide remains subject to current WDFW rules.
Getting on the water
Access and launches
Columbia Hills Historical State Park provides a public boat launch, shoreline access, picnic facilities and camping. A Discover Pass is required.
Sorry, there are no mapped boat ramps for this lake yet. Check the access information below for other ways to reach the water.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Gorge Outfitters Supply
Locally owned bait and tackle shopRufus, Oregon · Locally owned Columbia Gorge bait-and-tackle shop with live bait, rods, tackle, boating supplies, local fishing information, and ODFW licensing service.
Local-business listings can change. FishyNW does not rank shops by payment or sponsorship. Verify current hours and inventory before driving.
Keep exploring
Nearby waters
Spearfish Lake
about 1.8 miles away
Spearfish Lake is a small Klickitat County trout lake beside The Dalles pool with excellent shoreline access, a…
Rowland Lake about 14.1 miles awayRowland Lake is a Klickitat County mixed fishery with heavy Rainbow Trout plants and a warmwater community of…
Goose Lake about 37.9 miles awayGoose Lake in Skamania County is a high-elevation trout fishery with Brook, Brown, Coastal Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.…
Icehouse Lake about 38.8 miles awayIcehouse Lake near the Bridge of the Gods is a tiny, heavily stocked trout fishery with Bluegill and…
After the trip
Log what happened on the water
Use CatchSignal for catch reports, trip history, photos, and community activity. Keep your fishing history while controlling how much location detail you share.
Sources & feedback
Verified resources
Official links for this lake
Open the source that matches what you are planning.
Community feedback
See something that needs an update?
Send the correction and, when possible, the source. FishyNW reviews submissions before changing the guide.