Hutchinson Lake Fishing
Hutchinson Lake is the more accessible half of the Hutchinson–Shiner warmwater pair, with a ramp, dock, shoreline access, and strong bass and panfish potential.
Guide reviewed
Research snapshot
Lake depth map
Depth contours may take a little time to load. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology. Historical survey data may not reflect current water levels or underwater hazards. Informational only; not for navigation.
Help us place this lake on the map
FishyNW covers a lot of lakes, and we are hustling to get every map completed accurately. This one slipped through. Know where the map should be centered? Send the coordinates or a Google Maps link and we will review it.
What makes Hutchinson Lake distinctive
Hutchinson Lake is documented in Adams County County with a dedicated FishyNW fishing and access profile.
Water Science
Loading available public monitoring and fishery science…
Seasonal Fish Habitat
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 recordsHutchinson Lake official depth chart
Open the official depth publication to inspect the lake chart. This static survey complements interactive contours when available and should not be used as a navigation chart.
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.
Hutchinson 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.
Most recent stockings
| Date | Species | Quantity | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 16, 2008 | Bluegill | 28 | 0.75 fish/lb (~1.33 lb each) | RINGOLD SPRINGS HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
| Aug 31, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 7 | 0.0 | COLUMBIA BASIN HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Last checked: Aug 26, 2026 12:55pm
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
- Compare survey evidence with the seasonal guide.
- Use the map to connect depth, access, and structure.
- Confirm current rules and access before your trip.
Current conditions
Loading the local forecast. Check access and official notices before leaving.
Today's Lure Pick
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
bass- 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- 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
bass- 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, 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.
Rules and restrictions
Hutchinson Lake access is managed within the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Follow current USFWS vehicle/access rules and WDFW fishing regulations; use the connected system only where navigation is legally open.
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
MarDon Tackle & Grocery
Local resort tackle and bait shopOthello, Washington · Independent Potholes Reservoir tackle and bait stop located at MarDon Resort.
Local-business listings can change. FishyNW does not rank shops by payment or sponsorship. Verify current hours and inventory before driving.
Nearby waters
Shiner Lake is an 81.1-acre Columbia National Wildlife Refuge warmwater lake with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow…
Lower Goose Lake about 3.2 miles awayLower Goose Lake south of Potholes Reservoir is a warmwater-focused Grant County lake with Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Channel…
Lyle Lake — Adams County about 3.4 miles awayLyle Lake is a compact Seep Lakes warmwater destination with a WDFW hand launch, camping, and practical access…
Herman Lake — Adams County about 3.7 miles awayHerman Lake is a small mixed fishery north of Othello with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, broad shoreline access,…
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
Official links for this lake
Open the source that matches what you are planning.
See something that needs an update?
Send the correction and, when possible, the source. FishyNW reviews submissions before changing the guide.






