Washington lake guide
Lake Cushman Fishing
Lake Cushman is included in FishyNW's contour-required Washington expansion because mapped depth structure is available and useful to anglers for locating basins, breaks, points and seasonal fish-holding water.
LocationMason County, Washington
Primary targetsKokanee
Best seasonSpring to early summer
Lake size4,014.6 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Max depth115 feet
Elevation738 feet
Public launches1
Summer cautionWind
Lake depth map
Depth contours may take a little time to load. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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 Lake Cushman distinctive
Lake Cushman reaches about 115 feet at its deepest documented point.
Lake Cushman covers roughly 4,015 surface acres, making it one of the larger waters represented in FishyNW.
Lake Cushman has documented stocking context in the FishyNW research record, adding a managed-fishery component to its 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.
Stocking information
Lake Cushman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2007 | Kokanee | 41,616 | 408 fish/lb (~0 lb each) | EELLS SPRINGS · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
| May 30, 2007 | Kokanee | 84,972 | 388 fish/lb (~0 lb each) | EELLS SPRINGS · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Last checked: Aug 26, 2026 5:10pm
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
9
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
Rain chanceLoading
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, kokanee- 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
kokanee early- Start here
- Fish early or late, then adjust toward deeper water, shade, vegetation, or comfortable temperature zones.
- Watch for
- Wind, weeds, algae, heat, and heavier boat traffic.
Fall
trout- 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
trout- 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
Check current WDFW lake-specific and statewide regulations before fishing.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Verle's LLC
Family-owned fishing and marine sporting goods storeShelton, Washington · Third-generation family-owned Shelton shop founded from a bait business, with live bait, conventional tackle, salmon gear, rods and reels, shellfish gear, marine supplies, and local fishing knowledge.
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
Lake Kokanee
about 6.5 miles away
Lake Kokanee is included in FishyNW’s contour-required Washington expansion because official mapped depth structure is available and useful…
Lake Wooten about 13.4 miles awayLake Wooten is included in FishyNW’s contour-required Washington expansion because official mapped depth structure is available and useful…
Wynoochee Lake about 15.9 miles awayWynoochee Lake is included in FishyNW’s contour-required Washington expansion because official mapped depth structure is available and useful…
Nahwatzel Lake about 17.2 miles awayNahwatzel Lake is included in FishyNW's contour-required Washington expansion because mapped depth structure is available and useful to…
Skokomish River River systemA Hood Canal river with powerful seasonal flows, floodplain access issues, and reach specific salmon rules.
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.