Washington lake guide
Rufus Woods Lake Fishing
Rufus Woods Lake is an 8,022.5-acre Columbia River reservoir upstream of Chief Joseph Dam, best known for large rainbow trout but also supporting walleye, bass, kokanee, perch, and brown trout. Jurisdiction, current, cold water, and launch choice are essential trip-planning considerations.
LocationDouglas and Chelan Counties, Washington
Primary targetsKokanee, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass
Best seasonSpring through fall
Lake size8,022.5 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Average depthabout 76 feet
Elevation950 feet
Public launches1
Summer cautionHeat
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 Rufus Woods Lake distinctive
Rufus Woods Lake covers roughly 8,023 surface acres, making it one of the larger waters represented in FishyNW.
FishyNW documents 7 fish species here, giving Rufus Woods Lake an unusually broad mix of fishing opportunities.
Rufus Woods Lake is documented in Douglas and Chelan Counties 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.
Trout and salmon
Kokanee
Troll small dodgers, hoochies, wedding rings, or spinners.
View species guide
Perch and pike
Walleye
Use bottom bouncers, slow death rigs, jigs, crankbaits, or blade baits.
View species guide
Bass and sunfish
Smallmouth Bass
Focus on rock, points, breaks, and transitions.
View species guide
Trout and salmon
Rainbow Trout
Use bait, small spinners, spoons, or slow trolling depending on access.
View species guide
Trout and salmon
Brown Trout
See seasonal habitat, presentations, identification, and regulation cautions.
View species guide
Perch and pike
Yellow Perch
Use small jigs, bait, or dropper rigs near schools.
View species guide
Carp and minnows
Common Carp
See habitat, seasonal behavior, presentations, and identification details.
View species guide
Stocking information
Rufus Woods 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2017 | Sturgeon White | 849 | 7 fish/lb (~0.14 lb each) | WELLS HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
| May 10, 2017 | Sturgeon White | 513 | 7 fish/lb (~0.14 lb each) | WELLS HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Last checked: Aug 17, 2026 5:25pm
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
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, bass, walleye, 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
bass, panfish, kokanee early- 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- 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- 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
Open year-round. Trout daily limit is 2 fish over 14 inches. A Washington license is required from the Douglas County shore; designated Colville Reservation fishing areas may accept a tribal permit or Washington license. Verify current jurisdiction-specific rules.
Official field updates Recent surveys and fishing pressure
Official surveys and pressure information can help with trip planning. Conditions change, and these updates do not guarantee current fishing.
Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife source check includes catch, creel, harvest, or angler effort language for Rufus Woods Lake. Use this as a recent planning clue for Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass, not a live bite report.
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife source check includes catch, creel, harvest, or angler effort language for Rufus Woods Lake. Use this as a recent planning clue for Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass, not a live bite report.
Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass
WDFW describes Rufus Woods as a year-round reservoir with trout rules and additional walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and kokanee opportunity. Scout uses species listed in FishyNW data.
Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife source check includes stocking or hatchery context for Rufus Woods Lake. This can help with trout family planning, but does not guarantee catch rates.
Walleye, Smallmouth Bass
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife source check includes stocking or hatchery context for Rufus Woods Lake. This can help with trout family planning, but does not guarantee catch rates.
Triploid rainbow trout, Walleye, Smallmouth bass
WDFW notes license/permit differences by shoreline and multiple access areas including state park, Army Corps, and Colville-side access points. Use as an access and regulation caution.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Brewster Bait & Tackle
Locally owned bait and tackle shopBrewster, Washington · Locally owned shop near the Brewster boat launch with salmon, sockeye, trout, perch, walleye, bass and sturgeon tackle.
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
Banks Lake
about 19.0 miles away
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Deep Lake — Grant County about 36.4 miles awayDeep Lake is a 101.3-acre Grant County trout-and-kokanee water within Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park. WDFW survey work…
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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.