Discover the Toledo to Castle Rock: Fishing & Recreation

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Near Mossyrock, about 20 miles east of Toledo along US-12, formed by Mossyrock Dam, Washington’s tallest dam. 

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Riffe Lake is a premier fishery for smallmouth bass, landlocked coho, and Chinook salmon. It also supports rainbow and cutthroat trout, brown bullheads, and limited bluegill and crappie. Notably, there are no kokanee in Riffe Lake.
• Fishing Report: The lake has a year-round open season. Recent reports highlight consistent catches of coho salmon and triploid rainbow trout (14–20 inches) planted in recent years. Trolling with small spinners like Mack’s Wedding Rings behind lake trolls or dodgers is effective. Target points and drop-offs for best results. Shore anglers can fish near Mossyrock Dam or the Taidnapam Park “fishing bridge,” using shrimp or worms under a bobber.
• Regulations: Landlocked salmon rules apply (check WDFW for specifics). Be cautious of afternoon winds, as the lake’s deep, wide nature can create hazardous conditions for small boats.  

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: Mossyrock Park offers a reliable boat launch (usable even at low water levels), while launches at Kosmos and Taidnapam Park may be unusable during low-water periods. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are popular in the lake’s scenic coves.
• Camping: Mossyrock Park provides camping with reservations (call 360-983-3900), featuring full hookups, restrooms, a fish-cleaning station, and a playground. Riffe Lake Campground, a private facility, offers 17 RV sites with full hookups, 18 with water/power, 13 tent sites, 8 group sites, and 5 camper cabins, plus canoe and kayak rentals.
• Hiking and Wildlife: The Mossyrock Wildlife Area, part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, offers a loop trail for hiking and birdwatching, with opportunities to spot black-tailed deer and waterfowl. The area includes ponds and riparian forests, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
• Other Amenities: The Riffe Lake Overlook and North Shore Fishing Access provide scenic views and dam access. Nearby Mossyrock town offers restaurants and shops for supplies. Tips for Your Guide: Highlight the family-friendly fishing bridge at Taidnapam Park and the lake’s pristine setting. Advise checking lake levels at MyTPU.org/LakeLevels, as Tacoma Power adjusts water levels, affecting boat launches.

Alder Lake is located about 10 miles south of Eatonville, roughly 30 miles from Toledo, formed by Alder Dam on the Nisqually River. 

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Alder Lake is open year-round and known for kokanee (up to 10 per day), coastal cutthroat (up to 5 per day), largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, white crappie, and brown bullhead catfish.
• Fishing Report: Kokanee fishing is a highlight, with spring and summer being peak seasons. Rainbow trout are caught from shore between Elbe and Rocky Point in spring. Bank fishing for kokanee is possible but less effective than boat-based trolling.
• Regulations: Check WDFW for specific limits and gear restrictions. Note that kokanee fishing requires careful identification to avoid confusion with other salmonids. Recreational Opportunities:
• Boating and Water Sports: Two boat launches are open year-round (lake level permitting) for fishing, water skiing, and motorized watercraft. A no-wake zone and two non-motorized areas cater to kayakers and paddleboarders. Check lake levels at MyTPU.org/LakeLevels.
• Camping: Alder Lake Park offers individual and group campsites (May 15–Sept 15, reservable at 833-290-8180), with walk-in sites available off-season (except Dec 20–Jan 1). Rocky Point Campground, 4 miles east, has water, electric, and sewer hookups, plus horseshoe pits and a playground. Sunny Beach Point, a 9-acre day-use park, is ideal for swimming and picnicking.
• Other Activities: The park supports hiking, nature watching, and day-use activities. Restrooms with showers and kitchen shelters with grills enhance the experience. Tips for Your Guide: Emphasize Alder Lake’s kokanee fishery and family-friendly camping options. Note that bank fishing is less productive, so recommend boat access for serious anglers. Mention the park’s closure from Dec 20–Jan 1.

Mayfield Lake is located near Mossyrock, approximately 15 miles east of Toledo, formed by Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz River. 

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Mayfield Lake is open year-round, offering brown bullhead, Chinook salmon, coastal cutthroat, coho salmon, and rainbow trout.
• Fishing Report: The lake supports consistent fishing for salmon and trout, with spring and fall being prime seasons for Chinook and coho. Rainbow trout are stocked regularly, providing good opportunities for shore and boat anglers. Standard lake-fishing techniques (trolling, bait under bobbers) work well.
• Regulations: Adhere to WDFW rules for salmon retention and gear. Check for updates via the Fish Washington app, as emergency closures may occur (e.g., for low salmon returns). Recreational Opportunities:
• Boating and Water Sports: Ike Kinswa State Park, on the north shore, offers a boat launch for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Combustion engines are allowed, unlike at Swofford Pond.
• Camping: Ike Kinswa State Park provides 101 campsites (31 with full hookups), restrooms, showers, and a playground. Reservations are recommended (call 888-CAMPOUT). The park’s proximity to Mayfield Lake makes it a convenient base for anglers.
• Hiking and Wildlife: Trails in Ike Kinswa State Park offer scenic views and wildlife observation, including birds and deer. The park’s 454 acres include forested areas and lakefront access. Tips for Your Guide: Highlight Ike Kinswa’s amenities and its role as a base for Mayfield Lake fishing. Mention the lake’s accessibility from Toledo and its quieter, less crowded vibe compared to Riffe Lake.

Silver Lake is located approximately 5 miles northeast of Castle Rock, just off State Route 504, Silver Lake is a large, shallow lake in the Mount St. Helens area, easily accessible from Toledo and Castle Rock. Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and reshaped by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, it’s a scenic centerpiece of the region, adjacent to Seaquest State Park and the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Silver Lake is a warmwater fishery known for black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, warmouth, white crappie, yellow perch, and common carp. It also supports catchable-size rainbow trout (stocked in spring) and, to a lesser extent, coho and steelhead in connected creeks like Hemlock and Sucker. Triploid grass carp from past stockings may be caught and retained (no minimum size or limit).
• Fishing Report: The lake is open year-round, with spring (March–May) being prime for stocked rainbow trout, which are planted annually by WDFW (e.g., thousands of 8–12-inch trout released each spring). Crappie and bass fishing peaks in late spring to early summer (May–July), with anglers catching black and white crappie near docks or submerged structures using jigs or minnows. Yellow perch and bluegill are abundant in summer, caught with worms or small lures. Brown bullhead catfish provide reliable action year-round, especially at night using bait like chicken liver. Recent WDFW reports indicate consistent catches of crappie (6–10 inches) and bass (up to 5 pounds), with perch and bullheads offering fun for beginners. Coho and steelhead are less common but can be targeted in creek mouths during fall migrations.
• Regulations: Follow WDFW rules, including a 10-fish daily limit for crappie (minimum 9 inches) and no size or limit restrictions for grass carp. A Washington fishing license is required, except during Free Fishing Weekend (June 7–8, 2025), when trout, bass, and perch can be fished without a license. Check WDFW’s Fish Washington app or website (wdfw.wa.gov) for updates on stocking schedules or emergency closures.
• Techniques: Shore anglers succeed with bobber-and-worm setups for trout, perch, and bluegill near the public access or Seaquest State Park. For crappie and bass, use small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) or soft plastics near docks, lily pads, or submerged logs. Boat anglers can troll for trout with spinners or target deeper areas (10–15 feet) for bass and crappie. Kayaks or small boats are ideal due to the lake’s shallow nature (average depth ~15 feet).

Recreational Opportunities:

• Boating and Water Sports: Silver Lake is ideal for non-motorized boating due to its shallow depth and calm waters. A public boat launch at the WDFW access site (off SR 504) accommodates canoes, kayaks, and small rowboats. Combustion engines are allowed but less common due to the lake’s size and ecology; electric motors are recommended. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, with rentals available at nearby Seaquest State Park or local outfitters. Swimming is permitted but not a primary activity due to muddy bottoms and vegetation; stick to designated areas near Seaquest.
• Camping: Seaquest State Park, on the lake’s northern shore, offers 88 campsites (33 with full hookups, 16 with water/electric, 15 tent sites, and yurts), reservable through Washington State Parks (888-CAMPOUT or parks.wa.gov). The campground includes restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a playground, making it family-friendly. Off-season camping (October–April) is available with limited facilities. For a rustic alternative, nearby private campgrounds like Country Cabins in Salkum (~15 miles away) cater to anglers and families.
• Hiking and Wildlife Viewing: The Silver Lake Wetlands Trail (0.25 miles, accessible from the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center) offers a boardwalk through wetlands for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Expect to see waterfowl (ducks, geese), beavers, and occasional bald eagles. Seaquest State Park provides 7 miles of forested trails, including loops through old-growth cedar and fir, ideal for spotting black-tailed deer, songbirds, and amphibians. The trails are easy to moderate, suitable for all ages. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center (open 9 AM–4 PM, $5 adult entry, free for kids under 15) enhances visits with exhibits on the 1980 eruption and local ecology.
• Other Activities: The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is a must-visit for its educational films, interactive displays, and scenic lake views. Picnicking is popular at Seaquest’s day-use area, which includes tables and grills. The lake’s proximity to Mount St. Helens makes it a gateway for day trips to viewpoints like the Johnston Ridge Observatory (~30 miles east). Seasonal events, like birdwatching tours or ranger-led talks at Seaquest, add variety (check parks.wa.gov for schedules).
• Amenities: The WDFW public access site offers parking, a boat ramp, and basic facilities (no restrooms). Seaquest State Park provides full amenities, including ADA-accessible trails and campsites. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a gift shop. Nearby Castle Rock (~5 miles) offers restaurants, grocery stores, and fishing supplies (e.g., at local bait shops or Walmart in Longview, ~10 miles away).

Swofford Pond is located near Mossyrock, about 15 miles east of Toledo, a smaller water body managed by WDFW. 

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: Open year-round, Swofford Pond supports channel catfish, brown bullhead, brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, sucker, yellow perch, and crappie.
• Fishing Report: The pond is a hidden gem for warmwater species like bass and crappie, with rainbow trout stocked in spring. It’s ideal for anglers seeking a侏x for a low-key, family-friendly fishery. Combustion engines are prohibited, making it a shore-based or non-motorized boat fishery.
• Regulations: Follow WDFW rules for retention limits and gear restrictions. The lack of motorized boats keeps the pond serene but limits access to shore or kayak fishing. Recreational Opportunities:
• Boating: A public boat launch is available for canoes or kayaks, ideal for quiet exploration.
• Fishing Access: Good shore access makes this a family-friendly spot, especially for beginners targeting stocked trout or warmwater species.
• Other Activities: Limited hiking trails are available, but the focus is on fishing and relaxing by the water. Tips for Your Guide: Position Swofford Pond as a tranquil, family-oriented fishing spot for those avoiding the larger, busier lakes. Highlight its diverse species and accessibility for shore anglers.

Cowlitz River: The Cowlitz River, flowing through Toledo and Castle Rock, is renowned for year-round salmon and steelhead fishing. Spring Chinook salmon arrive in April, peaking through June, with over 20,000 fish returning annually, making it a prime fishery. Fall Chinook and coho salmon are abundant from August to October. Summer steelhead fishing heats up in June and July, with jet boat access below the Barrier Dam offering excellent opportunities. Techniques include side drifting, backtrolling with diver and bait, or twitching jigs. Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for current regulations, as selective gear rules may apply to protect wild fish.

Boating and Water Sports on the Cowlitz RiverThe Cowlitz River supports boating activities, particularly for anglers using jet boats to navigate its fishable stretches below the Barrier Dam. For non-anglers, the river offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, especially in calmer sections near Toledo and Castle Rock. Be mindful of water conditions, as the river’s flow can vary. Public water access areas managed by WDFW provide launch points for small craft.

Toutle River:  Flowing through Cowlitz County, the Toutle River is a major tributary of the Cowlitz River, with its North and South Forks converging near Castle Rock. Accessible via SR 504 and side roads, it’s roughly 10–15 miles from Toledo and Castle Rock. 

Fishing Opportunities:

• Species: The Toutle River system is known for steelhead (summer and winter runs), coho salmon, and cutthroat trout. Rainbow trout are present in smaller numbers, and some areas may have bull trout (protected, catch-and-release only).
• Fishing Report: Summer steelhead fishing peaks June–August, with winter steelhead best from December–March. Coho salmon are abundant in fall (September–November). The North Fork Toutle, heavily impacted by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, has recovered as a fishery, with WDFW reporting consistent steelhead and coho returns. The South Fork offers similar species but is less accessible due to rugged terrain. Bank fishing is common near access points like the Hollywood Gorge or near the SR 504 bridge, using techniques like drift fishing with eggs, yarn, or jigs. Check WDFW’s Fish Washington app for emergency closures, as low salmon/steelhead runs (e.g., 2025 Columbia River restrictions) may affect seasons.
• Regulations: Selective gear rules often apply (single barbless hooks, no bait in some sections). A Washington fishing license is required, except during Free Fishing Weekend (June 7–8, 2025). Wild steelhead and salmon must often be released; check WDFW for specific limits. Recreational Opportunities:
• Kayaking and Rafting: The Toutle River’s upper sections (especially the South Fork) offer kayaking and rafting during high water (spring/early summer), with Class II–III rapids in some areas. The North Fork is calmer but less navigable due to sediment from the eruption.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Toutle River corridor, part of the Mount St. Helens ecosystem, supports elk, deer, beavers, and birds like ospreys and kingfishers. The North Fork’s volcanic landscape offers unique scenery for photographers.
• Hiking: Trails near the Toutle, such as those in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (e.g., Hummocks Trail, ~20 miles from Castle Rock), provide access to river views and geological features. Access and Amenities: WDFW manages public access points along the Toutle, including near the SR 504 bridge and Hollywood Gorge. Parking is limited, and facilities are minimal (no restrooms at most sites). Castle Rock has nearby gas stations and bait shops for supplies.

Green River A tributary of the North Fork Toutle River, the Green River flows through the Mount St. Helens area, accessible via forest roads off SR 504, about 15–20 miles from Castle Rock. Primarily cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, with occasional steelhead in lower reaches near the Toutle confluence. Bull trout may be present (protected, catch-and-release).

The Green River is a smaller, scenic fishery best for trout in spring and summer (April–July). WDFW notes limited but viable populations of cutthroat, caught using flies or small spinners in pools and riffles. Access is challenging, requiring hikes or 4WD in some areas, but rewards anglers with solitude and pristine settings.