Best months to fish Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake gets stocked by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife twice a year, in early May and again in early October. If you can time a stay around either window, you're in the best fishing of the season.

Spring (April through June): bass move shallow as the water warms. Throw a senko or a small jig off the dock at sunrise. The cove southwest of the dock holds fish all season. Trout fishing turns on after the May stocking, with rainbows averaging 10 to 14 inches. Use a small spinner or a worm under a bobber.

Summer (July through August): bass go deeper. Move out to the middle of the lake and fish a drop shot or a deep crankbait around the underwater structure. Trout slow down once water hits 70 degrees.

Fall (September through November): the October stocking brings trout back into easy range. Topwater bass bites pick up in cooler mornings. Most stunning sunsets of the year happen in this window.

Winter: catch-and-release only in most of the lake. Bring layers, the wind off the water cuts hard.

All gear is provided in the storage shed by the dock, including rods, tackle boxes, and life jackets. Local licenses are sold at the Woodland gas station, 8 minutes away.