What Cedar Lake Offers

Cedar Lake is a shallow, 200-acre reservoir in Pacific County that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The lake sits about 20 miles northeast of Longview and draws local anglers looking for panfish and bass in a setting that doesn't require a long drive from I-5. The water is stained to murky depending on season, which means fish stay active throughout the day rather than retreating to deep structure at midday — a real advantage for anglers who can't fish early or late.

The lake's shallow profile means most productive water runs 8 to 15 feet deep. Weed beds, fallen timber, and the old creek channel that runs through the basin hold the majority of fish. Cedar Lake rarely gets crowded, even on weekends, so you can work structure methodically without jockeying for position.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish in water that averages 8 to 15 feet deep.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing; summer heat can slow the bite, though early morning and dusk remain productive.
  • A Washington fishing license is required; check current regulations for bass size limits and daily catch limits before you fish.
  • The lake has a public boat launch on the south shore and limited shore access; arrive early on weekends to secure a launch slot.
  • Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics and crankbaits around timber and weed edges; panfish bite readily on small jigs and live crickets.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the strongest season. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Weed beds along the south and east shores hold concentrations of fish. Bluegill and crappie also become active in the shallows, and a small jig or live minnow will produce steady action. Mornings are cooler and often calmer, but the stained water means fish bite throughout the day.

Summer (June through August) can be hit-or-miss. The lake warms into the 70s, and fish retreat to deeper weed beds and the creek channel. Early morning and dusk are your best windows; midday fishing is slower unless you work deep structure or shade. Catfish become more active at night, so if you're willing to fish after dark, bring rod holders and live bait.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring. Water cools back into the 50s and low 60s, and bass move back to shallower feeding zones. Weed beds thin out as water temperatures drop, making fish easier to locate. Crappie fishing can be excellent in October and early November. Winter (December through February) slows considerably; ice rarely forms thick enough to fish safely, and open-water fishing is sparse.

Access and Boat Launch

Cedar Lake has a public boat launch on the south shore, operated by Pacific County Parks. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to mid-size boats. Parking is available for roughly 20 vehicles and trailers combined. On weekends and holidays, especially in spring, the lot fills by mid-morning, so arrive early if you're towing a boat.

Shore access is limited. A small day-use area near the launch allows walk-up fishing, but most of the shoreline is private property. Kayaks and canoes can be hand-launched from the day-use area, which gives you access to weed beds and timber that boat anglers can't easily reach. There is no overnight camping at the lake itself; the nearest campgrounds are in the Longview area, roughly 20 miles south.

Tackle and Techniques for Cedar Lake

Largemouth bass respond well to soft plastics — 4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits worked slowly around timber and weed edges. Crankbaits in shad patterns also produce, especially in spring when bass are aggressive. A medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line handles the shallow, weedy conditions without overkill.

Bluegill and crappie bite readily on small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with live crickets or minnows, or on tiny soft plastics. A light spinning rod makes the experience more enjoyable and lets you feel the bite clearly. Catfish will take chicken liver, cut shad, or live bluegill fished on the bottom at night or early morning. A basic catfish rig — a three-way swivel with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook — works well in Cedar Lake's soft bottom.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Washington fishing license to fish Cedar Lake. Licenses are sold online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores near the lake. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you fish only occasionally.

Largemouth bass have a minimum size limit and a daily catch limit; both vary by year and are set by the state. Check the current regulations on the WDFW website or in the printed fishing pamphlet before you fish — regulations change, and ignorance of the rules does not protect you from a citation. Panfish and catfish typically have no size limit but may have daily catch limits. Trout are not present in Cedar Lake, so you won't encounter trout-specific rules.

When to Fish and Weather Patterns

Overcast days and light wind often produce better fishing than bright, calm conditions. The stained water means bass don't spook as easily in bright sun as they would in clear lakes, but they still bite more confidently when cloud cover reduces light penetration. Wind can make the water choppy and harder to read, but it also oxygenates the shallows and can trigger feeding.

Rain in spring and fall usually improves the bite by cooling the water and reducing light. Summer rain can be a mixed bag — it may cool things slightly, but the water is already warm, so the effect is modest. Winter rain just makes conditions uncomfortable without improving fishing much. Check the forecast before you go, but don't skip a trip just because rain is in the forecast; some of the best days happen during or just after a light rain.

Nearby Alternatives if Cedar Lake Doesn't Fit

If Cedar Lake is too shallow or too weedy for your preference, Mayfield Lake (about 30 miles northeast) offers deeper water and a different fish community. If you want a larger, busier lake with more amenities, Lake Merwin (also northeast) has more developed facilities and a bigger largemouth bass population, though it draws more anglers.

For a completely different experience, the Cowlitz River (which flows near Cedar Lake) holds steelhead in winter and spring and offers a chance at a larger, more powerful fish. The river requires different tackle and techniques but is worth exploring if you want to branch out from lake fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Lake?

No. The day-use area near the launch allows shore fishing, and a kayak or canoe hand-launched from there gives you access to weed beds and timber. Shore fishing is slower than boat fishing because you can't cover as much water, but it's a valid option if you don't have a boat.

What's the best time of day to fish Cedar Lake?

Spring and fall, early morning and late afternoon are most productive. Summer fishing is best at dawn or dusk. The stained water means fish bite throughout the day, but low-light periods are more reliable. Night fishing for catfish can be excellent in summer.

Are there any fish species I should avoid?

No species are off-limits, but carp are present and can be a nuisance if you're targeting bass or panfish — they can tangle your line and spook other fish. If you hook a carp, land it and release it; they're not harmful, just a distraction.

Can I fish Cedar Lake in winter?

Yes, but fishing is slow. The water is cold, fish are less active, and ice rarely forms thick enough to fish safely. If you do fish in winter, dress warmly and fish deeper structure where bass congregate. Early morning is often better than midday.

What should I bring besides my rod and tackle?

Bring a valid fishing license, a life jacket if you're in a boat or kayak, sunscreen, and water. The day-use area has no facilities, so pack everything you'll need. A fish finder is helpful but not necessary — the shallow water and visible structure make it easy to locate fish by sight.