Jefferson County’s Lake Leland is located about 4 ½ miles north from the town of Quilcene. It covers about 100 surface acres, reaches depths of about 20 feet and lies at 190 feet of elevation. Fish species include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and brown bullhead catfish.
Almost every inch of the shoreline looks like it could hold bass and probably does at different times of the year. Prime casting targets include overhanging brush and trees, lots of old logs and wood in the water, pad fields, cattails and a few private docks.
Public access is provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The large access area provides lots of parking space; a pit toilet and a solid gravel boat launch area. There is also a very nice fishing dock at the access. The usual signs are posted at the access, “No Camping or Overnight Parking,” and the lake speed is posted speed of 5 MPH. For the camping fisherman, the good news is there is a nice little campground just across the street from the WDFW access.

Overview and photos by Bob Johansen