Mason County’s Howell Lake is located about 6 ½ miles S.W. of Belfair. It covers 9.6 surface acres, has mostly shallow depths and lies at an elevation of 450 feet. Fish species in this darkly stained water include rainbow trout and bluegill. I have fished this lake several times looking for bass but so far I have not caught any. It is a scenic little lake in a remote location, and is especially pretty in the spring when all the native rhododendrons are in bloom. The lake is located on an old DNR campground but the campground is no longer open to camping. I was told it was closed because of vandalism. The boat launch area is open and it is best suited for hand carried craft but I had no problem launching my small trailered boat. Bob Johansen 2008