Fishing at Millersylvania
Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park is open to fishing all year. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it with rainbow trout, and the lake also has naturally reproducing largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish. Fish from the popular fishing dock, the bank or a car-top boat; you need a WDFW fishing license and a Discover Pass to park.
Fishing at a Glance
What You Can Catch
WDFW lists these fish in Deep Lake (Thurston County):
- Rainbow trout, stocked by WDFW. This is the lake's main draw.
- Largemouth bass, naturally reproducing.
- Bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish.
- Yellow perch.
WDFW posts recent trout plants for the lake on its Deep Lake (Thurston County) page and in its catchable trout plant reports. Check them before a spring trip.
Where to Fish
- The fishing dock. WDFW calls it popular, and it is the easy choice for kids.
- The bank. WDFW rates shoreline access as good, all through the park.
- From a boat. The launch is for car-top boats only: no trailers. Kayaks, canoes and float tubes work well. Keep to 5 mph with no wake.
The swimming beaches are busy in summer, so fish away from swimmers. See Deep Lake.
Licenses and Passes
- A WDFW freshwater or combination fishing license for anyone who needs one under state rules.
- A Discover Pass to park, $10 a day or $45 a year, unless you are camping in the park. The Discover Pass program says the Vehicle Access Pass that comes with an annual fishing license covers WDFW lands only, not state parks. See Discover Pass.
- Two-pole fishing is allowed on Deep Lake, per WDFW.
Free Fishing Weekend, June 6 and 7 in 2026, was also a Discover Pass free day, so parking was free.
Rules to Know
- Deep Lake is open year-round. Read the current WDFW Sportfishing Rules pamphlet and any emergency rule changes before you go.
- Dogs must be on a leash and stay off the swim beaches.
- The park opens at 6:30 a.m. in summer and 8 a.m. in winter and closes at dusk for day users. See hours.
Rent a Boat
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lakefront Boats and Bites rents kayaks, canoes and pedal boats at the beach near the launch. See boating and rentals.
Trout Derby
WDFW's statewide trout derby has included Deep Lake, with tagged fish worth prizes from local businesses. Check WDFW's derby page in spring.
Fishing at Millersylvania FAQ
What fish are in Deep Lake at Millersylvania?
Stocked rainbow trout, plus naturally reproducing largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and pumpkinseed sunfish, according to WDFW.
Is Deep Lake open for fishing year-round?
Yes. WDFW lists Deep Lake (Thurston County) as open year-round. Park day-use hours still apply.
Do I need a Discover Pass to fish at Millersylvania?
Yes, to park. WDFW says anglers need a Discover Pass as well as a fishing license to use Washington State Parks, unless they are camping in the park.
Can I launch a boat to fish Deep Lake?
Only a car-top or hand-carried boat. The launch doesn't take trailers, and the lake has a 5 mph no-wake rule.