Mason County’s Benson Lake is located about 9 ½ miles SW from Belfair. It covers 82 surface acres, reaches depths of about 35 feet and lies at an elevation of 222 feet. Fish species in this gin clear lake include rainbow and cutthroat trout, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish. Public access is provided by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The large access area has lots of parking space for tow rigs and trailers, pit toilets and an excellent concrete boat launching ramp. No gas engines are allowed on the lake. Shoreline anglers seem to have good success for trout.

Overview and photos by: Bob Johansen