Mason County’s Lake Cushman (Reservoir) is located about 4 miles NW of the town of Hoodsport. It covers about 4000 surface acres, reaches depths of about 200 feet and lies at an elevation of 735 feet. The water is gin clear and you can see the huge stumps beneath the surface; a remnants of the logging operation that took place prior to building the big power generation dam. The north end of the lake has lots of huge rocks that could damage the prop or lower unit of you outboard engine (see photo below). I visited the lake during a big water draw down and took a few photos.
Fish species include rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead, largemouth bass and Chinook salmon. Reference book, “Lakes of Washington,” mentions that Chinook salmon apparently reproduce naturally in this reservoir. I always used the launch ramp at the state park when fishing the lake for bass. It has a good concrete plank launch ramp and lots of parking. The park is now private but I think it still allows launching for a fee.

Note - some photos are of low draw down on this reservoir.

Overview by: Bob Johansen – Photos by Bob Johansen and others