The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
American Lake
Pierce County, Washington · about 1,010 acres (1.6 sq mi)
38°F water, calm Tuesday morning.
About American Lake
American Lake is a lake in Pierce County, Washington, covering about 1,010 acres.
It stretches about 2.6 miles end to end with roughly 8.2 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 230 ft above sea level. Joint Base Lewis McChord is on the shore. Lakewood, the nearest city, is about 2 miles northeast.
- Size
- About 1,010 acres (1.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.2 miles
- End to end
- About 2.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 230 ft
- County
- Pierce County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like American Lake in Washington usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 38°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowCrappie
Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:11 am · sunset 4:36 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near American Lake
- Joint Base Lewis McChordon the shore
- North Fort Lewison the shore
- McChord Air Force Baseabout 2 mi east
- DuPontabout 2.2 mi southwest
- Lakewoodnearest city, about 2 mi northeast
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Questions about American Lake
What fish are in American Lake?
Lakes like American Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is American Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is American Lake?
About 1,010 acres, with about 8.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near American Lake?
Joint Base Lewis McChord is on the shore.
What is the water temperature at American Lake today?
The surface was about 38°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
American Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
