The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Riffe Lake
Lewis County, Washington · 11,800 acres (18.5 sq mi)
46°F water, calm Tuesday morning.
About Riffe Lake
Riffe Lake is a reservoir in Lewis County, Washington, covering 11,800 acres. Mossyrock Dam holds it back on the Cowlitz River. Riffe Lake is impounded by Mossyrock Dam, the tallest dam in Washington state.
From end to end it runs about 12.3 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 36 miles. The water sits about 770 ft above sea level. It reaches about 360 ft at its deepest. Morton is about 4.5 miles northeast. The closest city is South Hill, about 42 miles away.
- Size
- 11,800 acres (18.5 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 360 ft
- Shoreline
- About 36 miles
- End to end
- About 12.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 770 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Mossyrock Dam, Cowlitz River
- County
- Lewis County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Riffe Lake
The fish here: trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and yellow perch. With the surface at 46°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 7:08 am · sunset 4:37 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Riffe Lake
- Mortonabout 4.5 mi northeast
- Napavineabout 23 mi west
- Eatonvilleabout 24 mi north
- Winlockabout 25 mi west
- South Hillnearest city, about 42 mi north
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Riffe Lake
What fish are in Riffe Lake?
Riffe Lake holds trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish, crappie and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Riffe Lake?
About 360 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Riffe Lake?
11,800 acres, with about 36 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Riffe Lake?
Morton is about 4.5 miles northeast; Napavine is about 23 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Riffe Lake today?
The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Riffe Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
