Cougar Lake Fishing Regulations
OKANOGAN , near Winthrop, off Cougar Creek counties, Washington · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
Cougar Lake is a lake in OKANOGAN , near Winthrop, off Cougar Creek counties, Washington. It has its own fishing regulations for 7 species, including Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Golden Trout. These rules replace Washington's statewide limits on this water.
Map of Cougar Lake
Fish with special rules on Cougar Lake
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Cougar Lake limits by species (2026)
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesSelective gear rules apply · No gas motors | – | – | Always open |
 Brook Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Brown Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Cutthroat Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Golden Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Lake Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Rainbow Trout | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Steelhead | 14" min | 2 | Year-round |
– means no limit is listed for this water. Rules not shown here follow Washington's statewide regulations.
Plan your Cougar Lake trip
Cougar Lake fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on Cougar Lake?
7 species have rules specific to Cougar Lake: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead.
What is the brook trout limit on Cougar Lake?
Brook Trout must be at least 14" to keep on Cougar Lake, and the daily bag limit is 2.
What is the brown trout limit on Cougar Lake?
Brown Trout must be at least 14" to keep on Cougar Lake, and the daily bag limit is 2.
What is the cutthroat trout limit on Cougar Lake?
Cutthroat Trout must be at least 14" to keep on Cougar Lake, and the daily bag limit is 2.
Do Washington statewide fishing rules apply on Cougar Lake?
Where Cougar Lake has its own rule for a species, that rule replaces the statewide limit. For species not listed on this page, Washington's statewide regulations apply. Regulations are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; confirm with the official 2026 regulations before keeping a fish.
Other Washington waters with special regulations
- Yakima River · Benton
- Columbia River
- Wind River · Skamania
- Drano Lake · Skamania
- Naselle River · Pacific
- Roosevelt Lake · Ferry/Grant/Lincoln/Okanogan/Stevens
- Cowlitz River · Cowlitz/Lewis
- Green River · Duwamish
- Grays River · Wahkiakum
- Nisqually River · Pierce/Thurston
- Nooksack River · Whatcom
- Humptulips River · Grays Harbor
Take Cougar Lake rules on the water
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