Boyden Lake

Boyden Lake is a shallow, productive body of water located in eastern Washington County. An acceptable public boat launch site exists at the western end of the lake. Even though the lake is homothermous, it supports a satisfactory salmon fishery in most years. The fishery is sustained primarily by annual stockings although modest numbers of wild salmon are produced in the major tributary, Mill Stream. Because of the scarcity of suitable salmon habitat in the summer, the stocking rate is maintained at a low 1/4 fish/acre. In the better years, anglers catch fair numbers of 17-19 inch fish. The lake is well known as a consistent producer of some 2 1/2-3 ¼ pound bass. These fish are generally light green in color, and in excellent shape. The extensive sections of shoals produce many types of aquatic insects which are utilized in the diets of juvenile bass.  Runs of anadromous alewives up into the lake have diminished in recent years. Numerous beaver dams on the outlet hinder their migration. Coincident with the lower level of alewives has been resurgence in the smelt population. Although salmon will actively prey upon juvenile alewives, they strongly prefer smelts. Accordingly, the decreased number of alewives and the increase in the smelt population is considered a "plus".