Lake Cle Elum is located along the course of the Cle Elum River, seven miles north of the town of Cle Elum. Despite being used as a storage reservoir for an irrigation project run by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the lake is a popular fishing destination.
Fishing season is open year-round, but annual depletion of the reservoir means that there are no boat launch facilities after mid-summer. The lake is home to a number of different trout species, including kokanee, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Fishing regulations are subject to change, so visitors are advised to check the website for the most up-to-date information.