Every Boat Ramp on American Lake

About American Lake

American Lake is a 1,124-acre gem located in the city of Lakewood in Pierce County, situated adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the south Puget Sound lowlands. With 8 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 98 feet, this natural glacial lake features clear water, a diverse bottom structure of sand, gravel, and muck, and a healthy aquatic ecosystem that supports an impressive variety of game fish. Its location within the Tacoma metropolitan area makes it one of the most accessible quality fishing lakes in southern Puget Sound.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages American Lake as a multi-species fishery, with regular plants of Rainbow Trout providing reliable action for trollers and shore anglers from fall through spring. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass offer excellent warm-water fishing throughout the summer months, with fish holding around docks, weed edges, and rocky points. Yellow Perch are abundant and popular with families, while Kokanee provide a unique landlocked salmon fishery. The lake's Tiger Musky program adds trophy potential, with these aggressive hybrids capable of reaching 20 pounds or more and providing heart-stopping strikes for anglers casting large lures and swimbaits.

Harry Todd Park on the lake's western shore provides the primary public boat launch, with a well-maintained ramp, parking, and restroom facilities. The lake's compact size and varied structure make it productive for a wide range of fishing techniques, from bank fishing with PowerBait to trolling with downriggers to casting topwater lures along the shoreline. Its proximity to Lakewood, Tacoma, and the Interstate 5 corridor ensures easy access and nearby services for visiting anglers.

Nearest towns: Lakewood, Tacoma