
Waughop Lake
Waughop Lake is a lake less than 1.6 km (1.0 mi) east of Steilacoom in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The lake lies within Fort Steilacoom Park, in the city of Lakewood, Washington. Waughop Lake has a surface area of approximately 33 acres (130,000 m2) and a mean depth of 7 feet (2.1 m). The lake is fed by groundwater and has no surface drainage channels. The lake is named after Dr. John Wesley Waughop, former superintendent of the Washington State Hospital for the Insane. The hospital, now known as Western State Hospital, lies across from the park on Steilacoom Boulevard SW. The lake is circled by a 9/10 mile paved loop trail.
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Waughop Lake
Waughop Lake is a lake less than 1.6 km (1.0 mi) east of Steilacoom in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The lake lies within Fort Steilacoom Park, in the city of Lakewood, Washington. Waughop Lake has a surface area of approximately 33 acres (130,000 m2) and a mean depth of 7 feet (2.1 m). The lake is fed by groundwater and has no surface drainage channels. The lake is named after Dr. John Wesley Waughop, former superintendent of the Washington State Hospital for the Insane. The hospital, now known as Western State Hospital, lies across from the park on Steilacoom Boulevard SW. The lake is circled by a 9/10 mile paved loop trail.
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Water Temperature
Latest Water Temperature Data: Current water temperature for Waughop Lake is 80° Fahrenheit - providing real-time thermal conditions for fishing, swimming, and water recreation planning.
Current Snapshot
Forecast: Thursday, Jul 17
MostlyClear
Hourly Insights
Temperature
Precipitation
Wind
Sun, Moon & UV
Weather Forecast & Fishing Conditions at Waughop Lake
Today's weather at Waughop Lake features partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F. Wind conditions will average 4 mph with gusts reaching up to 14 mph, creating excellent fishing conditions with calm waters. The UV index will reach 9 (Very High), and there's a 0% chance of precipitation. The current water temperature is 80°F (updated Jul 16), indicating that warm-water species like bass and panfish will be highly active. These conditions will significantly impact fish behavior and angling success throughout the day.
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Solunar Fishing Forecast
Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)
Best Bite Times
Major Times (Peak)
1:04 PM - 3:34 PM
8:59 PM - 11:29 PM
Minor Times (Good)
7:00 AM - 7:00 AM
8:09 PM - 9:39 PM
Fishing Intelligence
Today's fishing action at Waughop Lake is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). For the best results, target the major bite times around 1:04 PM and 8:59 PM.
Water Temp Impact: With the water at 80°F, expect good activity from warm-water species like bass and panfish.
Common Fish Species
Nearby Lakes
Water Temperature History
Trends for Waughop Lake
Current Temp
Measured on Jul 15
Latest recorded surface temperature.
Lowest in Period
34°F
On Feb 2
Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.
Average in Period
55°F
Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.
Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months
Surface temperature over the selected period.
Key Observations (Last 12 Months)
- Warmest avg: July (75°F).
- Coolest avg: February (34°F).
- Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+15°F).
- Sharpest cooling trend: July → August (-10°F).
Weather Forecast
Wind speed and pressure trends
Hourly Wind Forecast
Wind Direction
275°
Pressure
1009 mb
Cloud Cover
0%
Visibility
15 miles
Daily Pressure Forecast


Frequently Asked Questions About Waughop Lake
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