The streams and rivers entering Harrison lake used to have large runs of cutthroat trout, springs, coho and steelhead. One of these streams is Cartmell creek, located a few miles past the Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, along Harrison lake West logging road.

More than 25 years ago I fished Cartmell Creek in autumn, for sea-run cutthroat trout. These trout were once abundant in the creek, with substantial numbers of returning cutthroat. Cartmell Creek had a big pool, unusual for such a small stream. Above the pool was a large rock, with water flowing past a narrow channel to the side. I used to stand on this big rock and cast a worm into the pool, using a split shot weight to get the worm into the pool. This was the perfect spot for fishing, since the pool was large enough to hold a dozen trout. Usually, I didn’t have to wait long before a trout took the bait. I never fished Cartmell Creek without catching trout.

A few hundred yards upstream from the big rock, Cartmell Creek is joined by Brett Creek. Both of these creeks drain the east slope of the Hemlock Valley Ski area. Sometimes I fished above the big rock, wading hundreds of yards upsteam, catching trout and on one occasion, a fair sized spring salmon.

Small streams have unique challenges for anglers, since large pools in creeks are uncommon. Often, trout will lie immediately in front of or behind big boulders. They are sometimes under river banks and overhanging ledges, as well as back eddies. Worms are the old standby in streams, but flies can also take numerous trout and sometimes small spinners. Make short casts wear hip waders and walk carefully along the creek to avoid spooking the fish.

To reach Cartmell Creek take the Morris Valley Road and drive past both the Chehalis Fish Hatchery and the Weaver Creek Spawning Channels proceed along the Harrison Lake West logging road for a few miles. When you drive down a hill and cross a wooden bridge, you will know you have reached Cartmell creek. Park by the bridge or up the hill Walk upsteam to the pool and beyond.

Remember, only hatchery sea-run cutthroat trout may be kept. These have the adipose fin missing, near the tail. While the legal limit is two hatchery trout per day I question the ethics of killing any trout from Cartmell Creek, in an era of declining numbers of sea-run cutthroat trout.

A day of autumn trout fishing on Cartmell Creek can be combined with a round of golf at the Sandpiper Golf course or eagle watching along the Chehalis River or at Kilby Park, in Harrison Mills. For visitors, accommodation is at Sasquatch Inn, in Harrison Mills, and at Rowena’s 1nn and Fenn Lodge along the Morris Valley Road.