Hicks Lake

Hicks Lake is a 162-acre lowland lake at an elevation of 182 feet on the southeast side of Lacey, Washington, in Thurston County. Its center sits at roughly 47.0212° N, 122.7997° W — about 15 minutes east of downtown Olympia.

The lake is largely surrounded by established residential neighborhoods, with a heavily wooded public park on the west shore. It is one of four lakes — alongside Long Lake, Pattison Lake, and St. Clair Lake — that define the character of Lacey's east side.

Hicks Lake is a managed lowland fishing lake with a defined season (fourth Saturday in April through October 31), annual trout stocking by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, and public boat launch and shoreline access.

Season: Hicks Lake is open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31. Always check WDFW's current sportfishing rules and emergency rule changes before you go.

Trout: WDFW describes harvest opportunity as good for 9- to 13-inch stocked rainbow trout, with 16-inch rainbows stocked annually. The lake has also been periodically stocked with brown trout. In April 2026, WDFW reported three plants totaling roughly 6,900 catchable rainbow trout (from Eells Springs and Lakewood hatcheries).

Warmwater fish: The lake supports naturally reproducing populations of black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, and brown bullhead catfish. Bluegill and yellow perch provide good fishing in mid to late summer.

Two-pole fishing is allowed with the appropriate endorsement.

Boating: The WDFW water access site provides a boat launch. There are no hand launches or fishing platforms at the WDFW site.

Hicks Lake has two main points of public access, both on the west shore:

• Wanschers Community Park (2606 Hicks Lake Road SE) — City of Lacey park with shoreline access, bank fishing, picnic areas, and trails. Parking is limited.
• WDFW Hicks Lake Water Access Site — boat launch, one parking lot, and two toilets. The access area is open from the fourth Saturday in April through October 31. A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is generally required to park at WDFW water access sites; confirm current requirements with WDFW.

WDFW rates shoreline access at Hicks Lake as good.

Wanschers Community Park is the public park on Hicks Lake. Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation describes it as a heavily wooded gem on the shores of Hicks Lake, featuring grassy picnic areas, picnic tables, bank fishing, and natural-surface trails. The park is about 16 acres and includes a small sandy beach and a variety of native and introduced tree species.

Address: 2606 Hicks Lake Road SE, Lacey, WA.