I am looking for a lake to fish that is within an hours drive from Vancouver. This is my first year over here and would appreciate any suggestions. Looking to hook a few trout on a fly.

Welcome Killdux,
My first suggestion would be to look over the lakes in the counties around Vancouver - Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Lewis would be in your driving range. You should find some active lakes with some topos available as well as a few Featured Lakes.
Good Luck!

I would recommend Merrill Lake. It can be fished from the bank, but more effectively from a boat or float tube, etc. It is a fly-only lake with no internal combustion engines allowed-only electric boat moters. I know a dude that has caught a few up there out in a boat and seen a few big ones caught both from shore and in boats.

It is unbelievable how many lakes and rivers are in this part of the state. I personally have my secret bass spot that holds bass over 8lbs. Then I also have my secret trout spots. It all depends on what type of fish you would like to go for. If you don't mind stocked trout then many lakes around here would do. If your looking for more natural lakes then you probably want to be looking for places like Merril or lakes on Mt. St. Helens. Lacamas lake is not the cleanest lake but holds large trout and bass. My Father caught a 4.5 rainbow out of Lacamas. If you don't mind crowds then BG lake in the spring would do well. Also the opener of Canyon Creek would be productive. Nowdays you might have to drive quite a ways to find privacy. If you want more detail just e-mail me.
Matt