Fishing at Lake Washington is a must-try expertise for each freshwater fanatic. Nestled between Seattle and Bellevue, this wealthy physique of water is understood for its vastness and accessibility. This 22-mile-long freshwater expanse is a celebrated haven for each novice and seasoned anglers, irrespective of their talent stage.
With 22,000 acres of fishable waters, Lake Washington is marked by its two famend floating bridges, and in addition boasts the majestic Mercer Island at its coronary heart. Lake Washington caters to a variety of fishing alternatives. Its quite a few piers, docks, and entry factors make it an ideal alternative for city anglers looking for a fruitful fishing escape.
On this information, we’ll dive into the guts of Lake Washington’s fishing scene. You’ll be taught one of the best seasonal methods and prime spots, in addition to all in regards to the numerous fish species that populate its waters. This information is your key to unlocking the wealthy angling potential of one of many Pacific Northwest’s premier freshwater fishing locations. So, gear up and prepare!
High Lake Washington Fish Species
Lake Washington’s angling scene is as numerous because it will get. Its fishing menu retains the area people coming again for extra – and we’re certain you’ll need to, too. You’ll get to elusive Inexperienced Sunfish, sturdy Largescale Sucker, and the ever-present Widespread Carp, amongst extra. Right here’s our choose of the fish you gained’t need to miss out on:
Crappie
Lake Washington’s Black Crappie are among the many greatest species to introduce novices and youthful anglers to fishing. These fish common 7–9 inches in measurement however can attain as much as 15 inches when the circumstances permit. Lake Washington really holds the state report for Black Crappie, with a catch weighing 4.5 kilos recorded again in 1956!
You’ll be able to usually discover Crappie round underwater buildings like pilings and stumps, particularly close to the mouths of feeder streams. They hand around in areas with ample vegetation. Profitable Crappie fishing usually includes small jigs and gentle plastics, however you too can attempt fly fishing. Through the cooler months, tipping lures with stay bait can enhance your probabilities of a profitable catch, whereas night time fishing will also be productive.
Crappie reply greatest to slow-moving lures. In shallow waters, a easy but efficient method is to droop a tube jig or curly-tailed grub below a bobber, adjusting the depth to match the placement of the fish. These fish have skinny mouths, so a delicate hookset is essential. For bigger catches, it is best to play the fish rigorously to stop tearing the hook free.
Salmon
Salmon fishing in Lake Washington is one other important draw. Right here, you’ll be able to hunt for Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and landlocked Kokanee. Though not stocked within the lake correct, Kokanee – often known as Silver Trout – are literally Sockeye Salmon that by no means migrate to the ocean.
Coho Salmon are the largest stars of the present right here, with colleges concentrating within the north of the lake. These fish usually exceed 30 kilos and are usually focused by trolling with downriggers. Nevertheless, combine and match your strategy, and you possibly can discover any one of many 4 Salmon species on the tip of your line!
Trout
Lake Washington can be house to a wholesome inhabitants of resident Coastal Cutthroat Trout. You’ll be able to establish these Trout by their distinctive pink slash marks below their jaws and small enamel on the again of their tongues. Whereas they common someplace between 7 and 9 inches, Cutthroats can develop as much as double that measurement.
Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Lake Washington will be focused successfully from each the lake’s public fishing docks and by boat. The open waters of mid-lake, the place Cutthroat have a tendency to pay attention within the higher 20 toes of the water column, provide among the greatest alternatives. On the whole, the complete lake is a possible hotspot for these Trout, particularly areas like Magnuson Park in North Seattle and the southern finish close to Mercer Island and Renton.
Cutthroat fishing techniques range, however, usually, you’ll discover them in shallower areas throughout cooler months and deeper spots when it’s hotter. Trolling is a well-liked methodology however fly fishing will also be productive, particularly in the course of the hatch seasons alongside gravel beds the place they spawn.
Perch
Yellow Perch fishing in Lake Washington presents a pleasant alternative for every kind of anglers. Very like Crappie, these fish are small – normally measuring between 4 and 10 inches – and in addition make for a scrumptious meal. Usually present in colleges round weedy areas or rocky shallows, Perch are most energetic throughout daybreak and nightfall, and are an ideal goal on small jigs or stay bait like minnows.
Their tendency to highschool and actively feed makes them a great goal. Areas like Mercer Island’s shores, the shallows close to Bellevue, or the docks and piers round Kirkland are among the greatest Perch spots on Lake Washington. However, reality be informed, you could find them just about anyplace.
Bass
Final however not least, now we have among the hottest recreation fish on the planet. Lake Washington’s Bass fishing scene has surged in reputation over the past decade, with Smallmouth Bass stealing the present. The lake’s city shoreline, with its docks, bulkheads, and seashores, gives a great habitat for Smallies.
Largemouth Bass, whereas much less prevalent, are nonetheless a major a part of Lake Washington’s Bass inhabitants, particularly within the excessive north. Each Bass species chunk greatest in spring, after which once more in September or October. If you happen to’re after a bigger catch, search for the shallower waters across the lake’s edges throughout these instances. Because the season progresses, Bass will divide their time between energetic looking in shallower waters and resting in deeper or shaded areas.
The right way to Fish Lake Washington
Now that you already know what to catch, it’s time to get technical. The way you go fishing in Lake Washington is determined by a number of elements, together with what species you’re after. However let’s introduce you to among the hottest strategies to catch fish right here:
Lake Washington Pier Fishing
Pier fishing on Lake Washington is ideal for individuals who simply need to verify what’s biting within the firm of like-minded anglers. From the bustling shores of Seattle to the serene parks of Bellevue and Kirkland, there’s a spot for everybody. The fishing menu can be spectacular. You’ll be able to land Perch, Crappie, and Bass proper from a pier.
The lake is encircled by a wide range of fashionable spots. In Kirkland, the piers on the Waverly Marina and Previous Ship Museum Parks are native favorites. Gene Coulon Memorial Park in Renton and Seward Park on the southwest facet of the lake are additionally fashionable spots. Alternatively, head out to Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. We informed you there was no scarcity of locations!
Lake Washington Shore Fishing
Piers apart, the lake’s intensive shoreline, parks, pure areas, and varied public entry factors provide loads of alternatives for shore anglers. You’ll be able to discover totally different factors alongside the lake, corresponding to Matthews Seaside Park and Seward Park. It’s not simply the fish which are engaging, the views are additionally attractive!
The important thing to profitable shore fishing on Lake Washington is mobility. Attempt totally different places and apply a number of techniques. A number of the handiest strategies embody casting spinnerbaits or gentle plastics for Bass, or bobbers and stay bait for Perch and Panfish. For Trout, gentle spinning sort out or fly fishing will be very efficient, particularly in the course of the early morning or late night.
Lake Washington Evening Fishing
Evening fishing on Lake Washington is an thrilling problem – an opportunity to focus on species which are extra energetic after darkish. Catfish and Carp, as an illustration, feed extra aggressively in the course of the night time. After all, heading out with an area information is one of the best thought, particularly while you’re planning to fish at the hours of darkness.
Making ready for night time fishing normally includes some further gear, corresponding to headlamps, glow sticks, and additional security gear. Locals usually arrange close to feeder streams or areas with underwater construction. If you happen to’re heading out round midnight, contemplate packing bait corresponding to nightcrawlers, liver, or dough for Catfish, together with sweetcorn for Carp.
Lake Washington Constitution Fishing
Reserving a Lake Washington fishing constitution opens the door to an ideal fishing expertise guided by seasoned consultants. These charters present all the things from top-notch gear to insider data of the lake’s honey holes.
Selecting a constitution additionally means accessing components of the lake which are much less crowded and extra productive. You’ll be able to discover areas round Mercer Island and the deeper waters of the northern basin, the place bigger fish are recognized to roam. Journeys range in size and will be personalized to suit your preferences. Keep in mind to e-book upfront, particularly throughout peak seasons!
High Lake Washington Fishing Spots
Such a giant lake naturally provides a myriad of fishing spots. However few our bodies of water are blessed with such numerous neighborhoods proper on their shorelines. From deep waters to sheltered coves, let’s cowl among the high spots on Lake Washington the place you’ll be able to forged your line:
- Gene Coulon Memorial Seaside Park. Located on the southern shore of Lake Washington in Renton, this isn’t only a family-friendly location but in addition a well-liked fishing spot. Its simply accessible fishing pier and boat launch make it excellent for focusing on Bass, Perch, and even seasonal Salmon.
- Kirkland Metropolis Dock. Situated in downtown Kirkland, this dock provides city shoreline fishing with potential catches together with Bass, Crappie, and Perch. It’s an ideal spot for a fast fishing journey with out venturing too removed from the town.
- Seward Park. This park on the southwest facet of the lake is understood for its scenic fishing pier and boat launch. It’s a major location for anglers focusing on Trout and Perch, with attractive views of Mount Rainier on clear days.
- Magnuson Park. This well-known spot for boat fishing is situated in Sand Level, on the northeastern shore of the lake. Anglers normally come right here for a wholesome dose of Bass.
- Luther Burbank Park. Head to Mercer Island to achieve the following spot. It has all you have to land Trout and Panfish, together with a fishing pier and boat docks. The serene island setting provides to the fishing expertise.
- Yarrow Level Seaside Park. A hidden gem on the lake, that is the place locals come for a peaceable fishing expertise. It’s much less crowded and excellent for these looking for to spend a few hours with their rod and reel.
- Madison Park. Seattle anglers take pleasure in this park on the western shore of the lake. It’s simply accessible and provides good fishing for Trout and Bass alongside its shoreline and close by docks.
Lake Washington Fishing Seasons
So, when’s one of the best time for a Lake Washington fishing journey? Whereas the fish are plentiful, they present up in larger numbers at totally different instances of the yr. Let’s delve into the seasonal nuances of fishing on this city lake.
Spring marks the beginning of the Bass fishing season, with Smallmouth and Largemouth transferring into shallower waters to spawn. This era provides one of the best alternative to catch these feisty fighters, notably close to the shoreline and in coves. It’s additionally prime time for Crappie fishing, as these Panfish congregate in shallower areas for spawning.
Because the temperature peaks in summer time, so does fishing for Bass. This season additionally sees an uptick in fishing exercise across the quite a few piers and docks, since virtually all the things is biting. Nevertheless, the arrival of fall transforms Lake Washington’s fishing panorama. Because the water cools, Trout develop into extra energetic, whereas Salmon return to the lake, too.
Whereas many fishing spots within the area decelerate throughout winter, Lake Washington maintains a gentle tempo. The colder months are perfect for focusing on Yellow Perch, as they college up in deeper waters. If you happen to’re keen to courageous the chilly, you too can attempt ice fishing!
Lake Washington Fishing Guidelines and Laws
Earlier than we allow you to go, there’s just a few housekeeping so as. To begin with, all anglers aged 15 and older will need to have a legitimate Washington State fishing license to fish in Lake Washington. These permits will be bought on-line on the WDFW web site or at varied approved sellers all through the state.
In addition to that, there are specific bag and measurement limits for every species. In some instances, catch and launch is inspired or necessary, notably for sure species or throughout particular seasons. Plus, there are zone-fishing closures alongside the floating bridges, together with a minimal measurement regulation to guard juvenile Trout within the spring. Seek the advice of with the WDFW for the most recent guidelines.
Lake Washington: Metropolis Waters, Nation Soul
Each season brings in a brand new fishing journey and each angler can discover their stride in Lake Washington. From fly fishing for Trout to the fun of touchdown a big Bass, Lake Washington’s fishing scene is as dynamic as it’s rewarding. If you happen to’re all set for an unforgettable expertise, e-book a constitution and head out. Tight traces!
Have you ever ever been on a Lake Washington fishing journey? What’s your favourite fish species to go for? Let’s chat within the feedback beneath!
