Fishing Kachess Lake

AKA: Kachess Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Kachess Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Kachess Lake, WA

Popular Fish Species Kachess Lake, WA

Kachess Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Kachess Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Kachess Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Washington, Kachess Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Kachess Lake Popular Fish - Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for cutthroat trout in Kachess Lake is again delivering great results, year round. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Kachess Lake. For those who enjoy fly fishing, the key is to match the hatch. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges. Catching cutthroat trout here with lures or bait is also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons. This is a very popular lake for ice fishing when the lake freezes over.

Kachess Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, bull trout, cutthroat, kokanee and burbot at Kachess Lake in Washington.

Open to fishing year round, Kachess Lake is a 4,500-acre lake in central Washington, 2 miles north of Easton. There are over 20 miles of shoreline, some of which is available for fishing from the bank at US Forest Service campgrounds, plus areas along some of the hiking trails around the lake. Popular fish species found in Kachess Lake include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass.

Primary fish species residing in Kachess Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kachess Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Kachess Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Barkers Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.