Fishing Palmer Lake
AKA: Palmer Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Palmer Lake, WA
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout at Palmer Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, 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.
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, Palmer 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.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Palmer Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and whitefish at Palmer Lake in Washington.
Palmer Lake Fishing Video
Sporting diverse choices for fishing options, including both warm-water and cold-water species, Palmer Lake is a 2,100-acre lake near the US/Canada border. There are three boat launch ramps and nearly 10 miles of shoreline.
Palmer Lake, located in Washington, is a charming destination that offers a peaceful fishing experience amidst its scenic beauty. The lake is known for its healthy fish population, making it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels. Popular fish species found in Palmer Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines from the shore or from non-motorized boats, such as canoes or kayaks.
Visitors have plenty of options for boating and fishing. This is a popular winter fishing lake, which provides very good ice fishing for perch. Throughout the fishing season anglers can also expect to catch bass, crappie, trout, sunfish and salmon. There are no marinas or boat rentals. Camping, RV hookups and lodging conveniently serve visitors to the lake.
Palmer Lake in Washington provides a serene and intimate fishing experience, complemented by the opportunity for boating and camping. Whether you're casting a line for bass or panfish, paddling along the calm waters, or spending a night under the starry sky at a lakeside campsite, Palmer Lake offers ample recreational opportunities for visitors to relax, enjoy nature, and create cherished memories.
Primary fish species residing in Palmer Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Palmer Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity at Palmer Lake, allowing visitors to explore the calm waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits non-motorized boats, providing a serene and eco-friendly boating experience. Whether you're paddling along the shoreline or venturing out to deeper waters, boaters can enjoy the tranquility of the lake while searching for their next catch.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Split Rock Recreation Site Boat Ramp
Located at the southern tip of the lake, off Loomis-Orville Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Palmer Lake
Okanogan Valley Guide Service - kokanee
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington fishing license.
Camping options are available near Palmer Lake, offering visitors a chance to extend their outdoor adventure. The nearby Palmer Lake Resort offers campsites equipped with facilities such as picnic areas and restroom facilities. Camping near Palmer Lake allows anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, enjoy peaceful evenings by the water, and have convenient access to fishing opportunities throughout their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Palmer Lake Campground - 360 902-2200
Chopaka Lake Campground - 360 902-2200
Palmer Lake WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Palmer Lake
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Natural Resources Building
1111 Washington St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360 902-2200
Fishing lakes in each state.
101624
Palmer Lake in WA
WASHINGTON
Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch in central WA.
