Fishing Vancouver Lake
AKA: Vancouver Lake Regional Park
Popular Fish Species Vancouver Lake, WA
Crappie Fishing
Vancouver Lake is home to healthy populations of both black and white crappie. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Vancouver Lake continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a bunch of hungry of crappie. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Vancouver Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Vancouver Lake has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 37 pounds, and Vancouver Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, warmouth, yellow perch, coho salmon and sturgeon at Vancouver Lake in Washington.
Vancouver Lake Fishing Video
"No wake" is the speed limit for all boats on Vancouver Lake. This 2,300-acre lake is located in the southwest corner of the state, on the western outskirts of Vancouver. It is a very diverse fishery with multiple species available, providing good fishing year round.
Vancouver Lake in Washington State offers anglers a serene and picturesque fishing experience just outside the city of Vancouver. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. Popular fish species found in Vancouver Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or venture out onto the calm waters in non-motorized boats, such as canoes or kayaks, to target these sought-after fish species.
Anglers will find more than 8 miles of shoreline to work in search of bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch, salmon and sturgeon. Where La Frambois Rd ends, on the south shore of the lake, there is an unimproved boat launch ramp and parking. There is no marina or rental boats. RV parks and camping is close by.
Vancouver Lake in Washington provides a serene and rewarding fishing experience, complemented by the opportunity for boating and camping nearby. Whether you're angling for bass or perch, paddling along the calm waters by boat, or spending a night under the starry sky at a nearby campground, Vancouver Lake offers ample recreational opportunities for visitors to relax, appreciate the natural beauty, and create lasting memories.
Primary fish species residing in Vancouver Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Vancouver Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity at Vancouver Lake, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the expansive waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits non-motorized boats, ensuring a peaceful and eco-friendly boating experience. Boaters can paddle along the tranquil waters, take in the scenic surroundings, and find optimal locations to cast their lines. The tranquil ambiance and stunning views make boating on Vancouver Lake a truly enjoyable experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Vancouver Lake Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off La Frambois Road, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Vancouver Lake
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.
While camping is not available directly at Vancouver Lake, there are nearby camping options in the surrounding area that allow visitors to extend their outdoor adventure. Campgrounds and RV parks are available in close proximity, offering a range of amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, restrooms, and shower facilities. Camping near Vancouver Lake allows anglers to fully embrace the natural beauty of the area, enjoy peaceful evenings by the water's edge, and have convenient access to fishing opportunities throughout their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Sam's Good RV Park - 360 573-9781
Ninety Nine RV Park - 360 573-0351
Vancouver Lake WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Vancouver Lake
Vancouver Lake Regional Park
6801 NW Lower River Rd
Vancouver, WA 98660
360 397-2285
Fishing lakes in each state.
082924
Vancouver Lake in WA
WASHINGTON
Fishing for largemouth bass and channel catfish in southwest WA.
