Fishing Lake Washington
Popular Fish Species Lake Washington, WA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Washington is well known to locals and anglers in the region for good bass fishing. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding. In Lake Washington, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake Washington contains a smallmouth bass population to thrill many a smallie angler. Decades of careful fisheries management by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery here. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Coastal Cutthroat Trout Fishing
This year, fishing for coastal cutthroat trout in Lake Washington is providing some very good fishing. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Lake Washington. 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.
Lake Washington Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, chinook salmon, coho salmon, kokanee salmon, sockeye salmon and steelhead at Lake Washington in Washington.
Surrounded by bustling cities, Lake Washington is a nice escape to the great outdoors. This 22,000-acre lake in northwest Washington, is positioned between Seattle to the west and Bellevue to the east. Popular fish species found in Lake Washington include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, and rainbow trout. Also residing in the lake are trout, salmon and steelhead. This combination of warm-water species and cold-water species provides anglers with many appealing choices. The lake is only 16 ft above sea level, and is the second largest natural lake in the state.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Washington
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Washington Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Woodmark Waterfront Adventures
Rentals: Kayaks
425 999-1784
Yarrow Bay Marina
Rentals: Runabouts and pontoon boats
425 822-6066
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Atlantic City Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Seaward Park Ave S, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Gene Coulon Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Lake Washington Blvd N, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Kenmore Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, at the south end of the 68th Ave NE Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lyon Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Beach Drive NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Magnuson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Lake Shore Drive NE, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Mercer Island Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the east end of the Highway 90 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Newport Shores Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off SE 40th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Stan Sayres Boat Launch
Located mid lake, west side, off Lake Washington Blvd S, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Harbour Village Marina
6155 NE 175th St.
Kenmore, WA 98028
425 485-7557
Leschi Marina & Lakewood Marina
140 Lakeside Ave. Ste. A304
Seattle WA, 98122
206 900-1053
North Lake Marina
6201 NE 175th St
Kenmore, WA 98028
425 482-9465
Parkshore Marina
9050 Seward Park Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118
206 725-3330
Yarrow Bay Marina
5207 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E.
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 822-6066
Fishing Guides On Lake Washington
365 Charters - trout, salmon, bass, crappie
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Pleasant RV Park - 425 487-1785
Trailer Inns RV Park of Bellevue - 425 747-9181
Lake Washington WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Washington
Kirkland Homeport Marina
135 Lake St S
Kirkland, WA 98033
425 827-4849
Fishing lakes in each state.
021825
Lake Washington in Washington.
WASHINGTON
Information about fishing lakes in Washington
Lake Washington provides anglers to opportunity to fish for warm-water species and cold-water species, including bass, crappie, sunfish, trout, salmon and steelhead in northwest Washington.
