Fishing on Lake Washington.
Lake Washington stretches for over 22,138 acres, making it more than 15 miles long. As the biggest lake in Washington’s King County, Lake Washington is known as a home to all members of the spiny ray species, as well as numerous species of trout. The lake is also popular for its cutthroat and salmon runs that flow throughout the lake as they head back to their native locations. But most of all, Lake Washington is celebrated for its high-quality sockeye salmon fishery that begins in the middle of May.
Species in Lake Washington
Open to anglers hoping to catch a prize all year-round, Lake Washington’s most sought-after species include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The lake also provides several opportunities to catch coho, sockeye, and Chinook salmon. Here’s a comprehensive look at what species you can anticipate catching while fishing on Lake Washington.
- Chinook salmon
- Coho salmon
- Green sunfish
- Carp
- Black crappie
- Kokanee
- Sockeye salmon
- Sculpin
- Peamouth
- Largescale sucker
- Northern pikeminnow
- Three-spine stickleback
- Longnose sucker
- Crawfish
- Pumpkinseed
- Sculpin
- Tench
Prime Fishing Spots in Lake Washington
Prime Fishing
Some of the prevalent access ramps of Lake Washington are at Kenmore, such as the Gene Coulon Park in at Renton, Rainier Beach Park in Rainier Beach, Magnuson Park at Sand Point. There are also several fishing piers that allow for easy access to the banks of Lake Washington. A few of the most popular piers on the lake are situated in Waverly Park, Marina Park, and Luther Burbank Park, the Gene Coulon Memorial Park, and the Old Ship Museum Park.
McAleer Creek
McAleer Creek is a great spot to fish for cutthroat trout during the spring. Check the shallows for the best chance of reeling in a prize on Lake Washington
Juanita Point
Also praised for being one of the best locations to catch trophy trout, Juanita Point is a prominent fishing spot on Lake Washington.
Mercer Island
On the northwestern coast of Mercer Island, there is a deep shelf that is 100-feet deep, making it ideal for reeling in sockeye salmon.
Evergreen Point Bridge
As one of the most prevalent features on Washington Lake, the Evergreen Point Bridge is perfect for catching all kinds of pelagic fish such as sockeye salmon, cutthroat, and rainbow trout.
Rainier Beach
Locals and visitors flock to Rainer Beach to fish for cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Lake Washington’s Major Fishing Seasons By Species
Coastal Cutthroat
Fishing for coastal cutthroat is most promising during April, May, June, as well as October, November, and December.
Largemouth Bass
Although the two optimal months to catch largemouth bass in the Washington river are May and June, you’re least likely to capture this species when the weather is coldest in January, February, November, and December.
Smallmouth Bass
Much like largemouth bass, your best bet at reeling in smallmouth is during May and June.
Yellow Perch
While the best periods to catch yellow perch are in July, August, and September, you’ll still have a good chance of catching this species if you head out in April, May, and June.
Connect With One of These Top Fishing Guides for Lake Washington
Looking for someone who can point you in the right direction during your next fishing trip to Lake Washington? Contact one of our best fishing guides to help you pick the best time and spot to cast a line in the waters of Lake Washington.