Northern pike Bass fish has been the specialty of Lake Spokane over the years. Where is the best bass fishing in Washington State? For both largemouth and smallmouth, May through August is the best time to target them. The reservoir's 770 acres are fast becoming a gem for bass fishermen in the central portion of the state. This is a good lake to practice your favorite angling tactics and refine your skills with your electronics. It is currently offered in 56 colors so you can match any baitfish out there including bluegill and perch. Several of which are within the Hanford National Monument where bass fishing is the best. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. "Overall, I think it's a better fishery for big fish than is Banks. Still, it always contains a selection of the following Strike King (StrikeKing.com) profiles and color schemes. Bob Johansen and Dave Shorett bring decades of fishing and writing As good as the fishing can be, few anglers visit Lake Kapowsin. One that's smoked first. Ive had days where a bait a half-inch too big means not getting bit. The lakes in this gorgeous state are known for their excellent bass fishing. The rivers size is both a strength and a weakness. You May Like: New Smyrna Beach Fishing Spots. WebRiffe Lake is one of southwest Washington's best-known fishing spots, particularly for smallmouth bass, which congregate in rocky areas around the western shore. Finding the best bait for largemouth is not as straightforward as it seems. Undeniably expansive at almost 22,000 acres, Lake Washington, by virtue of its location equidistant between the population centers of Seattle and Bellevue, is the epitome of metropolitan fishing. The reservoir has both smallmouth bass & largemouth bass- both coming in big size. Give a Gift It's smallmouth offerings are nationally famous, and anglers travel from across the country to spend a couple of days enjoying fast action from chunky fish, with hopes of a genuine jumbo. With open acknowledgement that many Washington reservoirs and larger rivers offer more extensive opportunities and bigger fish, this canyon-run tributary of the Snake River offers fast-action smallmouth fishing in a spectacular setting. However, we dont heartily recommend this type of approach if you plan to let your bass go, which is what most serious largemouth bass anglers do in order to maintain trophy fisheries for these long-lived fish. The modern river is largely divided into reservoirs formed by a massive system of hydroelectric and irrigation dams, but there are several free-flowing sections as well. Its beaver hut habitats stretching across the northern two-thirds of this big reservoir are famous for holding big bass for anglers who like a challenge. Recommended Reading: Bass Pro Shop Fishing Shirts. Don't let our great cold-water fishing fool you intooverlooking some great Washington bass fishing. WebTop lures for walleye in Washington Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. | The next most important thing is movement. Fishing regulations in Washington can change throughout the year. Bass are attracted by a variety of things such as vibration, smell, and sight. Not everyone is prepared to pay a premium price for a lure that can be had for substantially less, but hundreds of thousands of dollars in tournament wins speak for themselves. Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. Year-round largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Bass can be caught anywhere in the water column but it can depend a lot on conditions. I fish it around shallow cover primarily and prefer a crayfish pattern like the Delta Red. Youll find good spots for a few largemouth around submerged wood structure and grass beds that are scattered around the lake edge as well. Or take on the lakes walleye, panfish and even trout. Fluctuating temperatures, pressure systems, and conditions all impact fish patterns and feeding habits. Perch fishing can be a fast-paced affair on Lake Washington. Center console bay boats are extremely popular fishing boats because they offer a considerable amount of open deck space for anglers. Silver Lake. Best for Big Prespawn Females: Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait. An angler will get massive number of prime Bass habitats in almost every corner part of the river even without too much travel. A few exceed 5 pounds but most are in the 1-3 pound range. Fish slow and cover likely spots thoroughly before moving on. So, yes, I think people are making the switch, but people will eventually target what's good. Potholes Reservoir. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. "It's still 22,000 acres (big)," he points out, "but the largemouths are attracted to the warmest water in the spring. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Largemouths. There are hundreds, if not thousands of companies producing effective bass baits and it is overwhelming to sift through them all. Still-fishing with natural bait such as nightcrawlers will certainly catch bass, especially the small ones. Banks Lake is the heart and soul of Washingtons bass fishery. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Persistent bass anglers will find plenty of action all season. This jerkbait taunts female bass and represents an easy meal. Something about the original formulation produces a tantalizing side-to-side wiggle that fish everywhere cannot wait to inhale. On top of that, the Columbia River system hosts world class smallmouth fishing that is almost entirely overlooked. "Collectively, they're all three excellent lakes," he begins, "and the top-3 most popular tournament lakes in Washington. Trails near the city provide most of the bank and small watercraft access for Medical Lake. In addition to working the 120 miles of shoreline for smallmouth bass, anglers also fish for catfish, crappie, trout, whitefish, panfish and perch. Slow trolling is key for Kokanee, as is determining where in the water column they will be. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. Is Potholes Reservoir better for largemouths or smallmouths? Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. You can expect to pick up your fair share of 4-5 pound smallmouth along some of the best stretches. Also, it is imperative that the river frequently offers countrys best Bass fish collection. Keep in mind that you need to have a D.C. fishing license before casting your first line. "There's not a lot of shoreline rocky habitat, but you're looking for points, ideally with a 45-degree slope and good baseball-sized rock. Its a year-round tool, but few lures beat it in cold water situations thanks to its precision engineering. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. The lures I selected will cover all the basic bass fishing situations and are great starting points. In this article, we narrow down the lakes that stand above the rest. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. In fact, the Washington state smallmouth bass record was taken from the Hanford Reach portion of Lake Wallula. When bounced on a drop shot rig it can mimic a dying baitfish or a fleeing crustacean. If youre just getting into bass fishing, you can get by with a few bags of Senko worms to fish around. In the early spring, bass eat a variety of prey in order to fatten up before spawning. There also is a resort with dock fishing. If the fish are lethargic and not willing to chase it down, you can drag it on the bottom like you would a jig. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. It's more of a numbers lake for smallmouths. Companies can make a mold of any shape and fill it with whatever color combinations they can think of. All of the equipment is high quality and easy to use. On chatterbaits and swim jigs, it adds the extra realism and profile that can dramatically increase strikes. However, our state record is 12.5 pounds, and we do see a lot of fish over 10 pounds due to the amount of trout stocking we do. WebThe best lure to use in the Columbia River is lipless crankbaits. "The smallmouths are nomadic. The dunes, he explains, is primarily a show that stars largemouth bass, while the rocky southern end of the reservoir around the dam is more prone to produce smallmouths. This is a giant reservoir stretching nearly 30 miles south from around Grand Coulee Dam in central Washington. I like to troll with a 4/0 dodger, 12-18 leader to a Wedding Ring tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. The Vision 110 may now be widely available at retail prices, but a decade ago desperate anglers would pay triple figures for this jerkbait on the secondary market. They allow you to cover water fast and hopefully produce a bite so you can dial in your strategy. When it comes to big largemouth bass, look no further than Silver Lake. Making a good thing even better, you're likely to have smallmouths that use the Grande Ronde's shoals and pools to yourself through the summer. It is from the area of Lake Coeur dAlene. The Arashi Glide gives the average angler a legitimate shot at the biggest bass in the lake while not ruling out tournament sized or keeper fish.. Fished as is, it is effective, but paired with a soft plastic trailer and its deadly. Learn More . But dont be fooled; this small bait can catch some tanks. ", "The biggest difference between Banks and Moses (lakes) is Moses is shallower," Brinks says. And when we write about a productwhether its a bass lure or a backpackwe cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for RAPALA COUNTDOWN CD-7, CD07, SILVER, S, 2-3/4", SINKING, BALSA LURE at the best online prices at eBay! Some bass lures dont necessarily look like prey species but take advantage of a largemouth bass tendency to consider itself the big dog of any lake it inhabits. With our Minn Kota Ultrex 36v trolling motor, we have plenty of power for fishing and spot lock will keep us on the fish when a spot is producing well. As far as colors go, green pumpkin is my go-to for clear water, and black grape is an overlooked but extremely effective color for deeper and darker water. The rip-rap bank of the O Sullivan dam impoundment is an ideal location for targeting good sized smallmouth up to 5 pounds. Youll certainly need to sort through a fair number of 2-4 pounders though. The most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the boat launches. Go to Medical Lake if youre into a quiet day of fly fishing, thanks to selective gear rules, strict catch limits and a prohibition on all motors. Anglers who know the Columbia sometimes enjoy triple-digit catch days during May and June, when the smallmouths spawn. I picked the best spring bass lures that would cover the gamut of water temperatures from immediately after ice out into the post spawn period. Originally from Las Vegas and now living in Spokane, Tyler Brinks has had plenty of time to ply the waters of all three. The best lure colors for bass in the spring should mimic local forage, but you also need to consider water color. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Located in Howell Township, this reservoir is operated by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority for water supply and recreation. "The hundreds of small islands the sand dunes make this a maze of cover. Banks Lake. The trophy fishery is sustained by catch-and-release so resist the urge to take home the big ones. Its often that simple. For worms, I like a basic worm shape between 4 and 8 inches longits simple but it works. A bowrider is a good saltwater beginner boat for families who enjoy watersports, day cruising, and fishing. Or Lure Z but only if it is the model in glow-chartreuse color with silver-inlaid hackles, whatever that is. "It used to be predominantly a largemouth lake," Garrett reveals, "but smallmouths gradually took over.". Most of the lake is less than 20 feet deep so it warms fast and grows big bass. If you want to add scent to a hard bait there are plenty of sprays that you can add to the lure to attract fish. When the Chatterbait came out about 15 years ago, it reinvigorated bass that could name and reject every spinnerbait in the book. Osborn Bay and Devil's Punchbowl are good places to start. West Medical Lake, which is a bit larger at about 200 acres, is more heavily stocked and has good boat access at the WDFW access at the southern end. Use a larger lure than you would for most similarly sized fish. Two favorite poppers are Storms Arashi Cover Pop and the legendary Rapala Skitter Pop. Our Tackle I will provide all of the tackle, rods and reels. H&H Angler & Outfitter (360-733-2050) in Bellingham has bass gear. The Columbia River rivals the Great Lakes for smallmouths. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. As a general rule of thumb, moving baits like swimbaits and crankbaits work well on windy days, whereas finesse-style baits are suited for more clear water shallow applications. 4. These resident Sockeye Salmon live their entire life cycle in the lake and never make it to sea. Spreading across nearly 28,000 surface acres, Potholes presents plenty of potential; however, some places might prove a better jumping-off point than might others. Anywhere there are lily pads over a muddy bottom can be a prime zone for Lake Washington Largemouth. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabit these waters but smallmouth are the major draw. As a bass angler and fisheries biologist, I am around largemouth bass every day. Generally, you want to fish dark colors in darker water and natural colors in lighter water. A month or two later, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Roger Luce, a guide of excellent note whose home waters of Silver Lake in Cowlitz County held quite the reputation as a producer of fine stringers of largemouths. This creates a natural baitfish silhouette with an erratic action. Willows, creek channels and other structures are worth your attention, too. Swofford Pond. A one lane boat ramp, dock and limited trailer parking is available. But with the following six choices, youll have a lure for every condition during this transitional time, no matter where you fish. That said, smallmouths are the predominant species. Washington salmon fisheries are limited geographically. Good soft plastics that are infused with salt and garlic produce a scent trail in the water that will bring fish in to investigate. If you are interested in all that Seattle has to offer for the angler, check out Your Guide to Fishing Seattle The City and Beyond. The biggest females need to feed before the rigors of spawning, but dont expend too much energy to get the job done. Bowrider. But from there youll find some definite differences. I took the time to find several of the best bass baits out there to keep you on fish. Advertisement Originally from Las Vegas and now living in Spokane, Tyler Brinks has had plenty of time to ply the waters of all three. Best Overall: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko. Every one of the following lakes is known for great bass fishing from time to time. This is the definitive book on lure and fly fishing for bass and panfish in Washington State. We also grow them big. Chunky bronze backs pushing 5-6 pounds are routinely caught. Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. It comes at a premium price tag, but hundreds of thousands of dollars in tournament winnings prove the Vision 110s value. Where can they quickly get the type of fish they are targeting? Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. This one beats many of the all-time favorites at a price closer to the range of the average angler. Where? I find the action of this bait sets it apart from others. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Starting at the McNary Dam, Lake Wallula encompass the upstream portion of the Columbia to Priest Rapids Dam and upstream to Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River. The Rat-L-Trap has a simple, hydrodynamic design that hasnt changed in decades, simply because it works. Strike Kings popular Rage Tail series of lures are meant to produce maximum action with minimal forward movement. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. For finesse fishing, a trick worm like the Zoom Finesse Worm is a good bet to catch fish of all sizes. We have rolled back some of these regulations on some waters, like the Columbia River, because it's extremely difficult to manage bass while you're simultaneously trying to protect salmon stocks. Free shipping for many products! The best time to fish them is the early season when bass are pre-spawn and looking to pack on the weight. You can also find an abundance of landlocked salmon at Riffe Lake, along with trout and panfish. Switching to a leader with tandem baitholder hooks has increased my landing ratio tremendously. There is also access via private resorts. Best for Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. if you purchase something through our posts, we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. Boat access to Lake Roosevelt is easiest at either Spring Canyon or Keller Ferry on the southern shore. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Place this in a bed and the claws-up posture will lead to strikes. Palmer Lake. The lake has such a large population of Yellow Perch that, as of this writing, there is no limit! Our Boat You will be fishing out of a 21ft. A good angler should have a wide variety of lures to choose from depending on the conditions to consistently catch fish. They are often one of the first lures I fish when exploring new areas. Nothing is quite as exhilarating or as picturesque as landing a king salmon out of the Columbia River. Smallmouth are also available along some of the rockier shorelines. 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Attention, too advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it is from the Reach!