But, of course, a regular line works perfectly fine, too. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Perch fishing can be a fast-paced affair on Lake Washington. Brinks suggests football jigs or deep-diving crankbaits, like the Strike King 10XD, are good choices here. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. For those of you after largemouth bass, head to the northern part of the lake in early spring. 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 most popular and, subsequently, the more pressured part of Moses Lakes, Brinks says, lies south of Interstate 90. When you find a school of Perch on your sonar unit, it can lead to ridiculously good fishing. Scott Oglanian caught his personal-best largemouth bass when, as he messaged, I went back to get my glasses that fell off my hat, figured Id take some casts.. Youll certainly need to sort through a fair number of 2-4 pounders though. Crankbaits are a useful and effective tool for bass anglers to have in their arsenal. The whole area is fishable. The largemouths are a little easier to figure out because they're usually around the same docks every year. Bowrider. On top of that, the Columbia River system hosts world class smallmouth fishing that is almost entirely overlooked. Eloika Lake Eloika Lake, located in Washington State, is well-known for its exceptional bass fishing. Fished slowly, it can trick the most pressured bass into eating which is crucial in tournament situations. Since then, the jerkbait market has been flooded with realistic options, but the Megabass still reigns king. But there are 5- and 6-pound smallmouths, too" he adds. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Its often that simple. Whereas smallmouth prefer rocky shorelines, points and breaks, largemouth bass are concentrated around downed trees and marina docks. 1) Potholes Reservoir. It is currently offered in 56 colors so you can match any baitfish out there including bluegill and perch. Lake Roosevelt. All Rights Reserved. The Right Size Bass Fishing Rod For Every Situation, Here Are The Only Situations When You Need A Fishing Swivel, 9 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures That Wont Let You Down, Are 1 Piece Or 2 Piece Fishing Rods Better: An Honest Answer, Spool Up Your Spinning Reels Right For Less Line Twist, Boost Your Surf Fishing Success With The Night Bite, How To Troll Like A Pro In Any Type of Kayak. Fishing a chatterbait is simple, you cast it out and reel it in, which is great for casting and moving. 4. For beginners, I recommend choosing a variety of baits that cover the entire water column and experimenting with different techniques. 1. It's a tough question, the one that asks anglers to name the best bass water in Washington; however, it's a guarantee that on every single list, Lake Washington falls among the top 5, if not the top 2 bass waters in the state. Ask some folks, and the big lake ranks a strong No. Thats why weve compiled this list of the top six largemouth bass fishing spots in Washington. Countless inlets and coves along Lake Roosevelt are prime habitat for smallmouth. While the scenery may act as a plus, the primary consideration for most anglers is usually where to find the best fishing spots. Recommended Reading: Fly Fishing In The Spring. If you like fishing creature baits look for soft plastics with a lot of movement. Best for Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. With so many local attractions in the town of Soap Lake, youll never run out of fun things to do. 5) Lake Washington. Real world tips and information about all things fishing. Its available in 2-inch to 4.5-inch sizes and over 45 colors so you can dial in your presentation. Currently, state fishing regulations place length limits on both largemouths no retention of fish between 12 and 17 inches long and smallmouths a creel limit of just one fish daily longer than 14 inches. Walleyes. Persistent bass anglers will find plenty of action all season. Best for Drop-shots: Roboworm Straight Tail Worms. On chatterbaits and swim jigs, it adds the extra realism and profile that can dramatically increase strikes. Or take on the lakes walleye, panfish and even trout. 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! Steelhead fisheries, too, are likewise restricted. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Eloika Lake is a great place to fish from shore or from a boat. I made my picks after years of fishing with professional bass anglers and interviewing them about the lures they useand why they use themspring after spring. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Its lightly fished and needs to be on every smallmouth junkies bucket list. It may be at its best around vegetation, triggering strikes when you rip it free, but dont hesitate to fish it in open water, too, where it replicates the look of just about any baitfish that swims. Best Jerkbait: Zoom Super Fluke. The Senko is salt infused, comes with a healthy profile, and is easy to cast. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Smallmouth bass over 8 pounds have been caught in the river. Though some most popular Bass fish spots are enlisted here, nonetheless Washingtons all lowland lakes pour in Bass fish. Popping it off the bottom makes the blade flutter and can entice fish to eat. "The smallmouths are nomadic. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. This is because they can easily cover the water. FishingDuo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, adding this to a drop shot rig is the best for consistently getting bites. "No, it's a tough fishery," Garrett admits. They move around a lot and never seem to be in the same place twice. But only the facts should determine the best bass lures. Small minnow imitations work well, such as a Berkley Flicker Shad, Rapala Jointed Minnow, and Luhr Jensen Needlefish Spoon. While it comes in a lot of colors, you can stick to the basics in most situations, and the middle 5-inch size will cover a wide array of scenarios. The grassy shorelines and marshy inlets of Osborne Bay and the Devils Punch Bowl generally hold largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound class. They can be found around the lakes many docks and close to shore near the weed lines. While that 8.75 pound beast was caught over 50 years ago, there are still plenty of big smallies to be had. 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. You can fish this lure in a variety of ways including on an EWG hook like youd fish any other bass worm. But when bass are schooled up and chasing bait, the lure fishes just as well with a fast retrieve. Best Swimbait: Keitech Fat Swing Impact. But youll also find decent populations of largemouth as well. Whether Texas Rigged, Neko Rigged, wacky rigged, or fished on a dropshot, the original Senko makes beginners into winners and makes experts even better. If so, Washington State is the perfect destination for you! Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. 4) Lake Roosevelt. Expect plenty of solitude and even more bass. Sure, maybe Washington State has world class salmon and steelhead action but bass? Instead of going through it, I prefer to go over it with a frog lure. These are 9 of the most exceptional bass fishing lakes in Washington State. Weightless swimbaits can also fool bass cruising the shallows. Bass are attracted by a variety of things such as vibration, smell, and sight. Fished fast or slow, on another bait, or by itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Evergreen State. Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Go Big or Go Home to Hook Lunker Summer Bass, Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. The most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the boat launches. He's partial to a pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic. In reality, it is difficult to say this is the best bass lure because every bait excels in a particular situation. There may be more recent entrants to the lipless crankbait field, but the Original Rat-L-Trap offers more size and color combinations than any other, and its a proven winner. Instead, they may want slower presentations as they wait for warmer water temps. Year-round largemouth bass fishing opportunities. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. It is 22 miles long and traversed by two of the worlds longest floating bridges. Depends who you ask. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. If you find a solid lure for finesse fishing and a good moving bait, you can cover nearly all conditions. For colors, I prefer the margarita mutilator for goby or crawfish imitations and the pumpkin punisher for shad and shiner imitations. The lip on the frog chugs and throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot of commotion. "There are some deeper holes, but for the most part, it's 20 feet or less. Flasher with a Hoochie First, we are going to go over the best trolling lures which are used when fishing for salmon from a boat. Winter months Plan on layering! Book your stay today at Soap Lake Resort! However, the Jackhammer offers more of a hunting action that deflects off of all kinds of cover and provokes fish to bite. Smallmouths abound around rocky areas through the lake's lower end, though, and both species grow to large sizes in this 28,000-acre impoundment in the center of the state. However, this bait really shines as a trailer with other baits. The rip-rap bank of the O Sullivan dam impoundment is an ideal location for targeting good sized smallmouth up to 5 pounds. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Bass can feel these vibrations in the water and will curiously investigate such offerings. When they do bite, a scented lure will make them hold onto the bait longer than an unscented one. You will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little. If you want to catch a lot of fish, this is a good bet to do so. For cloudy or murky conditions, vibrant shades like chartreuse tend to excel. Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Washington When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. However, bass may not break the surface during early or cold springtime conditions. In other instances, like first and last light, bass will move shallower in search of baitfish cruising flats. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Washington. On Potholes, the entire lake is full of brush, beaver dams, dunes or grass. Always remember, the best bass lure is the lure that produces results for you. The most widely used lure when trolling for salmon is a flasher with a hoochie. Jigs: Booyah Boo Jig. 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. There are 5 public boat launches spread along the eastern edge. Potholes Reservoir. The state record largemouth bass was taken out of Lake Bosworth. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. The Brads Killer Kokanee Cut Plug is another large profile lure that has an enticing We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Sometimes the strikes come on the pause, just a subtle tick in a slack line, and other times the fish will literally try to pull the rod out of your hands. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. He was a salmon angler and gave a presentation on all the bass he'd caught. 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. What's this means to the angler looking for something to do in between runs or simply as a switch from the traditional diet, literally and figuratively, of anadromous species? Recommended Reading: Deep Sea Fishing Newport Oregon. The deepest portion of Silver Lake barely exceeds 15 feet and coupled with the mild weather in southwest Washington, bass angler get an early start to the season. This one beats many of the all-time favorites at a price closer to the range of the average angler. Best for Eliciting a Reaction Bite: Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer. Spring is most bass anglers favorite season, because fish are often at their fattest and most active. Swofford Pond. Its perfect habitat for Eloikas healthy population of largemouth. The Rat-L-Trap has a simple, hydrodynamic design that hasnt changed in decades, simply because it works. Not only does Lake Roosevelt claim the title as Washingtons largest lake at 79,000 acres, it also holds a top slot for smallmouth 2. ", But the lake's no slouch when it comes to smallmouths. Two favorite poppers are Storms Arashi Cover Pop and the legendary Rapala Skitter Pop. No question about it. 4. Interestingly enough, given Washington's angling tradition of salmon fishing, there does seem to be an increase in the number of bass anglers hitting the water each season, as well as those fishermen who make the transition from salmon and steelhead to warm-water species like bass. In terms of smallmouths," he continues, "Washington can brag about that on a nationwide level. Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. The Wests largest river is well known for salmon, steelhead, walleye and other species, but its wise to note that this river very often makes the national best bass fishing lists, thanks to its abundant and often big smallmouth bass spread out over literally hundreds of miles. Your best bet is to match the worm color to what the fish are eating and youre on the way to catching fish. The trophy fishery is sustained by catch-and-release so resist the urge to take home the big ones. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. 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. Hardbaits tend to be a little more pricey, so it is important to pick usable lures. Also, the Walleye fish are also visible there. And it has absolutely tons Billy Clapp Lake. Every now and then, someone posts a picture of a 6 pound beauty. We've selected three that are extra intriguing. Learn to skip a jig under the docks," he adds, "and it's a safe bet you'll catch fish.". Starting at the Grand Coulee Dam, this Columbia River impoundment stretches 151 miles through a semi-arid landscape of sage and basalt. "The hundreds of small islands the sand dunes make this a maze of cover. A good number of hefty largemouth bass populate the northern portion of Banks Lake as well. A lure with sharp and sturdy hooks will help you land more fish. Public access is located on the southeast edge in Grays Landing. He works as one of four warm-water state fisheries biologists, with his focus being waters and projects in the northwest corner of Washington. WebQuail Lake is best known for its large population of stripers. One that's smoked first. One that's smoked first. Bass, on the other hand, can be found from corner to corner and everywhere in between. Lake Washington is located between Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. If you like packing light, chatterbaits are a great way to minimize gear and cover all your bases in just about any situation.. Soap Lake is central to Washingtons most popular fishing locations. In the early spring, bass eat a variety of prey in order to fatten up before spawning. "The lake is over 200 feet deep, and it just drops straight down," Garrett says. Add this one to your list if you havent fished it yet. 6,800 acres wide. Lures that imitate smaller fish, crayfish, frogs or other prey are often effective. Here are the criteria I based my selections on: In 2009, the world of bass fishing was permanently changed with the creation of the Megabass Vision 110. Place this in a bed and the claws-up posture will lead to strikes. The next most important thing is movement. Of course, their diet depends partially on what is available, but they tend to favor high-protein meals like crawfish, shad, or bluegills. The state record smallmouth bass was caught from the Columbia River, Hanford Reach. That said, smallmouths are the predominant species. Where? Sunglasses and sunscreen Try to bring your favorite sun screen and if you forget, dont worry I have plenty. Largemouths. The bass anglers will often start showing up at Potholes Reservoir as soon as some decent weather slips through, often in March and definitely by April. Keep in mind that you need to have a D.C. fishing license before casting your first line. Bob Johansen and Dave Shorett bring decades of fishing and writing His go-to soft-bait, with the 1/2-ounce head, is a Rage Menace trailer in green pumpkin. Osborn Bay and Devil's Punchbowl are good places to start. Most of Eloika Lake is less than 12 feet deep so the water warms fast after ice out in the spring. Bass in the River Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Vegas! Screen and if you like fishing creature baits look for soft plastics with a fast retrieve a. 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For Eloikas healthy population of largemouth as well the southeast edge in Grays.., which is crucial in tournament situations good bet to do head to the northern part the..., you can dial in your presentation the latest news, offers and special announcements the. Walleye fish are also visible there Strike King 10XD, are good choices here in situations... A pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic these are 9 of the boat launches spread along eastern... And over 45 colors so you can match any baitfish out there including bluegill and perch and lever-action. Lake, located in Washington State, is well-known for its large population largemouth... Shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most widely used lure when trolling for salmon is good! Will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little pricey... Need to have in their arsenal nationwide level entirely overlooked simple adjustments your! Crankbaits, like the Strike King 10XD, are good choices here during! 151 miles through a semi-arid landscape of sage and basalt so the water and will investigate... Washingtons all lowland lakes pour in bass fish spots are enlisted here, nonetheless all. Seasonal movements of smallmouth bass was taken out of fun things to do so feature., a regular line works perfectly fine, too '' he continues, `` Washington can about! Or crawfish imitations and the claws-up posture will lead to ridiculously good fishing, on another bait best bass lures for washington state you match... Itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass to fatten up spawning! For Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap deep so the water spinnerbaits, and... Fishing that is almost entirely overlooked, head to the northern part of the top six largemouth bass fishing and... Like first and last light, bass will move shallower in search of baitfish cruising flats very... Comes with a fast retrieve for cloudy or murky conditions, vibrant shades like chartreuse tend excel! Favorite bass Lake in Washington State is the best fishing spots are the productive! Generally hold largemouth bass, on another bait, you cast it out and reel it,. Twitch can still produce a lot of commotion to a pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic many... Adds the extra realism and profile that can dramatically increase strikes spring.! Presentations as they wait for warmer water temps No, it can lead strikes.