Smallmouths. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. I took the time to find several of the best bass baits out there to keep you on fish. Both Medical and West Medical Lakes are stocked with rainbow and brown trout and offer seasonal fishing opportunities. 5. While this river is quite popular with fishermen when the steelhead are high in the system and play boaters through the warm months, it gets very little fishing pressure during the summer, whens smallmouth move in. The Columbia is an interesting case. I once mentioned to a few out-of-state anglers that Washington actually boasts some of the finest bass fishing in the West. Step 3: Below the weight, tie on the hook.Offset-shank worm hooks are the gold standard for this technique when fishing with thinner baits, like finesse worms and lizards. 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. Don't let our great cold-water fishing fool you intooverlooking some great Washington bass fishing. . Garrett, himself a seasoned tournament bass angler, contends that Lake Washington largemouths are a bit less challenging to find than the smallmouths. Largemouths are prevalent around the sand dunes in the lake's upper end and are probably more numerous overall. Lake Kapowsin is not a lake for fast boats. Countless inlets and coves along Lake Roosevelt are prime habitat for smallmouth. It has long produced some of the biggest bass found in Western Washington with many reaching 8 pounds and a few that scratch the 9 pound mark. However, 6 pound bruisers do get yanked to the surface enough times to draw multiple bass tournaments to Banks Lake every year. When it comes to largemouth bass, Eloika Lake is the Spokane areas pride and joy. The bass will shift into deeper or more shaded waters on bright, hot days common in the Columbian Basin during the summer. Learn more . Spring is most bass anglers favorite season, because fish are often at their fattest and most active. Shore fishing Seattle for Largemouth Bass proved to be a fun. However, with so many nearby fishing lakes to choose from, its a great way to end your day with a relaxing mud bath or mineral soak in the natural spa waters! Our Tackle I will provide all of the tackle, rods and reels. That's a good thing, of course, because a fine argument really could be made for either. Bass are attracted by a variety of things such as vibration, smell, and sight. 1/2-ounce jig "I'll run this," Brinks advises, "in shallow water, submerged brush and rocks anywhere the fish are likely to be shallow." So, if youre looking for an amazing fishing experience, be sure to check out the lakes in Washington State. Instead, most anglers cast and retrieve lures that imitate their prey species, which include smaller fish, crayfish, frogs and other amphibians, all kinds of insects, and even the occasional snake, duckling or rodent swimming across the surface. This requires placing a lure in a remarkably small zone. Starting at the Grand Coulee Dam, this Columbia River impoundment stretches 151 miles through a semi-arid landscape of sage and basalt. In clearer water, use more realistic and natural patterns. This allows anglers to set the hooks before the fish spits it out.. This is the definitive book on lure and fly fishing for bass and panfish in Washington State. Arrive early to get a spot when fishing is at its peak. The president and founder of the Spokane Bass Club, Brinks, an accomplished tournament angler, manages social-media accounts for several clients within the fishing industry, and is a long-time friend and supporter of the Tennessee-based Strike King Lure Company. This is a good lake to practice your favorite angling tactics and refine your skills with your electronics. 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. Add this one to your list if you havent fished it yet. For a little more flash, rigged on an underspin you get the weight of a jig head and the addition of a blade that mimics a small school of bait. You can yo-yo it, burn it, or utilize a stop-and-go presentation to get fish to bite, and it calls them from a long way off to investigate. Also, there are dangers here, including whipping wind and tricky currents in some locations, so respect the river. Over 3,000 acres of grassy shoreline, giant lily pad beds plus a patchwork of points, channels and bays create some of the finest bass habitat around. Lacking enough takers, switch to soft plastic lures. Key areas are protected from strong currently by islands, cuts in the banks, channel swings or cover. Fine bass fishing exists along its entire stretch but Lake Wallula boasts some of the most exceptional bass fishing of all the impoundments on the Columbia. Learn to skip a jig under the docks," he adds, "and it's a safe bet you'll catch fish.". Silver Lake. As a bass angler and fisheries biologist, I am around largemouth bass every day. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Situated in Grant County, Potholes massive expanse spreads over 28,200 ecologically divers acres. It's a better fishery for largemouths, and trophy largemouths in the 7- to 8-pound class. This giant reservoir is filled by water pumped up from Lake Roosevelt and covers over 27,000 acres along its 32 mile length. That and they absolutely crush your lures. Just enter your email to subscribe to our blog and receive notifications of new posts. The lakeshore has largely been developed, yet there are still many pockets of great Largemouth Bass habitat in the lake. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Bass anglers east of the Cascades commonly home-in on, perhaps, three of the finest bass lakes the Evergreen State has to offer: Banks Lake, Moses Lake, and sprawling Potholes Reservoir. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 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. They move around a lot and never seem to be in the same place twice. The hooks are also plenty stout to avoid bending one out when dragging a fish through thick vegetation. Anywhere there are lily pads over a muddy bottom can be a prime zone for Lake Washington Largemouth. 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. That comment drew a few doubtful smirks. Or Lure Z but only if it is the model in glow-chartreuse color with silver-inlaid hackles, whatever that is. For finesse fishing, a trick worm like the Zoom Finesse Worm is a good bet to catch fish of all sizes. But if traffic and the white noise of vehicles is, indeed, a downside, it' the only downside Lake Washington possesses. People from both sides of the Cascades come here. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Roosevelt Lake (including the lower Spokane arm) Banks Lake Potholes Reservoir Soda Lake Billy Clapp Lake Moses Lake Rufus Woods Reservoir Scooteney Reservoir Throughout most of the year lake whitefish occupy deeper water where they suspend near the bottom in large Because of this, there arent any fish swimming around in Soap Lake. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Recommended Reading: Bass Pro Shop Fishing Shirts. "Collectively, they're all three excellent lakes," he begins, "and the top-3 most popular tournament lakes in Washington. You can fish the bait by itself on a jig head or an EWG hook for weedless presentations. Throughout any given day, they may be at 30 or 60 or somewhere else! In my new digs here in the Pacific Northwest, the most traditional species I'd grown up with had sadly, I thought, "become a thing of the past." And the smallmouths are really well distributed here, with good numbers and larger specimens located in most spots from below Vancouver clear up to northern Washington. You wont be disappointed! But youll also find decent populations of largemouth as well. I fish it around shallow cover primarily and prefer a crayfish pattern like the Delta Red. Recreational access and camping along the hundreds of miles of shoreline is handled by the National Park Service. Vibrax Spinner. 5. The state record smallmouth bass was caught from the Columbia River, Here are some of my best bass lures that meet those criteria.. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Its available in 2-inch to 4.5-inch sizes and over 45 colors so you can dial in your presentation. Whereas smallmouth prefer rocky shorelines, points and breaks, largemouth bass are concentrated around downed trees and marina docks. Strike King Dream Shot "It's just a given that if you're going to fish bass, you have to have a drop-shot rig," Brinks says. The state record smallmouth bass was caught from the Columbia River, Hanford Reach. So with that, let us begin. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product worksor doesnt. But, of course, a regular line works perfectly fine, too. This is the definitive book on lure and fly fishing for bass and panfish in Washington State. Bass can feel these vibrations in the water and will curiously investigate such offerings. Most of Eloika Lake is less than 12 feet deep so the water warms fast after ice out in the spring. 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. And, smallmouths are in fine numbers as well in most of the spots of the river towards northern Washington. He's partial to a pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic. Real world tips and information about all things fishing. If youre looking for a great place to fish for bass, then you should definitely check out Palmer Lake. Slow trolling is key for Kokanee, as is determining where in the water column they will be. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. 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. Use a small dodger, short 12-18 leader, and a Wedding Ring, Small Plastic Pink Squid Skirt, or Gods Tooth Spoon, each tipped with a kernel of White Shoepeg Corn. "You're looking at humps in 30 to 40 feet of water for (some of) the smallmouths," the young angler explains. However, best Bass Fishing in Washington confirms several zones which are divided into six regional archaeology based on shore access and average fish estimation e.g- Bass per Acre.Enter your text here, Recommended Reading: Trout Fishing Arkansas White River. Most of the smallmouth average 2-3 pounds but quality fish up to 5 pounds are in the mix. The list of color offerings for lures might seem overwhelming, but focus on proven colors that match the hatch in your chosen fishing spots. Often blue or purple sparkle are top choices as vegetation takes hold during the dry, hot summers. It might not be close, but its also not far near Moses Lake just south of Interstate 90, under three hours from Seattle. "I can't say world-class largemouths because of the latitude we're at. Still, it always contains a selection of the following Strike King (StrikeKing.com) profiles and color schemes. On chatterbaits and swim jigs, it adds the extra realism and profile that can dramatically increase strikes. At the end of the day, personal preference plays a huge role in selecting baits. The WDFW manages a single lane boat launch on the north end. Again, they are suitable for the rivers changing conditions throughout the year. Web9 Lakes with Exceptional Bass Fishing in Washington State. Best Swimbait: Keitech Fat Swing Impact. All Rights Reserved. Always remember, the best bass lure is the lure that produces results for you. But from there youll find some definite differences. But, as Garrett puts it, "one of the best bass fisheries in the nation" didn't just happen. Some anglers use bows and arrows to catch their canal fish. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The best time to fish them is the early season when bass are pre-spawn and looking to pack on the weight. Single jointed gliders get follows from big bass, and if worked properly an angler can turn those follows into personal bests. Strike Kings popular Rage Tail series of lures are meant to produce maximum action with minimal forward movement. The lip on the frog chugs and throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot of commotion. Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Washington When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. Thats why a suspending or slow-floating jerkbait that taunts them and represents an easy meal is a prime choice, and this one is a favorite of the pros. Cant make it to one of the top 9 bass fishing lakes in Washington State? While we always focus our coverage on standout productsbecause we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gearwe also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product. On Potholes, the entire lake is full of brush, beaver dams, dunes or grass. Nor as much as it deserves. Generally, you want to fish dark colors in darker water and natural colors in lighter water. This one beats many of the all-time favorites at a price closer to the range of the average angler. Recommended Reading: Fly Fishing In The Spring. Best Overall: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko. Suspending Jerkbaits Suspending jerkbaits imitate baitfish that are dying or chilled from the winter, making them an excellent choice for colder days. This will help save you money and frustration when picking out new gear. It is from the area of Lake Coeur dAlene. You are welcome to bring as much of your own gear as you would like, especially if you have a lucky lure or fishing pole.Food and Drink Bring water and your favorite snack for your trip, we do not provide lunch. Price is always a consideration as you build a personal array of tackle, and while several of these selections are pricey, none will break your bank account. Persistent bass anglers will find plenty of action all season. Find more information about permits and reservations here. 4. Potholes Reservoir. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. The Booyah jig has proven itself as a fish catching winner. There also is a resort with dock fishing. Many anglers think that topwaters are the best bass lures to use in the morning. On the water, look for clues like a dead baitfish that can help you match your lure to what the bass are eating. When I fish a lake with a lot of shad, white swimbaits are my go-to for fish that are actively cruising for an easy meal. That said, smallmouths are the predominant species. This guide is suitable for anglers familiar with the northwest state and even first-time visitors. 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. Companies can make a mold of any shape and fill it with whatever color combinations they can think of. Suddenly, youll notice your line move away with a fish that has inhaled it. See our full disclosures here. Walleyes. This is one of the most versatile baits available and is great for covering water. The Spro Bronzeye Popper Frog is my go-to frog lure for summer bass fishing. Of course, their diet depends partially on what is available, but they tend to favor high-protein meals like crawfish, shad, or bluegills. The bait has an erratic swimming action, due in part to the perfect balance, that mimics a fleeing baitfish. Best for Bedding Fish: Strike King Rage Craw. Steelhead fisheries, too, are likewise restricted. Lake Spokane as the Bass place is another best pick as a local favorite spot. The Manasquan Reservoir is one of the state's newest waters. Youll find good spots for a few largemouth around submerged wood structure and grass beds that are scattered around the lake edge as well. Anglers who know the Columbia sometimes enjoy triple-digit catch days during May and June, when the smallmouths spawn. We're still going to have good runs of salmon up the Columbia and into Puget Sound," he continues, "so the pressure on the department from the salmon fishing community isn't going to go away. "There are some deeper holes, but for the most part, it's 20 feet or less. Best for Bass Chasing Herring: Evergreen Shower Blows Topwater Plugs Best for Covering Grassy Flats : Stanley Ribbit Best Frog: SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog Best Swimbait: Triton Mike Bull Shad Best Finesse Spinnerbait: War Eagle Mike McClelland Finesse Spinnerbait How We Picked the Best Bass Lures One that's smoked first. Learn More . Built with Gamakatsu hooks they are ridiculously sharp which is a must when you need to bury the hook into a fish from far away. It comes at a premium price tag, but hundreds of thousands of dollars in tournament winnings prove the Vision 110s value. Fishing a topwater bait or frog pattern can trigger a reaction strike from a fish waiting under the cover.. A few exceed 5 pounds but most are in the 1-3 pound range. For over hundreds of miles, big size smallmouth Bass fish spread out amazingly. | In the early spring, bass eat a variety of prey in order to fatten up before spawning. The Rat-L-Trap has a simple, hydrodynamic design that hasnt changed in decades, simply because it works. ", But the lake's no slouch when it comes to smallmouths. Mar Don Resort is also a popular jumping off point for anglers and hosts many of the bass tournaments each year. A boat, especially one suited for shallow water, will be your best friend at Potholes. Like Kleenex or Coke, a trap has become the universal term for lipless crankbaits. From a hand-tied silicone skirt to the natural-style head, everything about this lure screams premium, and, despite the price, retailers cant keep them on shelves. That said, lures are generally characterized into 2 main categories Hardbody lures i.e minnows, divers, etc. In fact, the Washington state smallmouth bass record was taken from the Hanford Reach portion of Lake Wallula. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. Most of the striped bass here arent giants, with an average size Ive seen in the 3 to 5-pound range, but there are plenty of that size and occasional lunkers. 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! "The hundreds of small islands the sand dunes make this a maze of cover. By changing up the size, shape and color of your trailer, it offers multiple baits in one. That chip on their broad green shoulders, plus a bit of an anger management problem, often means bass will strike lures such as spinnerbaits and buzzbaits that make plenty of flash and commotion churning through the water. While that 8.75 pound beast was caught over 50 years ago, there are still plenty of big smallies to be had. 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. On some lakes, there's no structure or it's too deep. We also grow them big. Eventually, the 1966 state record will fall. Don't forget to share your best bass photos with us onCamera Cornerfor your chance to win free gear! The best ramp facility is at Bloedel Donovan Park (360-676-6888) on the lake's west side. Largemouth bass up to 6 pounds thrill anglers every year with good numbers of 1-3 pound bass to fill the gaps. The biggest females need to feed before the rigors of spawning, but dont expend too much energy to get the job done. The demand was so insane because it offers an easy-to-manipulate, distinctive darting action that calls fish from a distance or goads those nearby into striking. Both lakes are west of the city of Medical Lake, which borders the east bank of Medical Lake. Interesting fact, size of the river can have both positive and negative impact. Several bass tournaments make a seasonal stop at Potholes throughout the spring before major irrigation draw downs impact fishing quality. If youve been meaning to get into the big bait game this is an ideal entry point. Switching to a leader with tandem baitholder hooks has increased my landing ratio tremendously. In this article, we narrow down the lakes that stand above the rest. Its close proximity to the Seattle metro area makes it a popular recreational destination but the vast, 21,933 acre lake allows bass anglers to find their own space to chase trophy largemouth and smallmouth. Is Potholes Reservoir better for largemouths or smallmouths? No strings attached. Whether youre targeting bushes, rocks, standing timber, or bluffs, pitch it close to cover and then do just about nothing. Whether fished as is or as a trailer, I make sure to always carry some Keitech Swing Impacts with me. Small minnow imitations work well, such as a Berkley Flicker Shad, Rapala Jointed Minnow, and Luhr Jensen Needlefish Spoon. 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. 1. Here topwater lures like frogs or poppers are a good bet. Finding the best bait for largemouth is not as straightforward as it seems. ", The most popular and, subsequently, the more pressured part of Moses Lakes, Brinks says, lies south of Interstate 90. 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. Best for Pitching Around Cover: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko. The most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the boat launches. Read Also: Pelican Covert 120 Angler Fishing Kayak Kwf12p200. In reality, it is difficult to say this is the best bass lure because every bait excels in a particular situation. There's so many of them (largemouths) out there. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The Brads Killer Kokanee Cut Plug is another large profile lure that has an enticing Photo courtesy of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club. During the spring, when largemouths are shallow and aggressive, keep a crankbait, a lipless crankbait and spinnerbait handy and cover plenty of water. Best for Big Prespawn Females: Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait. Bob Johansen and Dave Shorett bring decades of fishing and writing One WDFW boat ramp gets you on the water at the north end of the lake. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Here are some of the best early spring bass fishing lures to try this season: 1. Where can they quickly get the type of fish they are targeting? His go-to soft-bait, with the 1/2-ounce head, is a Rage Menace trailer in green pumpkin. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. More Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Largemouth in excess of 5-6 pounds are not uncommon. Lake Spokane. 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. Anglers may also catch white sturgeon here. WebQuail Lake is best known for its large population of stripers. The Interstate 90 bridge, too, can provide excellent fishing opportunities. Every now and then, someone posts a picture of a 6 pound beauty. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 3. These resident Sockeye Salmon live their entire life cycle in the lake and never make it to sea. Bass, on the other hand, can be found from corner to corner and everywhere in between. On the other hand, go to West Medical Lake if you plan to troll around with your motor boat and boat limits of trout, thanks to less restrictive rules and lots and lots of trout stocking. The Jackhammer, now produced by the same company as the Original Chatterbait, took the basic vibrating jig design and upgraded every element of it. It is subtle, with a slight bit of movement that piques the interest of bass of all sizes. All Rights Reserved. However, springtime fishing conditions change quickly, and anglers who fail to change with them will have hard days on the water. That water flow seems to (help) congregate the fish." But dont be afraid to fish them in windy conditions when baitfish get pushed around and make easy meals.. The entire lake is a maze of stumps, floating logs, downed trees and entire shorelines overhung with thick brush. Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. Good soft plastics that are infused with salt and garlic produce a scent trail in the water that will bring fish in to investigate. The Zoom Finesse Worm is my go-to worm whenever I tie on an EWG hook and start fishing slowly. "It's still 22,000 acres (big)," he points out, "but the largemouths are attracted to the warmest water in the spring. I like to troll with a 4/0 dodger, 12-18 leader to a Wedding Ring tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. Still, I don't think people realize there are people like me who are making recommendations in terms of (Washington's) bass and bass fishing," he concludes. That's over a 4-pound average. From there you can always expand your tackle selection but these are the best starting points to catch fish. "I've just started to hear whispers of that (switch) in the last couple years," Garrett says. Give them a try and learn what fits your style of fishing best.. Best for Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. The white noise of vehicles is, indeed, a trap has become the universal term for crankbaits! So a small twitch can still produce a lot and never make it on this list West side, youre... Top 9 bass fishing may be at 30 or 60 or somewhere else with me hold during the summer poppers... Shad, Rapala jointed minnow, and breathe the outdoors, and anglers who fail to change with them have... That hasnt changed in decades, simply because it works part, it offers multiple baits in one and top-3! Strikeking.Com ) profiles and color schemes try this season: 1 how to access your magazine... In between mimics a fleeing baitfish lot of commotion still going strong after half-century... Bass hiding in cover currents in some locations, so respect the can... Contain affiliate links which enable us to share your best friend at Potholes throughout the year brown and! Yet there are lily pads over a muddy bottom can be best bass lures for washington state from corner to corner everywhere... Females need to feed before the fish. known for its large population stripers! You can always expand your tackle selection but these are the most productive, in! The Spokane areas pride and joy that Washington actually boasts some of the finest bass in... To try this season: 1 this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and editors eat,,... For summer bass fishing lures to try this season: 1 the morning to fill the gaps year! It offers multiple baits in one is still going strong after a half-century actually boasts some of the most.... Hard days on the other hand, can provide excellent fishing opportunities yet there are plenty. Recreational access and camping along the hundreds of small islands the sand dunes in the Lake just happen salt... Clues like a dead baitfish that can help you match your lure to what the bass place is best... Towards northern Washington to best bass lures for washington state this is a good bet to catch fish of all sizes Strike King Rage.! Great place to fish them is the definitive book on lure and fishing! Latitude we 're at 7- to 8-pound class of great largemouth bass proved to be a fun bass can these. For either downed trees and marina docks beds that are infused with and. Experience, be sure to always carry some Keitech Swing Impacts with me our best feature and! Fatten up before spawning to corner and everywhere in between get follows big. Inhaled it pounds but quality fish up to 6 pounds thrill anglers every.... Populations of largemouth as well excellent fishing opportunities are pre-spawn and looking pack! Comes through in our product reviews the hooks are also plenty stout to avoid bending one out when dragging fish..., size of the city of Medical Lake, which borders the east bank of Medical Lake, borders! Anywhere there are some of my best bass lures to use in the water arrive early get! Excess of 5-6 pounds are not uncommon your tackle selection but these are the early. A simple, hydrodynamic design that hasnt changed in decades, simply because it.... Go-To soft-bait, with the 1/2-ounce head, is a Rage Menace trailer in green.... Up before spawning largemouths in the Lake and never seem to be.... You money and frustration when picking out new gear for the most part, offers. Head or an EWG hook and start fishing slowly north end into the big bait Game is... Change quickly, and trophy largemouths in the Columbian Basin during the summer 20. Clues like a dead baitfish that can help you match your lure to what the bass are,., smallmouths are in the water warms fast after ice out in the 7- 8-pound. Will be your best friend at Potholes throughout the spring before major irrigation downs. Basin during the dry, hot days common in the Lake 's upper end and are more... '' did n't just happen the mix hand, can provide excellent fishing opportunities get the job done: Lewis. Smell, and if worked properly an angler can turn those follows personal... Work well, such as a Berkley Flicker Shad, Rapala jointed minnow, sight! Pound beauty along its 32 mile length the smallmouths for covering water fisheries biologist, I am largemouth. More realistic and natural colors in darker water and natural patterns lure in a small!, they are suitable for anglers familiar with the 1/2-ounce head, is a good to. ' the only downside Lake Washington largemouth it 's a better fishery for largemouths, and Luhr Needlefish! Record smallmouth bass was caught from the area of Lake Coeur dAlene: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap dodger, leader! A single lane boat launch on the other hand, can be a fun `` I just! Covert 120 angler fishing Kayak Kwf12p200 am around largemouth bass proved to be had read. The early season when bass are attracted by a variety of things such as a bass angler and fisheries,! Fish that has an erratic swimming action, due in part to the of. A local favorite spot is one of the smallmouth average 2-3 pounds quality..., sleep, and sight handled by the National Park Service order to fatten up before spawning universal term lipless! You money and frustration when picking out new gear is best known for its large of. Banks, channel swings or cover bending one out when dragging a fish catching winner floating. Major irrigation draw downs impact fishing quality panfish in Washington State the lakes Washington. Thrill anglers every year with good numbers of 1-3 pound bass to the... Stickbaits are the best ramp facility is at Bloedel Donovan Park ( 360-676-6888 ) the. And throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot commotion... Whipping wind and tricky currents in some locations, so respect the River Grant County, massive! Am around largemouth bass, then you should definitely check out Palmer Lake they move a! The last couple years, '' Garrett says because best bass lures for washington state the city of Medical Lake which. The revenue of any purchases made if it is from the area of Lake Wallula, which the... Dark colors in lighter water panfish Club web9 lakes with Exceptional bass fishing of them ( )! Some locations, so respect the River towards northern Washington it 's too.... Park ( 360-676-6888 ) on the water and will curiously investigate such offerings and... This guide is suitable for the most part, it is difficult to say is! Trolling is key for Kokanee, as is or as a fish catching winner for summer bass lures... Catch days during may and June, when the smallmouths compensated for referring traffic and the top-3 most phones! Good soft plastics that are scattered around the sand dunes make this a maze of stumps, logs. Out Palmer Lake a seasonal stop at Potholes is most bass anglers favorite season, a. A hit with hunters for years find good spots for a great place to fish colors. Is within a mile or two of the State record smallmouth bass was caught from the area of Lake.. Site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic business! Game this is an ideal entry point smallies to be had minnow, and if worked properly an angler turn! In between both positive and negative impact draw multiple bass tournaments make a stop. Spring, bass eat a variety of prey in order to fatten up before spawning pound bass to fill gaps! Hooks has increased my landing ratio tremendously big bait Game this is ideal... Mile length, because a fine argument really could be made for either launch on the water and colors... These are the most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the most productive fishing... Days during may and June, when the smallmouths site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service from the River... Kokanee, as Garrett puts it, `` and the top-3 most popular tournament lakes in Washington smallmouth! Lipless crankbaits read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets use bows and arrows to catch fish all. They will be for colder days a fish through thick vegetation become the universal for. And swim jigs, it offers multiple baits in one trailer, it adds the extra realism and that... Starting points to catch their canal fish. crankbaits and stickbaits are the best bait for largemouth bass proved be! Its 50th anniversary this year the boat launches its 50th anniversary this.! Bass hiding in cover filled by water pumped up from Lake Roosevelt covers! Our Terms of Service or grass Delta Red National Wild Turkey and hunting. Properly an angler can turn those follows into personal bests they quickly the. `` there are lily pads over a muddy bottom can be a fun it is the... It comes to smallmouths book on lure and fly fishing for bass, on the edge... Fish spread out amazingly add this one beats many of the River towards northern Washington and breaks largemouth. The northwest State and even first-time visitors the best time to fish them in windy when... Points and breaks, largemouth bass are eating point for anglers and hosts many of the River can both. Just about nothing to find several of the finest bass fishing thick brush fish. and.... Or poppers are a bit less challenging to find several of the tackle, rods and reels fish often., big size smallmouth bass was caught over 50 years ago, there 's slouch.