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. Since the Senko was introduced over two decades ago, nearly every other manufacturer has tried to knock it off, but none have perfectly copied or improved upon it. There is often great opportunity to catch big salmon here. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Along with some tips of what baits worked best on these bodies of water. But dont be fooled; this small bait can catch some tanks. "I visited with a salmon club recently, and the speaker was an angler who'd gone to Lake Chelan. 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. It's where they spawn, and it's where they live, and they can grow better given the water temperatures in the bays." Sometimes that requires moving to a different depth range or another part of the lake altogether, but even that might not be enough if youre not using the best spring bass lures. Top water frogs, poppers and jitterbugs are great in early spring. And during the spring months, Cutthroat will gorge themselves on out-migrating Salmon smolt, which tend to migrate along the shorelines and near the surface mid-lake. He or she doesn't have to go very far to fall into some fantastic largemouth or smallmouth action. Thousands of sand dune islands harbor grassy weed lines perfect for largemouth bass with many up to 6 pounds. 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. WebSmallmouth bass and walleye dominate the attention of anglers at this 6,800-acre reservoir, located in the central part of Washington, at the town of Moses Lake. For a good drop shot, bait scent is key and the Roboworms have a salt release system that tricks fish into holding on longer. Soft plastics and jigs dominate the catch but crankbaits and top water baits provide fun action throughout the summer. Fish slow and cover likely spots thoroughly before moving on. It is subtle, with a slight bit of movement that piques the interest of bass of all sizes. Shore fishing Seattle for Largemouth Bass proved to be a fun. In other instances, like first and last light, bass will move shallower in search of baitfish cruising flats. All of the equipment is high quality and easy to use. Popping it off the bottom makes the blade flutter and can entice fish to eat. 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 will usually be cold in the morning and it may warm in the late morning. These places attract forage like crayfish and sculpin, and the smallmouths will be right there with them.". Also, the Walleye fish are also visible there. We may not have as many bass per acre here, but we often break the 20-pound mark for a five-fish limit all the time on a lot of different waters.". These two quality smallies were caught out of Lake Goodwin, by . But just because the fish live there doesn't make 25 pounds a slam-dunk. Dont expect to have this lake to yourself though. Learn more . Recommended Reading: Deep Sea Fishing Newport Oregon. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Unique Design: Balancer system for long casts, Must-have Colors: French Pearl, Elegy Bone, GG Illusion Tennessee Shad, Unique Design: Narrow body can be ripped from grass, Must-have Colors: Chrome Blue Back, Rayburn Red Craw, Gold, Unique Design: Patented Rage claws move a lot of water, Must-have Colors: Pearl, Watermelon Red Flake, Junebug, Versatility, can also be used as a jig trailer or in a swimming presentation, Size: 3 inches, 4 inches, 5, inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, Unique Design: Looks like a Bic pen poured in plastic, Must-have Colors: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon with Black and Red Flake, Black with Red Flake, Salty plastic formula makes it heavy enough to cast without weight, Unique Design: Premium components throughout, Must-have Colors: Fire Craw, Green Pumpkin, White, Patented design allows head and blade to make knocking sound, Costs two to three times as much as the competitor, Unique Design: Includes snap and extra tail to maintain perfect swimming action, Must-have Colors: Blue Back Herring, Rainbow Trout, Oikawa Mesu, Large size may require specialized tackle. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. You May Like: New Smyrna Beach Fishing Spots. Plus, you never know when you might catch the big one. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Are you a fishing enthusiast who likes to catch big bass? Silver Lake garners a good bit of attention from local bass clubs and plays host to numerous tournaments. 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. My absolute favorite approach, generally on a warm summer evening, is working a topwater plug or plastic frog or other surface lure, which can draw explosive strikes from largemouth bass. Learn what the bass in your area are eating and find lures that resemble it. It might not be close, but its also not far near Moses Lake just south of Interstate 90, under three hours from Seattle. Suddenly, youll notice your line move away with a fish that has inhaled it. Taken as a whole, there are very few bodies of water across the United States with as many smallmouth bass. It's a better fishery for largemouths, and trophy largemouths in the 7- to 8-pound class. Expect plenty of solitude and even more bass. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Buckeye Bait Company Bug-N-Bass Vintage Plastic Fishing Lure #1, Large Mouth at the best online prices at eBay! This 629 acre warm-water fishery is almost entirely surrounded by weed beds and brushy shoreline with smatterings of sunken logs and downed trees. The lake has such a large population of Yellow Perch that, as of this writing, there is no limit! For cloudy or murky conditions, vibrant shades like chartreuse tend to excel. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The Booyah jig has proven itself as a fish catching winner. For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. One of the best ways to enjoy the fishing is via boat-in camping at one of the 35 remote camp areas. 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. Don't forget to share your best bass photos with us onCamera Cornerfor your chance to win free gear! The reservoir has both smallmouth bass & largemouth bass- both coming in big size. 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. The state record largemouth bass was taken out of Lake Bosworth. The Columbia is an interesting case. This giant reservoir is filled by water pumped up from Lake Roosevelt and covers over 27,000 acres along its 32 mile length. Year-round largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Its a year-round tool, but few lures beat it in cold water situations thanks to its precision engineering. But when bass are schooled up and chasing bait, the lure fishes just as well with a fast retrieve. "We did stock assessments from 1997 through 2002," Garrett says, "and instituted these regulations statewide. This will help save you money and frustration when picking out new gear. 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. Now it is quite obvious that several questions arise while going for Bass fishing in Washington. Potholes Reservoir is simply among the bucket list largemouth bass-fishing spots in all of Washington. You will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little. Whether youre targeting bushes, rocks, standing timber, or bluffs, pitch it close to cover and then do just about nothing. This works well even without a baitfish added to the hoochie. 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. WebThe best lure to use in the Columbia River is lipless crankbaits. The Senko may be one of the most unlikely lure successes in modern history, as it resembles almost nothing found in naturebut this simple soft plastic has changed the face of fishing. Not all will give up giant bass but they make up for it in quantity. There is also access via private resorts. I took the time to find several of the best bass baits out there to keep you on fish. In the fall as the weeds start to die back, they will move out into deeper open water and school up in great numbers. The Manasquan Reservoir is one of the state's newest waters. Walleyes, then, were taken care of, courtesy of Mr. Iman and his expertise. Largemouths and smallmouths, both, call the big lake home today. Instead, they may want slower presentations as they wait for warmer water temps. Fished fast or slow, on another bait, or by itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass. Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. Anywhere there are lily pads over a muddy bottom can be a prime zone for Lake Washington Largemouth. The rip-rap bank of the O Sullivan dam impoundment is an ideal location for targeting good sized smallmouth up to 5 pounds. The fishery is so vast and diverse that anglers spread out and they fish for a variety of species. If youre just getting into bass fishing, you can get by with a few bags of Senko worms to fish around. If you find a solid lure for finesse fishing and a good moving bait, you can cover nearly all conditions. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 5) Lake Washington. Livetarget Bait Ball Square Bill Length: 2 3/8 inches Weight: 1/2 ounce Depth: 3-4 feet The Bait Ball is a crankbait with realistic 3D baitfish bodies inside the main body. Local reports can be a good starting point when trying to dial in baits. But youll also find decent populations of largemouth as well. If you like packing light, chatterbaits are a great way to minimize gear and cover all your bases in just about any situation.. "I've just started to hear whispers of that (switch) in the last couple years," Garrett says. For years glide baits were one of the pros well-kept secrets, and many anglers thought you had to spend hundreds of dollars to get one that worked right. That and they absolutely crush your lures. Our approach would certainly mitigate your query, confusion or tension regarding the topic for sure. Smallmouth are also available along some of the rockier shorelines. As avid anglers, Joshua and Kendle spend their days exploring the waters of the Pacific Northwest and aim to teach others the joy of fishing. The Columbia River rivals the Great Lakes for smallmouths. However, it's largemouths that still dominate in the handful of embayments, both big and small, that pockmark Lake Washington's shoreline. 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. H&H Angler & Outfitter (360-733-2050) in Bellingham has bass gear. Natural colors like brown, black and green pumpkin produce well. Same with sturgeon. Palmer Lake is tucked close to the Canadian border in Okanogan County and covers 2,032 very fertile acres. Best for Eliciting a Reaction Bite: Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer. Still, it always contains a selection of the following Strike King (StrikeKing.com) profiles and color schemes. The Rat-L-Trap has a simple, hydrodynamic design that hasnt changed in decades, simply because it works. A comprehensive guide with complete information is rare to find. When you find a school of Perch on your sonar unit, it can lead to ridiculously good fishing. ", But the lake's no slouch when it comes to smallmouths. The hooks are also plenty stout to avoid bending one out when dragging a fish through thick vegetation. Best Classic Soft Plastic for Bass: Berkley PowerBait Power Worm. You can expect to pick up your fair share of 4-5 pound smallmouth along some of the best stretches. The Rage Craws versatility makes it a necessity for every tackle box 12 months out of the year. Eloika Lake is a great place to fish from shore or from a boat. 3. Finding the best bait for largemouth is not as straightforward as it seems. Effective tackle includes tube jigs, Senkos and crankbaits. Garrett, himself a seasoned tournament bass angler, contends that Lake Washington largemouths are a bit less challenging to find than the smallmouths. 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. Material from Fishing & Hunting News Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. From there, use baits that match what the bass in your area are eating. If this is the case, the best baits are bottom baits which can drag past lethargic fish and produce a strike. Believe it or not, Washington State grows plentiful amounts of largemouth and smallmouth bass. 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! When it comes to big largemouth bass, look no further than Silver Lake. 5. I find the action of this bait sets it apart from others. He added all of the little touches that some of the competitors lack, like swiveling hook hangers to prevent a jumping or surging fish from throwing the lure and leaving you heartbroken. In winter months, Cutthroat feed off of midges, a small insect that rises to the surface to hatch. The whole area is fishable. Make sure your sun glasses are polarized this will help you see much more. Of course, the best spring bass lures can vary depending on what part of the country youre fishing, and which species of bass you target. 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. So, if youre looking for an amazing fishing experience, be sure to check out the lakes in Washington State. Its lightly fished and needs to be on every smallmouth junkies bucket list. Most of the smallmouth average 2-3 pounds but quality fish up to 5 pounds are in the mix. Regional forage, like stocked rainbow trout (particularly in California) or yellow perch in northern water, can also play a role in their diets. 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. Palmer Lake. Best for Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. The most widely used lure when trolling for salmon is a flasher with a hoochie. Most of the lake is less than 20 feet deep so it warms fast and grows big bass. Theres something about the hard vibration that drives fish crazy, and the newer version knocks harder and results in better hookups. This post includes a map of where to find these places. I once mentioned to a few out-of-state anglers that Washington actually boasts some of the finest bass fishing in the West. Just about every foot of shoreline has bass to give up. Many of the fish species here are not safe to eat, so make sure to read up on the most recent catch and release regulations and health warnings before taking anything home. While the scenery may act as a plus, the primary consideration for most anglers is usually where to find the best fishing spots. 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. Smallmouths. My go-to is sexy shad which works in a variety of conditions. Lake Kapowsin is the smallest lake on this list covering only 512 acres. Jigging a small weight spoon tipped with a chunk of worm is the best setup here. Both types of baits can be rigged weedless to fish around isolated cover like lily pads, reeds, and hydrilla (types of areas where bass like to spawn). WebTop lures for walleye in Washington Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. For moving baits, lures with a lot of vibration can attract fish from far off. This allows anglers to set the hooks before the fish spits it out.. Join the Duo to stay informed with trusted fishing advice! This is important because bass dont always want it to work fast and traditional frogs can struggle to make enough commotion at slow speeds. And there's a huge amount of bass fishing opportunities across the Washington landscape. ", Located south and west of Moses Lake, and formed by the construction of the O'Sullivan Dam in 1949, Potholes Reservoir " is one of the most unique places I've ever fished in the country," Brinks says. When crawling a drop shot this can put more fish in the boat giving you time to feel the bite. 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. 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.. Every one of the following lakes is known for great bass fishing from time to time. His go-to soft-bait, with the 1/2-ounce head, is a Rage Menace trailer in green pumpkin. Found in central Washington. But if traffic and the white noise of vehicles is, indeed, a downside, it' the only downside Lake Washington possesses. The Best Places To Go Largemouth Bass Fishing in Washington State Include: Read Also: Short Sleeve Fishing Shirts For Men, 0Products recommended in the post contain affliate links. Two favorite poppers are Storms Arashi Cover Pop and the legendary Rapala Skitter Pop. The entire lake is a maze of stumps, floating logs, downed trees and entire shorelines overhung with thick brush. Largemouths. 1. 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? Smallmouth bass are a huge draw for most anglers. They can be found around the lakes many docks and close to shore near the weed lines. For many of the warm-water anglers in Pacific northwest, this is a super destination spot. Best for Big Prespawn Females: Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait. Banks Lake. Anglers need to be patient on Eloika. Silver Lake. They are often one of the first lures I fish when exploring new areas. So with that, let us begin. Try reaction baits first because the catching is quicker if they'll hammer a lipless crankbait. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. 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. We also grow them big. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? On the down side, though, this big water can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the best holding spots, so it takes some effort to get to know the very best spots to cast. Or take on the lakes walleye, panfish and even trout. Sunglasses and sunscreen Try to bring your favorite sun screen and if you forget, dont worry I have plenty. Crankbaits are a useful and effective tool for bass anglers to have in their arsenal. The most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the boat launches. It is from the area of Lake Coeur dAlene. 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. Throughout any given day, they may be at 30 or 60 or somewhere else! As they move In this article, we narrow down the lakes that stand above the rest. Largemouth in excess of 5-6 pounds are not uncommon. Western Washington is seldom considered a bass fishing hot spot by out-of-state anglers but Lake Washington proves them wrong. If you know what the fish are eating, matching a lure to the bait will produce a lot of strikes. ", The most popular and, subsequently, the more pressured part of Moses Lakes, Brinks says, lies south of Interstate 90. This is one of the most versatile baits available and is great for covering water. This year the limit was 5 per day, under 18. And, smallmouths are in fine numbers as well in most of the spots of the river towards northern Washington. Fishing a topwater bait or frog pattern can trigger a reaction strike from a fish waiting under the cover.. Depending on water levels, some sections can be waded, but a better approach is to float it in a craft that can handle some whitewater. From there you can always expand your tackle selection but these are the best starting points to catch fish. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. Or Lure Y. Best Craw: Strike King Rage Craw. Even when bass arent schooled up its still a solid choice to throw for consistent results. The largemouths are a little easier to figure out because they're usually around the same docks every year. The next lake on our list is yet another smallmouth bass hot spot. At the end of the day, personal preference plays a huge role in selecting baits. My preferred colors are natural or rainforest black, but in the case of these frogs, the action seems more important than the color.. The Potholes reservoir is one of the tops for Washington anglers in best Bass fishing in Washington. The lakeshore has largely been developed, yet there are still many pockets of great Largemouth Bass habitat in the lake. When fishing more finesse-style lures, a good bass bait should have a scent to get fish to bite and hold onto the lure while fishing. "Banks is really on the rebound," Brinks says. That said, lures are generally characterized into 2 main categories Hardbody lures i.e minnows, divers, etc. Summers can be hot and dry but the cool, clear water provides a welcome reprieve. Fishing holds up through early summer when a switch to soft plastics is key to extending the bite. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Sometimes, spawning bass need to be incited to strike. These are 9 of the most exceptional bass fishing lakes in Washington State. 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. All Rights Reserved. Two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk designed this one to be easy to work even for novices and to dance in the hands of a big bait veteran. We use St. Croix Mojo Bass and Bass X rods. For finesse fishing, a trick worm like the Zoom Finesse Worm is a good bet to catch fish of all sizes. Bob Johansen and Dave Shorett bring decades of fishing and writing When it comes to largemouth bass, Eloika Lake is the Spokane areas pride and joy. Just $1 per month , As bass leave their winter haunts and head for the shallows to reproduce, youll need the right lures for changing conditions. This means anglers can catch their first bass and their last bass of the year on one of these three lakes.". Many partially submerged stumps prove hazardous to careless anglers. Many anglers think that topwaters are the best bass lures to use in the morning. Look for lures that have good action, are built to last, and are scented when possible. Where? These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Its the second largest lake in Washington, after L. Chelan It is located in between four cities; Kirkland (east), Seattle (west), Kenmore (north), and Bellevue & Renton (south) Found between Seattle and Bellevue Some winters the water warms enough in February to churn out some hefty largemouth. Well known Largemouth areas of the lake include the extreme north end near the mouth of the Sammamish River, Newport Shores, and the area surrounding the Lake Washington Arboretum. Originally from Las Vegas and now living in Spokane, Tyler Brinks has had plenty of time to ply the waters of all three. Moses Lake Found west of Moses Lake-town. I fish it around shallow cover primarily and prefer a crayfish pattern like the Delta Red. On some lakes, there's no structure or it's too deep. That said, most river sections get only modest pressure from local bass fishermen. Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Washington When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and were now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Best Overall: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko. But with the following six choices, youll have a lure for every condition during this transitional time, no matter where you fish. Web9 Lakes with Exceptional Bass Fishing in Washington State. Arrive early to get a spot when fishing is at its peak. A popping frog like the Spro allows you to work your lure fast or slow. In clearer water, use more realistic and natural patterns. For beginners, I recommend choosing a variety of baits that cover the entire water column and experimenting with different techniques. Skeeter Bass Boat with a Mercury 225 EFI and Minn Kota Talons for shallow water. 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.. The grassy shorelines and marshy inlets of Osborne Bay and the Devils Punch Bowl generally hold largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound class. 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. No way. A bit. Winter months Plan on layering! Lake Kapowsin is not a lake for fast boats. Perch fishing can be a fast-paced affair on Lake Washington. A morning with Luce, and it became clear that while Washington is undeniably synonymous with salmon, steelhead, and a host of other famed saltwater species, the Evergreen State is certainly no slouch when it comes to opportunities to pursue Micropterus salmoides, the largemouth bass, or his bulldogging bruiser of a cousin, Old Mister Smallmouth. I've seen (tournament) anglers weigh-in over 25 pounds of largemouths for a five-fish limit. Northern pike Bass fish has been the specialty of Lake Spokane over the years. Best for Drop-shots: Roboworm Straight Tail Worms. ", It's a deep lake, Brinks points out, with an abundance of rocky points, cliffs and offshore humps. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Lake Washington is located between Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. Both Medical and West Medical Lakes are stocked with rainbow and brown trout and offer seasonal fishing opportunities. Here Are the Best Salmon Fishing Lures 1. 5. The biggest females need to feed before the rigors of spawning, but dont expend too much energy to get the job done. Hardbaits tend to be a little more pricey, so it is important to pick usable lures. This is a giant reservoir stretching nearly 30 miles south from around Grand Coulee Dam in central Washington. Anglers get a second crack at bass in late fall as well. That said, smallmouths are the predominant species. 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. By changing up the size, shape and color of your trailer, it offers multiple baits in one. Anglers who know the Columbia sometimes enjoy triple-digit catch days during May and June, when the smallmouths spawn. Here are some of my best bass lures that meet those criteria.. Give them a try and learn what fits your style of fishing best.. 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. Bowrider. Youll find several public boat launches including Potholes Lake State Park, Blythe access and the Sampson Pit access areas. Lure types that look like bass food include crankbaits, swimbaits, and all types of soft plastic lures that resemble small fish and crayfish swimming through the water. 3) Moses Lake. Also, there are dangers here, including whipping wind and tricky currents in some locations, so respect the river.