Best Bass Fishing in Washington

By Nic Armitage
|
September 12, 2023

Bass, Washington, Fishing

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For avid anglers, the allure of the Pacific Northwest extends to the waters of Washington State, which boast some of the best bass fishing in Washington. With its diverse landscapes, including pristine lakes, winding rivers, and expansive reservoirs, Washington offers a treasure trove of opportunities for bass fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re in pursuit of trophy-sized largemouth or the thrill of reeling in smallmouth bass, the Evergreen State’s topography, climate, and abundant waterways combine to create an angler’s paradise.

Our Top Picks

Lake Washington
Potholes Reservoir
Lake Sammamish
Moses Lake
Banks Lake
Lake Tapps
Lake Roosevelt
Silver Lake
Long Lake
Lake Chelan

Lake Washington

Lake Washington, situated in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, stands as a vibrant and iconic water body that beckons both local enthusiasts and visitors seeking unforgettable aquatic adventures. Spanning over 20 miles in length and stretching across the landscape with remarkable allure, this majestic lake boasts a rich history and a myriad of recreational opportunities.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Lake Washington:

Lunker Largemouth Bass: Lake Washington is renowned for its impressive largemouth bass population, offering the chance to reel in trophy-sized fish.
Year Round Fishing: The temperate climate around Lake Washington allows for excellent bass fishing opportunities throughout the entire year.
Urban Accessibility: Located near Seattle, this lake provides convenient access for both local and visiting anglers.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and lush forests, Lake Washington offers a stunning backdrop for your fishing adventures.
Biodiversity: Besides bass, the lake is home to various fish species, ensuring diverse and rewarding angling experiences.

Recommended Gear: Terminal Tackle, Comfortable Clothing, Hooks, Lures, Tackle Box, Fishing Net, Sunscreen

Potholes Reservoir

Spanning over 28,000 acres, this reservoir, formed by the O’Sullivan Dam on the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable water management. With its winding channels, sprawling coves, and abundant aquatic life, Potholes Reservoir has become a magnet for anglers, boaters, and nature lovers alike.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Potholes Reservoir:

Trophy Sized Bass: Potholes Reservoir is famous for producing trophy largemouth bass, offering the chance to land some of the biggest basses in the state.
Pristine Desert Landscape: This unique fishing destination is set against a stunning desert backdrop, providing a one-of-a-kind fishing experience amidst arid terrain and picturesque vistas.
Year Round Warm Water: Potholes Reservoir maintains relatively warm water temperatures year-round, making it an ideal spot for bass fishing even during the colder months.
Abundance of Wildlife: While fishing, you can observe a diverse range of wildlife, including waterfowl, migratory birds, and even coyotes, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.
Diverse Fishing Opportunities: Besides bass, the reservoir is home to a variety of fish species like walleye and crappie, ensuring that anglers of all interests will find something to enjoy.

Lake Sammamish

This pristine lake, stretching gracefully for seven miles, is not merely a body of water but an embodiment of natural wonder and outdoor allure. Embraced by the verdant arms of lush forests and framed by the rugged Cascade Mountains, Lake Sammamish offers an exclusive canvas for those in search of a truly unique experience.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Lake Sammamish:

Urban Oasis: Lake Sammamish offers an urban fishing experience just outside of Seattle, providing a convenient getaway for city-dwellers seeking a quick escape to nature.
Year Round Bass Fishing: The lake’s mild climate allows for year-round bass fishing, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite sport no matter the season.
Native Cutthroat Trout: In addition to bass, Lake Sammamish is known for its native cutthroat trout, providing a diverse angling experience with the opportunity to catch multiple species in one trip.
Stunning Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush forests and with views of the Cascade Mountains, the lake’s natural beauty adds a tranquil and picturesque element to your fishing excursion.
Family Friendly Activities: Lake Sammamish State Park, which borders the lake, offers various family-friendly activities such as picnicking, swimming, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for a day of fishing and outdoor recreation.

Recommended Gear: Fishing Pliers, Fishing Reel, Sunscreen, Swivels, Fishing Net, Tackle Box, Comfortable Clothing

Moses Lake

Moses Lake, located in the heart of Washington state, is a thriving city built around its namesake lake. This expansive freshwater lake, covering approximately 6,500 acres, is a haven for water enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. With its year-round appeal and stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, Moses Lake draws visitors seeking both outdoor recreation and natural beauty.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Moses Lake:

Year Round Fishing: Moses Lake’s temperate climate allows for year-round bass fishing, making it an attractive destination for anglers looking to enjoy their sport throughout all seasons.
Columbia Basin Scenery: The lake is surrounded by the beautiful Columbia Basin landscape, providing a unique and serene setting for your bass fishing adventures.
Diverse Species: In addition to bass, Moses Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, crappie, and perch, offering anglers a chance to diversify their catches.
Abundant Birdlife: Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot a wide range of waterfowl and shorebirds while fishing, adding to the overall outdoor experience.
Water Recreation: Moses Lake offers various water activities, such as boating and water skiing, making it an excellent destination for anglers who want to combine bass fishing with other aquatic adventures.

Recommended Gear: Sunglasses, Fishing Pliers, Lures, Fishing Line, Tackle Box, Sunscreen, Terminal Tackle

Banks Lake

Covering over 27,000 acres, it has evolved into a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake’s unique features, including rocky shorelines and diverse fish species, make it a prime spot for fishing, boating, and exploring the surrounding coulee landscape. Whether you’re casting a line or simply enjoying the picturesque scenery, Banks Lake offers an enriching experience in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Banks Lake:

Scenic Coulee Corridor: Banks Lake is nestled within the stunning Grand Coulee Corridor, providing a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for your bass fishing trips.
Large Reservoir Size: This vast reservoir offers plenty of room to explore, and its size means you can find secluded spots for a peaceful fishing experience.
Prolific Walleye Population: Banks Lake is not only great for bass but also renowned for its abundant walleye population, offering diverse angling opportunities.
Unique Geology: The lake’s unique geological features, including cliffs and canyons, add an element of intrigue and excitement to your fishing adventures.
Low Light Opportunities: Banks Lake is known for its exceptional dawn and dusk fishing, with low-light conditions often yielding excellent results for bass anglers seeking that extra challenge.

Recommended Gear: Fishing Pliers, Fishing Reel, Sunscreen, Swivels, Fishing Net, Tackle Box, Comfortable Clothing

Lake Tapps

Lake Tapps, situated in the picturesque landscape of western Washington, is a captivating reservoir renowned for its recreational offerings and natural beauty. Spanning approximately 4.5 square miles, this man-made lake was formed in 1911 when the White River was dammed for hydroelectric power generation. Today, Lake Tapps is cherished for its clear waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Lake Tapps:

Reservoir Beauty: Lake Tapps is a stunning reservoir surrounded by the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest, offering a serene and scenic environment for bass fishing.
Recreational Activities: The lake is ideal for anglers who enjoy a mix of activities; you can fish for bass and then take advantage of swimming, boating, or picnicking at the various parks around the lake.
Crystal Clear Waters: Lake Tapps is known for its crystal clear waters, which not only enhance the fishing experience but also allow for the observation of underwater activity, adding excitement to your angling endeavors.
Family Friendly Destination: With a range of family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and beaches, Lake Tapps is a great place to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing.
Aquatic Vegetation: The presence of aquatic vegetation in the lake provides additional opportunities for bass anglers to employ various fishing techniques, such as flipping and pitching.

Recommended Gear: Sunglasses, Fishing Pliers, Lures, Fishing Line, Tackle Box, Sunscreen, Terminal Tackle

Lake Roosevelt

This expansive body of water was formed by the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, making it one of the largest lakes in the state. Lake Roosevelt’s stunning vistas, diverse aquatic life, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping have earned it a reputation as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those in search of a tranquil escape.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Lake Roosevelt:

Scenic Wilderness: Lake Roosevelt is nestled within the stunning wilderness of northeastern Washington, offering a serene and remote environment for bass fishing.
Huge Reservoir: As one of the largest reservoirs in the state, Lake Roosevelt provides ample room to explore and discover secluded fishing spots, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed angling experience.
Diverse Fishery: Beyond bass, the lake hosts a variety of fish species, including walleye, rainbow trout, and sturgeon, offering the chance for diverse and exciting catches.
Historical Sites: The lake’s shoreline features several historical sites and remnants, including old homesteads and Native American petroglyphs, adding a unique cultural and historical dimension to your fishing trip.
Night Fishing Opportunities: Lake Roosevelt is known for excellent night fishing, with the calm waters and reduced boat traffic providing a perfect setting for anglers who enjoy the tranquility of nighttime bass fishing.

Silver Lake

What sets Silver Lake apart is its remarkable clarity, which allows for excellent underwater visibility, making it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. Furthermore, the lake’s pristine surroundings and serene ambiance create a tranquil atmosphere that’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Silver Lake:

Idyllic Setting: Silver Lake is a picturesque destination surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, providing a serene and scenic backdrop for your bass fishing adventures.
Crystal Clear Waters: The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, allowing for excellent visibility and an enhanced angling experience.
Bass Abundance: Silver Lake boasts a healthy population of bass, making it an excellent spot for both novice and experienced anglers to catch bass of varying sizes.
Quiet Atmosphere: This relatively less-visited lake offers a peaceful and uncrowded environment, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed fishing experience.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Bird enthusiasts can enjoy the chance to spot various waterfowl and other bird species while fishing, adding an extra dimension of enjoyment to your time on the water.

Long Lake

This elongated lake stretches approximately 23 miles, making it one of the larger lakes in eastern Washington. With its clear waters, diverse fish populations, and tranquil surroundings, Long Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Long Lake apart is its relatively undeveloped shoreline, providing a pristine and secluded environment for those seeking a peaceful escape. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with various species like bass, pike, and trout.

Reasons to Bass Fish in Long Lake:

Tranquil Wilderness: Long Lake is nestled within a tranquil wilderness setting, providing a serene and remote environment for bass fishing amidst the unspoiled beauty of nature.
Scenic Kayaking: With its elongated shape, Long Lake is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, offering anglers a unique opportunity to explore the water and find hidden fishing spots.
Varied Topography: The lake features a diverse aquatic topography, including rocky shorelines and submerged structures, creating an excellent habitat for bass and adding intrigue to your angling experience.
Abundant Wildlife: While fishing, you can observe a wide range of wildlife, including osprey, eagles, and otters, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your outdoor adventure.
Year Round Fishing: Long Lake maintains relatively mild temperatures, making it suitable for year-round bass fishing, ensuring you can pursue your passion throughout all seasons.

Recommended Gear: Fishing Net, Fishing Line, Lures, Sun Hat, Tackle Box, Fishing Pliers, Dry Bag

Lake Chelan

Located in the North Cascades of Washington state, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its unparalleled beauty and unique characteristics. Stretching over 50 miles, it is the largest natural lake in the state and one of the deepest in the United States. The lake is flanked by the rugged peaks of the North Cascades, creating a dramatic backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities

Reasons to Bass Fish in Lake Chelan:

Stunning Alpine Setting: Lake Chelan is set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, offering breathtaking alpine views that create a unique and picturesque environment for bass fishing.
Crystal Clear Waters: The lake is known for its remarkably clear waters, providing excellent visibility for anglers and enhancing the overall fishing experience.
Diverse Bass Species: Lake Chelan is home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass, offering a variety of bass fishing experiences and challenges for anglers.
Water Recreation: In addition to fishing, the lake offers opportunities for various water activities such as swimming, boating, and paddleboarding, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Year Round Fishing: Thanks to its relatively mild climate, Lake Chelan allows for year-round bass fishing, ensuring that anglers can pursue their passion regardless of the season.