Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Banks Lake. 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. ", But the lake's no slouch when it comes to smallmouths. Steelhead fisheries, too, are likewise restricted. This means anglers can catch their first bass and their last bass of the year on one of these three lakes.". For worms, I like a basic worm shape between 4 and 8 inches longits simple but it works. Barbs on the outside of hooks to help land more fish, Can usually only be used for one or two fish before the worm is destroyed, Skirts can fall apart after a lot of fish. Chunky bronze backs pushing 5-6 pounds are routinely caught. Fished fast or slow, on another bait, or by itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass. For smallies, focus on rock with a jig and craw trailer. Of all these vibration and smell are the most important. With spring quickly springing, the bass fishing on various rivers and lakes will heat up soon. 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. Its available in 2-inch to 4.5-inch sizes and over 45 colors so you can dial in your presentation. 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. Ever since that childhood trip to my Uncles Montana Roostertail Spinner. This is one of the most versatile baits available and is great for covering water. Don't forget to share your best bass photos with us onCamera Cornerfor your chance to win free gear! Since then, the jerkbait market has been flooded with realistic options, but the Megabass still reigns king. There are hundreds, if not thousands of companies producing effective bass baits and it is overwhelming to sift through them all. Hardbaits tend to be a little more pricey, so it is important to pick usable lures. Smallmouth are evenly dispersed around the many rocky banks that surround Lake Palmer. We also grow them big. 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. 3) Moses Lake. Many partially submerged stumps prove hazardous to careless anglers. Several of which are within the Hanford National Monument where bass fishing is the best. Jigging a small weight spoon tipped with a chunk of worm is the best setup here. 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. 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. If the fish are lethargic and not willing to chase it down, you can drag it on the bottom like you would a jig. Place this in a bed and the claws-up posture will lead to strikes. Come summer, ponds and lakes can be overgrown with vegetation that frogs love. 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. "These work year-round." Western Washington is seldom considered a bass fishing hot spot by out-of-state anglers but Lake Washington proves them wrong. The best bass lure can spark heated debates among anglers. Best for Eliciting a Reaction Bite: Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer. Snake River. Smallmouths. However, 6 pound bruisers do get yanked to the surface enough times to draw multiple bass tournaments to Banks Lake every year. These stunning features provide just the most idyllic backgrounds for largemouth bass fishing. Weightless swimbaits can also fool bass cruising the shallows. That and they absolutely crush your lures. The most widely used lure when trolling for salmon is a flasher with a hoochie. The Manasquan Reservoir is one of the state's newest waters. 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. For beginners, I recommend choosing a variety of baits that cover the entire water column and experimenting with different techniques. 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 Youll certainly need to sort through a fair number of 2-4 pounders though. Not all will give up giant bass but they make up for it in quantity. While the scenery may act as a plus, the primary consideration for most anglers is usually where to find the best fishing spots. Best Jerkbait: Zoom Super Fluke. Situated in Grant County, Potholes massive expanse spreads over 28,200 ecologically divers acres. Arrive early to get a spot when fishing is at its peak. Its perfect habitat for Eloikas healthy population of largemouth. Your best bet is to match the worm color to what the fish are eating and youre on the way to catching fish. If you want to catch a lot of fish, this is a good bet to do so. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Also, it is imperative that the river frequently offers countrys best Bass fish collection. At the end of the day, personal preference plays a huge role in selecting baits. I also find that if you flip it over and rig it upside down it has a much tighter action similar to a fleeing baitfish. That water flow seems to (help) congregate the fish." 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. 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." What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? See our full disclosures here. These two quality smallies were caught out of Lake Goodwin, by . This 629 acre warm-water fishery is almost entirely surrounded by weed beds and brushy shoreline with smatterings of sunken logs and downed trees. That said, lures are generally characterized into 2 main categories Hardbody lures i.e minnows, divers, etc. When you find a school of Perch on your sonar unit, it can lead to ridiculously good fishing. Key areas are protected from strong currently by islands, cuts in the banks, channel swings or cover. 2) Columbia River. With over 650 miles of rocky shoreline, this remote gem doesnt get nearly as much pressure as the other lakes on our list. 3. Most of the smallmouth average 2-3 pounds but quality fish up to 5 pounds are in the mix. This is a great lake for double-headers, as its also a very good smallmouth fishery, though the red eyes tend to like the rockier habitat in the lower lake and across the face of OSullivan Dam. Many anglers think that topwaters are the best bass lures to use in the morning. It is the largest river in the West which abounds in plenty of Salmon, Steelhead, Walleye with some other species. The Interstate 90 bridge, too, can provide excellent fishing opportunities. Thousands of sand dune islands harbor grassy weed lines perfect for largemouth bass with many up to 6 pounds. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Smallmouth are the most popular target for bass anglers and countless miles of rock studded shoreline provide excellent smallmouth habitat. The Roboworm 4.5 Straight Worm is one of my favorite smallmouth bass baits. 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. I find the action of this bait sets it apart from others. 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. It's a fact. Its beaver hut habitats stretching across the northern two-thirds of this big reservoir are famous for holding big bass for anglers who like a challenge. Anglers may also catch white sturgeon here. 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. ", It's a deep lake, Brinks points out, with an abundance of rocky points, cliffs and offshore humps. Not to mention, just about every lake in Washington provides anglers with opportunities to catch Americas favorite gamefish. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Smallmouth are also available along some of the rockier shorelines. "I've just started to hear whispers of that (switch) in the last couple years," Garrett says. 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. Good soft plastics that are infused with salt and garlic produce a scent trail in the water that will bring fish in to investigate. For those of you after largemouth bass, head to the northern part of the lake in early spring. We do not offer a shared boat for Bass fishing. His go-to soft-bait, with the 1/2-ounce head, is a Rage Menace trailer in green pumpkin. All Rights Reserved. The best lure colors for bass in the spring should mimic local forage, but you also need to consider water color. Like many a serious bass angler, tournament bass fishermen Tyler Brinks of Spokane packs plenty of lures when he hits the water; however, his "go-to" tackle box whenever he points his rig at either Banks, Moses, or Potholes lakes is surprisingly simple. Washington salmon fisheries are limited geographically. Other fish available in the canal include carp, catfish, and the occasional snakehead . Found in central Washington. "The lake is over 200 feet deep, and it just drops straight down," Garrett says. 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. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Just enter your email to subscribe to our blog and receive notifications of new posts. Here are some of the best early spring bass fishing lures to try this season: 1. Crawfish patterns with several appendages can trigger a reaction strike from a bass. Heres some places I discovered while visiting my brother in the Seattle area for catching bass. 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. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. 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. Or Lure Y. Local reports can be a good starting point when trying to dial in baits. They can be found around the lakes many docks and close to shore near the weed lines. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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! Benji Lilly caught the strikingly pale stocked trout Canada has seen a staggering rise in the Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. There's so many of them (largemouths) out there. Smallmouth bass over 8 pounds have been caught in the river. Durable, full bodied silicon skirts, rattles, weed guard, high quality hooks, and a variety of colors and sizes all at a very affordable price make this a go to jig for many bass anglers. Read on so you dont miss your chance to cast a line for trophy bass this season. "We did an electrofishing survey in the fall of 2017 near Kenmore and Juanita Bay, near Huskie Stadium, and under the Interstate 90 bridge near Mercer Slough," Garrett says, "and there are fantastic populations of largemouth in those bays. ", Strike King Sexy Dawg and KVD Splash "Great choices for just after the spawn," Brinks reveals. However, bass may not break the surface during early or cold springtime conditions. Is Potholes Reservoir better for largemouths or smallmouths? Lacking enough takers, switch to soft plastic lures. Just $1 per month , The lures you need to help land your best bass ever, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Willows, creek channels and other structures are worth your attention, too. Bass, on the other hand, can be found from corner to corner and everywhere in between. 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. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. But (the WDFW) has created some environment and habitat for warm-water fish, and the climate is shifting toward warmer temperatures.". If you know what the fish are eating, matching a lure to the bait will produce a lot of strikes. He or she doesn't have to go very far to fall into some fantastic largemouth or smallmouth action. Two favorite poppers are Storms Arashi Cover Pop and the legendary Rapala Skitter Pop. As far as moving baits a chatterbait can imitate most baitfish patterns effectively and covers a lot of water. When I moved from my native Ohio to southwest Washington in '93, I assumed I'd left all vestiges of Midwestern fishing behind. The lakes in this gorgeous state are known for their excellent bass fishing. 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. You can fish this lure in a variety of ways including on an EWG hook like youd fish any other bass worm. If you present something too big, theyll pick it up and move it away without getting near the hook. Smallmouths are a little bit different story, both due to the species' nomadic lifestyle, as well as Lake Washington's physical makeup. People from both sides of the Cascades come here. The Strike King Rage Craws body is soft enough to keep bass holding on, but durable enough to hold up against multiple bites. Learning to recognize what makes a good lure like size, hook strength, colors, and application is crucial to finding the best out there. This creates a natural baitfish silhouette with an erratic action. Year-round largemouth bass fishing opportunities. 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. WebCentral and Eastern Washington Smallmouth Bass. You wont be disappointed! "The areas around Crab Creek and Frenchman's Wasteway are popular," Brinks reveals, "rather, the dunes adjacent to the creek or waterway. Whether youre a new or experienced angler, you can feel confident hitting the water with these lures in your tackle. A standard trick worm is around 6 to 8 inches, but nothing has yielded me more success than this 4 -inch finesse worm. The fishery is so vast and diverse that anglers spread out and they fish for a variety of species. If youve been meaning to get into the big bait game this is an ideal entry point. Docks and/or weed-lines, he says, should be the focus. 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. These resident Sockeye Salmon live their entire life cycle in the lake and never make it to sea. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Add this one to your list if you havent fished it yet. Tackle Test 2022: Top Bass Rods & Reels Reviewed, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Pro Bass Tips for Weekend Anglers from 48th Bassmaster Classic, 10 Questions with Pro Bass Angler Keith Poche, Bass Fishing: Now Is Time for Suspending Jerkbaits, 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, Strike King Square Bill KVD 1.5 "I use this one for both bass species," Brinks points out, "say, in mid-May and during the spawn. Thats why weve compiled this list of the top six largemouth bass fishing spots in Washington. You can expect to pick up your fair share of 4-5 pound smallmouth along some of the best stretches. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more. Theres something about the hard vibration that drives fish crazy, and the newer version knocks harder and results in better hookups. 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. Dont expect to have this lake to yourself though. Just about every foot of shoreline has bass to give up. My preferred colors are natural or rainforest black, but in the case of these frogs, the action seems more important than the color.. Spreading across nearly 28,000 surface acres, Potholes presents plenty of potential; however, some places might prove a better jumping-off point than might others. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. Of course, their diet depends partially on what is available, but they tend to favor high-protein meals like crawfish, shad, or bluegills. "The hundreds of small islands the sand dunes make this a maze of cover. 2-3 pounders are common and largemouth up to 5 pounds regularly spice up the smallmouth action. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The tributaries such as the Cowlitz and Kalama rivers are a good bet for fishing below the Bonneville Dam. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. No question about it. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. "Originally, our main goal was stock assessment in lakes across the state; however, today, we're trending more toward outreach and public education.". Slow trolling is key for Kokanee, as is determining where in the water column they will be. The lakeshore has largely been developed, yet there are still many pockets of great Largemouth Bass habitat in the lake. I fish it around shallow cover primarily and prefer a crayfish pattern like the Delta Red. Instead of going through it, I prefer to go over it with a frog lure. ", 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. "There are largemouth bass in almost every lake in the state of Washington,", "I'm part of one of four main warm-water (fishing) teams that were started in 1997," he explains. In terms of smallmouths," he continues, "Washington can brag about that on a nationwide level. Lake Washington Its about 88 km2 wide and 108 ft deep. Free shipping for many products! 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. Less than a year after becoming a Washington resident, I met Ed Iman, an Oregon-based guide on the Columbia and one-time holder of the Beaver State walleye record. Whether you will be trolling with downriggers, lead-core line, or flat-line with a little weight, troll your rigs far back behind the boat. He's partial to a pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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. Smallmouth bass are a huge draw for most anglers. That's over a 4-pound average. Kokanee Killer Lure Bass Pro Kokanee Cut Plug Brads Kokanee Cut Plug One of the newest lures on the Kokanee fishing market. Originally from Las Vegas and now living in Spokane, Tyler Brinks has had plenty of time to ply the waters of all three. This one beats many of the all-time favorites at a price closer to the range of the average angler. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Our approach would certainly mitigate your query, confusion or tension regarding the topic for sure. The whole area is fishable. This works well even without a baitfish added to the hoochie. WebThis is the top 7 year around smallmouth bass baits for lake Washington. Start by covering all the bases with bottom, moving, and topwater lures. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. This giant reservoir is filled by water pumped up from Lake Roosevelt and covers over 27,000 acres along its 32 mile length. Both lakes are west of the city of Medical Lake, which borders the east bank of Medical Lake. Medical Lake has an early opener and a longer fishing season than Medical Lake, which has a traditional late April start. Summertime means hot days, warm water, and lots of vegetation. 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. Anglers can still trigger a reaction bite with a vibrating jig or lipless crankbait, but a slow slithering Senko or jig can also do major damage early in the day. 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. As with any fishery in the state, regulations can change so always consult the WDFW Fishing Regulations for the final word. From there, use baits that match what the bass in your area are eating. If you like fishing creature baits look for soft plastics with a lot of movement. Anglers who call Washington home likely live within spitting distance of a quality bass fishery that pumps out 4-5 pound bass regularly. 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. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. It's awfully hard to win a tournament on Lake Washington anymore without a largemouth in the bag. Always remember, the best bass lure is the lure that produces results for you. You can also find an abundance of landlocked salmon at Riffe Lake, along with trout and panfish. Here are some of my best bass lures that meet those criteria.. if you purchase something through our posts, we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Silver Lake garners a good bit of attention from local bass clubs and plays host to numerous tournaments. So, if youre looking for an amazing fishing experience, be sure to check out the lakes in Washington State. This year the limit was 5 per day, under 18. Sunglasses and sunscreen Try to bring your favorite sun screen and if you forget, dont worry I have plenty. 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. The Jackhammer, now produced by the same company as the Original Chatterbait, took the basic vibrating jig design and upgraded every element of it. 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. 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 dont be fooled; this small bait can catch some tanks. You will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little. Countless inlets and coves along Lake Roosevelt are prime habitat for smallmouth. A comprehensive guide with complete information is rare to find. Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. This is a good lake to practice your favorite angling tactics and refine your skills with your electronics. Something about the original formulation produces a tantalizing side-to-side wiggle that fish everywhere cannot wait to inhale. Moses Lake Found west of Moses Lake-town. Use a larger lure than you would for most similarly sized fish. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Expect to also encounter plenty of decent sized largemouth hanging around the scant collection of docks on Palmer. "There are some deeper holes, but for the most part, it's 20 feet or less. On the positive side, youll have tons of prime bass habitat to yourself in just about every section of river, maybe without a lot of travel. 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. Whether Texas Rigged, Neko Rigged, wacky rigged, or fished on a dropshot, the original Senko makes beginners into winners and makes experts even better. These places attract forage like crayfish and sculpin, and the smallmouths will be right there with them.". But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in prime bass habitat. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. All of the equipment is high quality and easy to use. During the spring, when largemouths are shallow and aggressive, keep a crankbait, a lipless crankbait and spinnerbait handy and cover plenty of water. This is because they can easily cover the water. I like to troll with a 4/0 dodger, 12-18 leader to a Wedding Ring tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. Largemouths. A lure with sharp and sturdy hooks will help you land more fish. Winter months Plan on layering! Whether fished as is or as a trailer, I make sure to always carry some Keitech Swing Impacts with me. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Here Are the Best Salmon Fishing Lures 1. However, it's largemouths that still dominate in the handful of embayments, both big and small, that pockmark Lake Washington's shoreline. Go beyond that for solitude and an endless supply of willing smallmouth. ", Strike King 6XD (Extra Deep) "This one dives to around 18 feet," Brinks says. Best for Bedding Fish: Strike King Rage Craw. The lip on the frog chugs and throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot of commotion. Starting at the Grand Coulee Dam, this Columbia River impoundment stretches 151 miles through a semi-arid landscape of sage and basalt. Spring is most bass anglers favorite season, because fish are often at their fattest and most active.