by Jordan D., May 07, 2004

Deep in the heart of Seattle, lies one of the largest and under fished lake in Washington State. Lake Washington spans from as far north as Kenmore and stretches about 15 miles south to Renton. It is one of Washington’s largest lakes, covering approximately 22,138 acres. There are many places to launch a boat or fish from the bank on the “Big Lake”. This has its advantages and disadvantages for fishing. The advantage for fisherman is the accessibility, but the disadvantage is the same thing. This lake is tough to fish in the summer and late spring months, due to the swimmers, jet skiers and water skiers. During the winter and early spring months, Lake Washington offers big native cutthroat and rainbow trout, perch, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass. The summer months offer a unique Sockeye and Coho salmon fishery too. There is usually a short season for both. In this article I will give a brief guide on catching the fish available in the “Big Lake”.

Rainbows and Cutthroat

‘Bows and ‘Cuts as they are commonly called are quite large usually averaging about around 16”, but fish measuring 20 plus inches are caught occasionally. Popular places to find these fish include both of the floating bridges, Juanita bay, the mouth of the Cedar River and the south end of Mercer Island. There are many different lures that you can use to catch these fish, but by far the most popular lures are needlefish in perch pattern, fire tiger, red head nickel body, or rainbow and a wedding ring tipped with a piece of a worm. Other popular lures include a triple teaser, kokanee killer, super duper, flatfish or a variety of different spinners. I have found that if you put a small piece of worm or white shoepeg corn on the hook following your lures; it adds to its effectiveness, just make sure that it doesn’t effect the lures action. If you put some pop gear in front of these lures, such as ford fenders or cowbells it provide some extra flash that may be required on some days. Dodgers in a 4/0 size will also work well in place of pop gear. A fish finder will definitely make it easier for you to locate fish and downriggers will also aid in your fishing.

Perch

Perch fishing in Lake Washington can provide some fast action, with results of perch ranging up to 14”. These fish can be filleted and make a great fish and chips dinner. Popular places to perch fish include Juanita bay, Yarrow bay, Arrowhead point, 520 bridge, Coulon Park, Coleman point, and many other replaces. Basically find a weed line and fish the outer edge of it with small jigs tipped with night crawler or perch meat or just fish a night crawler or perch meat. This fishery can be frustrating at times, when trying to locate fish, but once you find a school stay on them and you will catch as many as you like.

Bass

Lake Washington holds some very large bass. The food sources in the lake are endless. Bass can be located anywhere on the lake, but there are definitely spots that always seem to produce like the arboretum and the south end of Mercer Island. Although these spots hold fish, so do many other places on the lake. Fish the usual structure, like docks, lily pads, overhanging trees, and underwater drop offs with crank baits, and jigs.

Salmon

There are not many places that are more intense than Lake Washington during Sockeye season. It seems like everyone that has a boat is on the lake fishing for these tasty fish. They can be found around Mercer Island and the floating bridges. Coho can be found more towards the north part of the lake. Both types of salmon can be caught on what has become known as the “Sockeye Set-up”. This consists of a size 0 nickel dodger and an 18” leader to a bare red, black, blue, or fluorescent pink hook. Sockeye have also been known to hit a U20 flatfish. Coho can also be caught on plugs like wiggle warts, fatfish and hot’n tots. Jigging buzz bombs will also do the trick at times.

Overall Lake Washington holds a lot of big fish that don’t receive a lot of pressure (unless it’s sockeye season). It offers fishing opportunities for the fisherman of all skill levels. I hope that this information will help you in your fishing adventures. Good luck and tight lines.

-Jordan D.