Fished lake Washington for the second time with two buddies. We got on the water at around 11 a.m. We tried hitting all of the docks just north of 520 on the west side of the lake with no luck. Tried south of 520 on the west side with no luck. Tried the east side of the lake from Kirkland to Kenmore with no luck. Had some bites, but wasn't able to hook anything. Tried using jigs, worms, grubs, and lizards. Still new to lake Washington. We left at about 7:30 with nothing. We had most of our bites when we first got there and it was mostly cloudy outside. When it was full sun, we got no bites. There was one point when we were hitting some docks and we were fishing in front of some private beach club and a lifeguard said that we were on private property and we needed to move away. I said ok and I guess that wasn't good enough because he went and got his boss and they started walking out on the dock like they were going to say something to us, but they didn't. They just gave us real dirty looks like we were up to no good. Were we doing something wrong? We were just fishing around docks. I didn't know that there were areas of water that we couldn't fish for bass. Can someone help me with this? We were maybe a mile north of 520 on the west side of the lake before you get to the southern point. I didn't think anyone can own the water. We were probably 50 feet from the bank. I looked on my map of lake Washington and it says I should hit the docks in this area for bass. Am I missing something?

The Quadfather

6/15/2008 9:58:00 PM

Don't be influenced by people who think they own the lake. When I am fishing docks along the lake (from a boat of course) I do make an effort to not put my boat within like 30' of a dock that has the owner out in his yard or on his dock. I do realize that this may be inviting some issues from the homeowner. But seriously, if someone came out from within a house and said get out of here you can't be "Near" my dock, I'd have no problem reminding them that it is a public lake and they don't have rights to the lake. Probably just be aware around a private swim club that they may have roped off areas for swimming, and of course you wouldn't cross that area with your boat, but I am sure that you weren't doing that from what you said.
Of course you realize the markers on the lake that signify the no wake zone which is usually like 300' from shore in the housing area. But again, that is no wake zone, not private property zone.
I hope somebody else chimes in on this one.

A9

6/15/2008 10:22:00 PM

Get one of your buddies who's got a jet outboard, tilt it up, aim at em, gun it and give em a shower....only kidding..

In all reality, I think you are doing everything fine and being lawful. He probably has a ton of guys come by his dock in the wee morning hours before he's awake....

David Z.

6/16/2008 4:31:00 AM

As long as you don't step on there dock or on the land you have every right to fish all water on any body of water.

Bigbass Dez

6/16/2008 10:42:00 AM

Next time tell them to call the cops , and once they show up the people on the docks will get in trouble for harrasing you guys (just theat simple) .. if your not fishing in a tourney there is no "off limits" public waters period ..

bob johansen

6/16/2008 4:24:00 PM

had the same problem on Mason Lake last year. Check Mason Lake reports.

bob johansen

6/16/2008 4:25:00 PM

had the same problem on Mason Lake last year. Check Mason Lake reports.

sickbayer

7/11/2008 11:13:00 PM

god yeah....ill chime in, it is public waterway. as long as you dont touch their dock you are fine.

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