The Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Washington Ranked

Washington is packed with lakes, and if you like to fish, there’s no shortage of places to throw a line. But with so many options, it can be hard to figure out where to go. That’s why we put together this list of the top 30 fishing lakes in the state. I’ve spent a fair amount of time fishing across Washington, but I didn’t do this alone. I reached out to other local anglers to hear what they had to say. We also asked our followers on social media to share their favorite fishing spots, and they definitely had opinions.

This list isn’t based on just one kind of fishing. We looked at lakes that are great for trout, bass, kokanee, and more. Whether you like to fish from a boat, the shore, or a kayak, there’s something here for you. Some lakes are well-known, while others are more low-key, but all of them have something solid to offer. So if you’re planning your next trip, or just want to try somewhere new, this guide should help point you in the right direction. Keep reading to see if your favorite lake made the cut, or to find a new one to try.

30. Spencer Lake

Spencer Lake sits northeast of Shelton in Mason County, an easy run off Highway 3. At a little over 200 acres, it is probably the most popular trout water on this side of the Olympic Peninsula. WDFW stocks rainbow heavily in spring and drops bigger fish in come fall, so it stays productive most of the year. Trout are not the whole story. The clear water and rocky bottom hold good largemouth and smallmouth bass, and the perch fishing can be strong all summer. There is a state launch with parking and a resort on the water. A boat or kayak gets you to the best spots.

29. Jameson Lake

Jameson Lake is tucked into the coulee country south of Mansfield in Douglas County, about 450 acres ringed by basalt cliffs left behind by the old floods. It is one of the better rainbow trout lakes in this part of the state. WDFW stocks fingerlings in spring and drops in catchable rainbows in spring and fall, so the trout range from pan-sized up to solid keepers. Resorts at both ends of the lake offer camping, launches, and rentals. It opens in late spring and fishes well into early summer, then comes back on in fall once the water cools. Mornings are usually calm and easy for trolling.

28. Bonaparte Lake

Bonaparte Lake sits high in the Okanogan country near Tonasket, up around 3,500 feet. It is not a big lake, about 150 acres, but the species list is something else. Rainbow, brook, and tiger trout all swim here, along with kokanee and a few lake trout. This is the water that gave up the state record tiger trout, so the big-fish dream is real. A Forest Service campground and a private resort handle camping, cabins, and launches. Winter is a huge part of the appeal. The ice fishing ranks among the best in the state, and the resort runs a tournament. Note the lead tackle ban before you pack.

27. Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake sits in north-central Washington near the small town of Loomis, a long, narrow lake tucked between dry hills. It fishes better than its low profile suggests. Kokanee are a big part of the draw, and WDFW plants tens of thousands of them, but you will also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, crappie, and even burbot. There is a launch on the south end plus some shoreline access, though a boat opens up a lot more water. It is open year-round, with spring and early summer leading the way. If you want variety and do not mind the drive, Palmer delivers.

26. Alder Lake

Alder Lake sits near Eatonville with Mount Rainier looming behind it. It is a reservoir on the Nisqually River, formed by Alder Dam and run by Tacoma Power. Rainbow trout and kokanee are the main targets, with some cutthroat and coho around depending on the time of year. There is decent bank access along with boat ramps, though the water level can drop later in summer and change where the fish sit. It gives you a lot of room to spread out, and the setting is hard to beat. A solid choice if you are fishing the southwest side and want some scenery with it.

25. Silver Lake

Silver Lake in Cowlitz County is a bass lake first, especially for largemouth. It stays mostly shallow, with stumps, weeds, and shoreline cover that warmwater fish hold on tight to. Crappie, catfish, and bluegill round out the catch. Access is easy with public launches and lots of bank to cast from. It sits not far from Mount St. Helens, so the scenery is a bonus, but the fishing is the real reason to go. If you want a reliable warmwater lake in the southwest corner of the state, this is one to keep on the short list.

24. Baker Lake

Baker Lake sits up in the North Cascades and is known for strong salmon and trout fishing. It is fed by glacier melt off Mount Baker, so the water stays cold and the fish stay active through much of the year. Sockeye are the summer draw, with kokanee and rainbow trout filling in the rest of the seasons. There is a mix of bank and boat access, and several launches around the lake. Campgrounds nearby make it a natural for weekend trips. The mountain views are hard to beat, especially early when the water is still and the place is quiet.

23. Riffe Lake

Riffe Lake is a big reservoir near Mossyrock in the southwest part of the state, and it pairs good fishing with good scenery. Several boat launches make it easy to get on the water. The lake is known for landlocked coho, bass, and some big rainbow trout. It is deep and wide, which makes it great for trolling or just tucking into a quiet cove for the afternoon. Dam operations move the water level around, so check conditions first. Even on a weekend there is room to spread out. If you like elbow room and steady fishing, Riffe is worth the drive.

22. Lake Kapowsin

Lake Kapowsin sits near the base of Mount Rainier and has a wild, natural feel you do not get from many west-side lakes. It is shallow and full of standing timber, the kind of stump-filled water that bass and panfish love, with a few trout around too. All that structure makes it more of a puzzle than the lakes nearby, which is part of the fun. There is a public access site with a rough launch, so come ready for basic conditions. It is not a flashy place, but that is the appeal. Quiet, a little wild, and a nice change of pace.

21. American Lake

American Lake sits in Pierce County just outside Lakewood, one of the largest natural lakes on the west side. It is a go-to for trout, kokanee, and smallmouth bass. There is a good mix of shore access and boat launches, including one at American Lake Park. In summer you will share it with jet skis and ski boats, so it can get busy. The water stays fairly clear and runs deep enough for trolling. Fishing holds up year-round, but spring and early summer are usually best, especially for the stocked rainbow trout. It is a solid close-to-town option for west-siders.

20. Fish Lake

Fish Lake sits just west of Lake Wenatchee and is a steady trout stop near Leavenworth. It is stocked with rainbow trout, and there are brook trout and a few browns around as well. At about 492 acres it is an easy lake to fish from a boat or off the bank. When the cold sets in and the ice is safe, it turns into a popular ice fishing spot. There is a resort on the water with cabin and boat rentals, which makes weekend trips simple. It fishes well across the seasons and the access is good, so it is an easy one to recommend.

19. Ross Lake

Ross Lake runs north into Canada from deep in the North Cascades, a long reservoir hemmed in by steep mountains and thick forest. Most of it is in Washington, with the top end crossing the border. The fish here are rainbow and cutthroat trout, plus a chance at a bull trout. You usually have to hike or boat in, so it never gets crowded. The fishing can swing from slow to great, but the fish tend to run bigger than what you will find in the lowland lakes. If you make the trip, pack carefully and plan on a quiet few days away from everything.

18. Lake Tapps

Lake Tapps spreads across a wide, shallow basin in Pierce County with Mount Rainier off in the distance. It was built for hydropower and is now a popular fishing and recreation lake with a lot of shoreline access. Smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and even tiger muskie are all on the menu here. The size makes it good for boat fishing, but docks and shoreline produce too. Summer gets busy with boats and swimmers, so early mornings and spring days are quieter. Water levels move with maintenance schedules, so it is worth checking before you load up the truck.

17. Dry Falls Lake

Dry Falls Lake sits at the bottom of a giant ancient canyon in central Washington, and the setting alone is worth the trip. Tall cliffs ring quiet water that holds rainbow, brown, and tiger trout. It is a fly fishing favorite, managed under selective gear rules, so check the regulations before you go. It is part of Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, and reaching the water takes a short hike, which keeps the crowds down. Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Once you are on the water, the fishing can be excellent, and the scenery makes a slow day feel like time well spent.

16. Loon Lake

Loon Lake in Stevens County is a strong pick in the northeast part of the state. It is best known for kokanee and mackinaw, but bass, perch, and trout are all in play. At about 1,118 acres there is plenty of water whether you are in a boat or stuck to the bank. Summer fishes well, particularly the low-light hours early and late in the day. A handful of public access points get you on the water, and a few resorts nearby rent boats and have docks. The deep water and steady action make it a regular stop for locals and weekenders alike.

15. Deer Lake

Deer Lake in Stevens County is an easygoing lake with a good spread of fish. At around 1,146 acres there is room to troll or work the shoreline without bumping into anyone. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, kokanee, and even mackinaw all show up here. It runs on a seasonal schedule, usually open from late April into fall, and it gets a solid spring stocking. There is a boat launch, plus resorts and campgrounds if you want to stay a while. Mornings tend to be calm and productive. The mix of shallow and deep water lets you try a few different things in a day.

14. Lenice Lake

Lenice Lake is one of the better-known fly fishing lakes in the Columbia Basin, part of the string of seep lakes out near Othello. The water is alkaline and full of insect life, which grows fat, hard-fighting rainbow trout, some of them well over 20 inches. Selective gear and catch-and-release rules during parts of the season keep the quality high. Getting in takes some effort, there is a gate and a half-mile walk, so most people haul a float tube or pontoon on a cart. You will see fly anglers working the shoreline most days. Spring and fall fish best, when the water temps sit right.

13. Pass Lake

Pass Lake sits right off Highway 20 on Fidalgo Island, easy to reach but still tucked into the trees. It is a fly fishing lake through and through, catch-and-release only, with rainbows and browns that grow to nice sizes. The water is fairly deep, so fish tend to hold low, especially once it warms up. Small boats and float tubes are fine, but no gas motors are allowed, which keeps things quiet. Bring patience and a sinking line in summer. Parking is right off the road with a short trail down to the water. It is a good place to learn or to test your skills.

12. Omak Lake

Omak Lake is the largest saline lake in the state, a deep blue body of water with high mineral content that sets it apart from anywhere else on this list. The draw is Lahontan cutthroat and rainbow trout, and the Lahontans get BIG thanks to the alkaline water and steady food supply. The lake runs about 8 miles, so there is room to roam. There is not much shade or cover around it, so plan for wind and sun. It sits on the Colville Reservation, which means you need a tribal permit to fish. Access points exist but facilities are thin. It looks more like the desert than the usual Washington lake.

11. Blue Lake

Blue Lake in Grant County runs about five miles through a high-desert canyon, a strange and pretty mix of dry rock and cool water. It gets stocked with rainbow trout on a regular basis, and there is a shot at kokanee and a few brown trout as well. It is open year-round, but spring and early summer are when it really turns on. Boat launches, campgrounds, and shore access mean it works whether you have a boat or you are casting from the bank. The water stays fairly clear and the fish can run a good size early in the year. The town of Soap Lake is right there, so it is an easy one to reach.

10. Rufus Woods Lake

Rufus Woods Lake is a long stretch of the Columbia held back by Chief Joseph Dam, running between Washington and the Colville Reservation. It is famous for one thing in particular, giant triploid rainbow trout. These fish are sterile, so instead of spawning they just pack on weight, and a 10-pounder is a real possibility here. Access takes some homework since a lot of the shoreline is tribal or private, but there are public spots near the dam and launches like Seaton’s Grove. Fish the tribal side and you will need a Colville permit. Walleye and bass are around too, and the deep channels are made for trolling.

9. Lake Whatcom

Lake Whatcom stretches more than ten miles just outside Bellingham, one of the larger natural lakes on the west side. Variety is the selling point. You can find smallmouth and largemouth bass, kokanee, yellow perch, and cutthroat trout. Some parts are deep and open, others have shoreline structure, so fish move around with the season. Access is easy with several launches and bank spots. The lake doubles as Bellingham’s drinking water, so the water quality is high and boating rules get enforced. Early and late in the day fish best in the warm months. It gets busy in summer, but the size spreads people out.

8. Lake Wenatchee

Lake Wenatchee sits on the east slope of the Cascades, fed by glacial runoff that keeps the water cold and clean. Kokanee are the headliner, with cutthroat trout and seasonal sockeye also in the mix. At over 2,400 acres there is plenty of room whether you are trolling, working the shore, or fishing off a dock. Afternoons get windy, so mornings are usually your best window. There is a boat launch and decent parking, though summer weekends draw a crowd. The lake also freezes in winter, and when the ice is safe it pulls in a good number of ice fishers.

7. Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish sits just east of Seattle and gives you a lot of options for a lake this close to the city. It runs close to 8 miles long, with room to fish from shore, a kayak, or a small boat. Cutthroat trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and perch make up most of the catch, with kokanee around at times and even the occasional chinook. Spring and early summer are the busy stretch, especially for bass and trout. The ramps at Lake Sammamish State Park make getting in and out simple. Clarity swings with the rain, but a calm day fishes well. It is an easy trip if you live close.

6. Lake Washington

Lake Washington sits right between Seattle and Bellevue and is one of the largest lakes in the state. For city anglers it is hard to beat for convenience. The species list runs deep, largemouth and smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, yellow perch, and black crappie. Access is easy thanks to a long list of boat launches and public piers. Bass anglers do well around the rocky shorelines and the endless docks, especially spring through summer. For trout, most people troll or drift the deeper sections. It is surrounded by city, but the lake is big enough to spread out, and it stays open year-round. Bring your gear, check the regs, and see what is biting.

5. Potholes Reservoir

Potholes Reservoir is one of the odder places you will fish, and one of the better ones. It formed when irrigation water flooded a field of old sand dunes, leaving behind hundreds of little islands, pockets, and channels. All that structure means fish have everywhere to hide and you have everywhere to cast. Bass, walleye, perch, and trout are the main draws. The dune area can feel like a maze in a small boat, so pay attention to where you came from. Work the shallows and rocky points for bass, troll deeper water for walleye. Spring and fall are great, but it fishes year-round.

4. Moses Lake

Moses Lake covers more than 6,500 acres in central Washington, one of the bigger natural lakes in the state and a dependable producer. It is a warmwater lake at heart, so bass, walleye, and perch lead the way, with crappie and the odd trout mixed in. Spring and early summer fish best, before the heat really settles in. Boat access is easy with several public launches around town, and you can do fine from the bank if you know a few spots. The lake sits right up against neighborhoods and farms, but it still puts out numbers when you want to just relax and catch fish.

3. Banks Lake

Banks Lake is a 27-mile reservoir in central Washington, part of the Columbia Basin Project, sitting below Grand Coulee Dam. What keeps it near the top of most anglers’ lists is variety. You can chase smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, perch, and trout, often in the same day. Rocky shorelines, weed beds, and sharp drop-offs give fish all kinds of places to hold. Spring and early summer are prime for bass and walleye. The lake is big enough that even a busy weekend leaves you room to find your own water. Several launches and campgrounds make it easy to settle in for a day or a weekend.

2. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in the country, a long ribbon of clear water that cuts more than 50 miles into the North Cascades. The fishing leans toward lake trout, also called mackinaw, and kokanee. Because the lake is so deep, you have to get your gear down to the fish, and trolling is the way most people do it. The town of Chelan sits at the south end with food and lodging if you want to make a weekend of it. Mornings are calm and best for trolling. Afternoon wind can push you off the water, so start early and you will fish a lot smoother.

1. Lake Roosevelt

Lake Roosevelt runs more than 150 miles up the Columbia River in the northeast corner of the state, backed up behind Grand Coulee Dam. It is about as complete as a fishery gets in Washington. Walleye, rainbow trout, kokanee, and smallmouth bass are all here in good numbers, and there are sturgeon in the system too. The shoreline goes on forever, so you can fish the bank, run a boat, or tuck into one of the countless coves. Dam operations move the water level around, so check before you launch. Plenty of boat ramps and campgrounds make it easy to turn a trip into a few days. It earns the top spot because almost everyone finds something here.

Wrapping Up: More About Fishing in Washington

Washington’s got a serious lineup when it comes to fishing lakes. From the bigger names like Lake Washington and Lake Chelan to quieter places like Rufus Woods or Jameson Lake, there’s no shortage of good water to fish. Each lake offers its own mix of species, seasons, and access points, so no matter your skill level or style, bait, fly, or trolling, you’ve got options.

Fishing here isn’t just a weekend thing. Many of these lakes are open year-round, and state agencies like the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) do a decent job keeping them stocked and managed. Whether you’re chasing rainbow trout, bass, kokanee, or even tiger muskies, you’ll find a spot that works for you.

FAQ: Fishing Lakes in Washington

Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish in Washington lakes?
Yes. Anyone 15 or older needs a valid Washington fishing license. You can buy one online through the WDFW website or at local retailers like sporting goods stores.

Q: When is the best time to fish these lakes?
Spring and early summer are usually prime, especially for trout and bass. But many lakes offer good fishing year-round, especially if you’re into ice fishing or winter trout.

Q: Are these lakes family-friendly?
Most are. Places like Fish Lake, Offut Lake, and Lake Sylvia have nearby parks, docks, restrooms, and even rentals. It’s a good idea to check each lake’s website or look it up on Google Maps for the latest info.

Q: Can I camp near these lakes?
Yes, quite a few of them have campgrounds nearby, both state-run and private. Popular ones like Banks Lake, Curlew Lake, and Lake Wenatchee are great for multi-day trips.

Q: What fish species are most common in these lakes?
Rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, and catfish are common. Some lakes also have landlocked salmon or walleye. Check the WDFW fish stocking reports for updates.

Q: Are there boat launch facilities?
Yes, many lakes have public access with boat launches. Some spots are better suited for small boats, kayaks, or float tubes. Again, it’s best to check access rules before you go.

Q: Is fishing from shore worth it?
Absolutely. A lot of Washington lakes have easy bank access and fishing piers. Spots like Lake Padden, American Lake, and Silver Lake (near Everett) are great for shore anglers.

Q: Can I ice fish in Washington?
You can, but it depends on the lake and weather. Places like Fish Lake (near Leavenworth) and Patterson Lake often freeze over enough to allow it. Always check ice conditions first.