What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Washington?
Washington State boasts several notable lakes where bass fishing is abundant and rewarding. Each of these lakes offers a unique experience with distinctive characteristics that make them ideal for bass fishing. Below, we provide in-depth overviews of the best bass fishing lakes in Washington and specific tips for how to make the most of your fishing trips to these locations.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Washington
- Lake Washington
- Potholes Reservoir
- Moses Lake
- Franklin D Roosevelt Lake
- Lake Tapps
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in Washington.
| Lake Name | Surface Area (Acres) | Max Depth (Feet) | Average Depth (Feet) | Notable Bass Species | Nearby Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Washington | 22,000 | 214 | 108 | Largemouth, Smallmouth | Seattle, Bellevue |
| Potholes Reservoir | 28,000 | 75 | 20 | Largemouth | Moses Lake |
| Moses Lake | 6,500 | 38 | 18 | Largemouth | Moses Lake |
| Franklin D Roosevelt Lake | 80,000 | 350 | 60 | Largemouth, Smallmouth | Spokane, Grand Coulee |
| Lake Tapps | 4,500 | 35 | 16 | Largemouth | Tacoma |
Lake Washington
Lake Washington, located between the cities of Seattle and Bellevue, is one of the largest natural lakes in Washington, covering an impressive 22,000 acres. The lake boasts an average depth of 108 feet and a maximum depth of 214 feet, providing an ideal habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Its vast size and deep waters make it a year-round hotspot for bass fishing, with a variety of underwater structures, including rocky drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged pilings that create perfect hiding spots for bass.
The lake’s northern section near Kenmore and the southern end near Renton are particularly well-known for producing sizable catches of smallmouth bass. Anglers will find that the clean, clear water and consistent temperatures provide excellent conditions for catching quality fish throughout the year. The proximity to major urban areas also makes Lake Washington an accessible destination for anglers of all skill levels.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Washington: Focus on fishing along the lake’s numerous docks and submerged pilings, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Using jigs and crankbaits around these structures has proven to be one of the most effective techniques for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Potholes Reservoir
Potholes Reservoir, located near Moses Lake in central Washington, is a 28,000-acre fishing paradise. Known for its unique sand dune formations and islands, this reservoir creates a complex and varied habitat that is ideal for bass. With an average depth of 20 feet and a maximum depth of 75 feet, Potholes Reservoir offers diverse fishing opportunities for anglers targeting largemouth bass.
The reservoir’s structure, with shallow coves, rocky points, and underwater islands, provides numerous spots for bass to hide and feed. Bass anglers often explore the “sand dunes” area, where fish congregate around the submerged vegetation and timber. The combination of varied depths and accessible feeding areas makes this lake a prime location for largemouth bass, especially during spring and summer when the water warms up and bass become more active.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Potholes Reservoir: For the best results, fish around the sand dunes and islands, focusing on shallow flats. Using soft plastics and topwater lures during the warmer months is highly effective, especially when targeting bass in the early morning or late evening when they are more active near the surface.
Moses Lake
Moses Lake, located in central Washington near the city of the same name, spans approximately 6,500 acres and is a prime destination for largemouth bass fishing. With an average depth of 18 feet and a maximum depth of 38 feet, this relatively shallow lake features a variety of habitats ideal for bass. The lake is characterized by expansive weed beds, shallow coves, and a network of submerged structures that create an optimal environment for bass to spawn and feed.
Moses Lake is particularly well-suited for early spring and late fall fishing when the waters remain calm and bass are more active. Anglers frequently target the northern and southern ends of the lake, where weed beds offer excellent cover for largemouth bass. The accessibility and variety of fishing locations around the lake make it a popular spot for both local and visiting anglers.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Moses Lake: Focus on fishing around the northern and southern coves, where weed beds are most prominent. Techniques such as using spinnerbaits or soft plastic worms around these weed beds are particularly effective for targeting largemouth bass, especially during cooler months when bass remain close to the vegetation.
In addition to Moses Lake, several excellent bass fishing spots are located nearby in central Washington, providing ample opportunities for anglers to explore the best bass fishing lakes in Washington.
- Potholes Reservoir – Just 20 miles southwest of Moses Lake, this 28,000-acre reservoir is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing. The unique sand dunes and islands within the reservoir create an intricate system of habitats that attract bass throughout the year.
- Banks Lake – Located about 60 miles north of Moses Lake, Banks Lake spans 27,000 acres and is known for its diverse fishery, which includes both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The rocky shorelines and deep coves offer ideal bass habitats.
- Billy Clapp Lake – Situated just 25 miles northeast of Moses Lake, Billy Clapp Lake is a smaller, lesser-known spot that covers roughly 1,000 acres. It’s home to a good population of largemouth bass and features rocky drop-offs and deep sections where bass thrive.
- Scooteney Reservoir – Roughly 30 miles southeast of Moses Lake, Scooteney Reservoir offers a quieter fishing experience with good largemouth bass fishing opportunities. The weedy areas and shallow coves are perfect for bass anglers.
These nearby spots, along with Moses Lake, make central Washington a fantastic region for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Franklin D Roosevelt Lake
One of the best bass fishing lakes in Washington is the Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, often referred to as Lake Roosevelt, which is an immense 80,000-acre reservoir located in northeastern Washington. Stretching over 150 miles, this lake is fed by the Columbia River and offers a wide variety of fishing environments, from shallow coves to deep river channels. With an average depth of 60 feet and depths reaching up to 350 feet in some areas, Lake Roosevelt is home to a thriving population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake’s long, winding shorelines and submerged timber provide perfect cover for bass, making it one of Washington’s premier bass fishing destinations.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Franklin D Roosevelt Lake: Smallmouth bass are particularly plentiful in the rocky areas near shorelines. Focus on casting crankbaits or drop-shot rigs along steep drop-offs and ledges where bass tend to gather, especially during the post-spawn season.
Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps, located just east of Tacoma, spans roughly 4,500 acres and is a popular recreational and bass fishing spot. The lake’s average depth of 16 feet and a maximum depth of 35 feet create shallow waters that are perfect for largemouth bass. With plenty of submerged structures, including tree stumps and rock piles, bass have ample areas to hide and hunt. Anglers find success in both the early morning and late afternoon, especially during the summer months when bass activity is at its peak.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Tapps: During the summer, focus on fishing near docks and submerged structures in the shallower areas of the lake. Using topwater lures during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk can significantly increase your chances of landing a big catch.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Washington
Washington State offers diverse opportunities for bass fishing enthusiasts. Its array of lakes and reservoirs attract anglers from across the country, thanks to the excellent conditions for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass. With expansive waterways and unique lake characteristics, Washington is a top destination for anyone looking to land trophy bass. Whether you prefer deep waters or shallow coves, Washington has a fishing spot that caters to every angler’s needs.
