Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Washington - Kayak Guide 2025

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: July 26, 2025

The sun was just breaking over the Cascade Mountains when I launched my kayak into Lake Roosevelt last spring. Within minutes of paddling out from Sterling Point, my fish finder lit up like a Christmas tree. Twenty feet down, suspended over a rocky ledge, was a school of smallmouth bass that would make any angler's heart race. Three hours and 30 fish later, I understood why Washington's bass fishing scene is one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest.

After spending the last decade paddling and fishing every major bass lake from the Canadian border to the Columbia Gorge, I've learned that Washington offers something most states can't: world-class smallmouth fishing, surprisingly good largemouth action, and some of the most stunning scenery you'll ever cast a line in. Whether you're chasing bronzebacks in the clear waters of Lake Washington or flipping jigs for bucket-mouths in the Potholes Reservoir, the Evergreen State delivers.

This guide covers the 10 best bass fishing lakes in Washington from a kayak angler's perspective. I'll share specific launch points, seasonal patterns I've discovered, and the gear that's helped me boat thousands of Washington bass. More importantly, I'll tell you about the spots the locals don't want you to know about – the ones that consistently produce when everywhere else goes cold.

Quick Comparison: Washington's Top Bass Lakes

Lake	Primary Species	Best Season	Kayak-Friendly	Distance from Seattle
Lake Washington	Smallmouth	Apr-Oct	Excellent	In City
Lake Roosevelt	Both Species	May-Sept	Good	280 miles
Potholes Reservoir	Largemouth	Apr-Oct	Excellent	170 miles
Moses Lake	Both Species	Apr-Sept	Excellent	175 miles
Columbia River	Smallmouth	Year-round	Moderate	Varies
Lake Sammamish	Smallmouth	Apr-Oct	Excellent	20 miles
Lake Tapps	Largemouth	May-Sept	Good	35 miles
Lake Chelan	Smallmouth	May-Sept	Moderate	180 miles
Long Lake	Both Species	Apr-Oct	Good	290 miles
Lake Umatilla	Smallmouth	Mar-Nov	Good	230 miles

Essential Gear for Washington Bass Kayaking

Before we dive into the lakes, let's talk gear. Washington's diverse waters demand versatile equipment. After testing dozens of setups, here's what stays in my kayak:

For electronics, a quality fish finder designed for kayaks is non-negotiable in these deep, clear lakes. I run a Garmin Striker 4cv on my fishing kayak – it's compact, affordable, and the ClearVü sonar is deadly for spotting bass holding on structure.

Rod selection matters here. I carry four: a 7' medium-heavy for jigs and Texas rigs, a 7' medium for drop shots and Ned rigs, a 6'6" medium-light spinning rod for finesse presentations, and a 7'3" heavy for flipping cover. Washington bass, especially the smallies, can be line-shy in clear water, so I spool up with 10-15 lb fluorocarbon on most setups.

1. Lake Washington - Seattle's Urban Bass Factory

Quick Info:

Size: 22,000 acres
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (excellent), Largemouth bass (good)
Best Months: April-October
Water Clarity: Clear to stained
Average Depth: 108 feet

I'll never forget the morning I caught my personal best smallmouth from Lake Washington – a thick 5-pounder that crushed a drop shot right next to a mega-yacht in front of Bill Gates' house. That's the beauty of this lake: world-class bass fishing in the heart of Seattle's tech corridor.

Best Kayak Launch Points:

Gene Coulon Park (Renton): My go-to launch with ample parking and easy access
Magnuson Park (Seattle): Great for hitting the north end quickly
Mercer Island Boat Launch: Central location, gets crowded on weekends
Matthews Beach Park: Quieter option for targeting the eastern shoreline

Seasonal Patterns:

Spring (April-May): Target docks and shallow flats in 5-15 feet. The bass move up early here, and a wacky-rigged Senko in green pumpkin is money. Focus on the Mercer Island shoreline and the mouths of creek channels.

Summer (June-August): Deep is the key. I've found most summer smallmouth in 20-40 feet, relating to offshore humps and deep docks. Drop shotting with a morning dawn roboworm or small tube is my go-to. Fish early or late – midday can be tough.

Fall (September-October): This is prime time. Bass school up and chase baitfish aggressively. Look for diving birds and breaking fish. A Keitech swimbait on a 1/4 oz head catches everything from 12-inch dinks to 4-pound toads.

Local Secrets:

The 520 bridge pillars hold fish year-round, but most anglers miss the sweet spot. Position your kayak on the current breaks 30 feet out from the pillars and drop shot straight down. The bass stack up in the eddies.

2. Lake Roosevelt - The Smallmouth Paradise

Quick Info:

Size: 79,000 acres
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (excellent), Largemouth bass (fair)
Best Months: May-September
Water Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
Key Features: 150+ miles long, numerous arms and coves

Lake Roosevelt transformed my perspective on Washington bass fishing. This massive reservoir produces smallmouth that fight like they're on steroids – seriously, a 3-pound Roosevelt smallie pulls harder than a 5-pounder anywhere else.

Best Kayak Launch Points:

Spring Canyon: Protected launch with immediate access to good water
Keller Ferry: Central location, great for multi-day trips
Hawk Creek: Less crowded, excellent smallmouth habitat nearby
Sterling Point: My personal favorite for consistent action

Tactical Approach:

The key to Roosevelt is understanding it's essentially a flooded river canyon. Bass relate heavily to rock transitions and current breaks. I focus on points where the old river channel swings close to shore – these spots consistently hold fish.

In spring, target rocky banks in 8-20 feet with jerkbaits and spinnerbaits. Once summer hits, it's all about finding schools on main lake points in 25-45 feet. A drop shot with a 4" Aaron's Magic roboworm in morning dawn or a small tube jig produces best.

Multi-Day Camping:

Roosevelt shines for kayak camping trips. I'll launch at Spring Canyon, fish and camp my way up to Keller Ferry over 3-4 days. The National Park Service maintains excellent primitive campsites accessible only by water. Just remember to check water levels – the lake can fluctuate 80+ feet annually.

3. Potholes Reservoir - Largemouth Heaven

Quick Info:

Size: 28,000 acres
Primary Species: Largemouth bass (excellent), Smallmouth bass (good)
Best Months: April-October
Water Clarity: Stained to murky
Unique Feature: Sand dunes create maze-like structure

The Potholes Reservoir is unlike any water I've fished. Imagine thousands of sand dunes creating a labyrinth of channels, pockets, and hidden bays – it's a largemouth angler's dream and a kayaker's playground.

Navigation and Access:

Main Launch at State Park: Good facilities but can be windy
Lind Coulee: Protected launch, great for exploring the dunes
Road 11 SE Access: Less known, puts you right in prime largemouth territory

The Dunes Strategy:

Here's what took me years to figure out: the best largemouth fishing happens in the confusion of channels between dunes, not the main lake. I paddle deep into the dunes, focusing on isolated pockets with 3-6 feet of water. These areas warm fastest in spring and hold fish all season.

My setup is simple: a 1/2 oz black and blue jig with a rage craw trailer, and a white vibrating jig for covering water. Work parallel to dune edges and be ready – strikes are violent. I've caught more 5+ pound largemouth here than anywhere else in Washington.

Dealing with Wind:

Potholes can blow hard, turning the main lake into a washing machine. When this happens (and it will), retreat to the protected dune areas. Some of my best days have come when other boats couldn't even launch. Your kayak choice matters here – a stable, wind-resistant design is crucial.

4. Moses Lake - The Consistent Producer

Quick Info:

Size: 6,500 acres
Primary Species: Both largemouth and smallmouth (excellent)
Best Months: April-September
Water Clarity: Stained
Average Depth: 18 feet

Moses Lake doesn't get the press of other Washington bass lakes, but that's fine by me. This central Washington gem consistently produces numbers and size, especially if you know where to look.

Strategic Launch Points:

Blue Heron Park: Right off I-90, perfect for quick trips
McCosh Park: Less pressure, access to rocky smallmouth areas
Connelly Park: Ideal for hitting the northern arms

The Moses Lake Pattern:

I've found Moses Lake bass are creatures of habit. Largemouth relate to the extensive weed beds and docks, while smallmouth patrol the rocky dam face and main lake points. The key is covering water until you establish a pattern.

In spring, I focus on the back of Pelican Horn and Parker Horn with spinnerbaits and swimbaits. These shallow, protected areas warm first and hold spawning fish. Summer means heading to the main lake – the dam face and the islands near Blue Heron Park are money spots for smallmouth.

5. Columbia River - The Overlooked Giant

Quick Info:

Size: 1,200+ miles through Washington
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (world-class)
Best Months: Year-round
Water Clarity: Clear to stained
Current: Varies by section

The Columbia River might be America's best smallmouth fishery that nobody talks about. I'm talking about legitimate 8-pound smallmouth potential, with 4-5 pounders being relatively common.

Prime Kayak Sections:

Bonneville Pool: Easy access, consistent action
The Dalles Pool: Less pressure, bigger fish
John Day Pool: My pick for trophy potential
McNary Pool (Lake Umatilla): Excellent all-around fishery

River Tactics:

Current is your friend on the Columbia. Smallmouth stack up on current breaks – behind islands, wing dams, and large boulders. I position my kayak upstream and drift naturally while working the edges with a tube jig or Ned rig.

The money technique? A 1/4 oz football jig in green pumpkin or brown/orange, dragged slowly through rocky transitions. Let the current do the work while you focus on feeling bottom composition changes.

Safety First:

The Columbia demands respect. Current, commercial traffic, and wind can create dangerous conditions quickly. I always wear my PFD, carry a VHF radio, and file a float plan. Start with the calmer pool sections before tackling areas with stronger current.

6. Lake Sammamish - The Suburban Sleeper

Quick Info:

Size: 8,000 acres
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (excellent), Largemouth bass (fair)
Best Months: April-October
Water Clarity: Clear
Average Depth: 85 feet

Twenty minutes from Seattle, Lake Sammamish offers surprisingly good bass fishing for those willing to work for it. The clear water makes fish spooky, but the payoff is worth it.

Access Points:

Lake Sammamish State Park: Best facilities, can be crowded
Idylwood Beach Park: Quieter launch, good shore structure nearby
Tibbetts Beach Park: North end access, less fishing pressure

Clear Water Tactics:

Sammamish bass have seen it all, so finesse is key. I downsize everything – 6 lb fluorocarbon, small natural-colored baits, and subtle presentations. My best success comes with a drop shot using a 3" minnow imitation in 15-30 feet along steep breaks.

The docks here are gold, but you need to fish them differently than pressured waters. Skip a weightless wacky rig way back under docks and let it fall on slack line. The strikes are subtle, but the fish are quality.

7. Lake Tapps - The Shallow Water Specialist

Quick Info:

Size: 2,800 acres
Primary Species: Largemouth bass (excellent)
Best Months: May-September
Water Clarity: Stained to murky
Average Depth: 16 feet

Lake Tapps is where I learned to flip and pitch from a kayak. This shallow, weedy reservoir southeast of Seattle is loaded with largemouth, and accessing the best spots requires stealth that only a kayak provides.

Launch Strategy:

Lake Tapps Park: Main launch, good parking
Allan Yorke Park: Better access to the north end
Tapps Island Bridge: Sneaky good launch for less pressure

Shallow Power Fishing:

Tapps is all about the vegetation. Milfoil, lily pads, and emergent grass create perfect largemouth habitat. I run heavy tackle here – 65 lb braid with a heavy flipping stick. Punch through the thick stuff with a 1.5 oz weight and a beaver-style bait.

The best action happens in summer when the weeds top out. Focus on isolated weed clumps in slightly deeper water. These spots hold bigger fish and get less pressure than the obvious shoreline cover.

8. Lake Chelan - The Clear Water Challenge

Quick Info:

Size: 32,000 acres
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (good), Lake trout
Best Months: May-September
Water Clarity: Extremely clear
Maximum Depth: 1,486 feet

Lake Chelan isn't a numbers lake, but if you want to test your skills against educated smallmouth in gin-clear water, this is your spot. The scenery alone is worth the trip.

Kayak Considerations:

Chelan State Park: Main launch, can be busy
Don Morse Park: Downtown access, convenient
Twenty-Five Mile Creek: Up-lake option, less pressure

The extreme clarity (you can see bottom in 30+ feet) means stealth is everything. I've had best success with ultra-natural presentations – small tubes in crawfish colors, Ned rigs, and drop shots with tiny 2.5" minnows.

9. Long Lake (Spokane River) - The Eastern Surprise

Quick Info:

Size: 5,000 acres
Primary Species: Both species (good)
Best Months: April-October
Water Clarity: Clear to stained
Current: Minimal

Long Lake surprised me. This Spokane River impoundment offers excellent bass fishing with far less pressure than the west-side lakes.

Access Areas:

Long Lake Dam: Good launch, immediate deep water
Willow Bay Resort: Full facilities, protected launch
Nine Mile Falls: Upper section, river-like characteristics

The combination of rocky structure and weed beds creates ideal habitat for both bass species. I've found the best approach is to target transition zones where rock meets weeds. A Carolina rig with a creature bait covers water effectively while staying in the strike zone.

10. Lake Umatilla - The Border Water Bonanza

Quick Info:

Size: 20,000 acres
Primary Species: Smallmouth bass (excellent)
Best Months: March-November
Water Clarity: Stained
Current: Moderate

Lake Umatilla, the McNary Dam pool on the Columbia, offers year-round bass fishing in a unique environment where Washington meets Oregon.

Strategic Launches:

Plymouth Park: Washington side, good facilities
Boardman Marina: Oregon side, access to different structure
Irrigon Marina: Protected launch, less wind exposure

What sets Umatilla apart is the earlier season. Bass here are catchable in March when other lakes are still too cold. The mixture of current, depth, and structure creates diverse habitat that holds fish year-round.

Seasonal Strategies for Washington Bass

Spring (March-May):

Focus on protected bays and shallow flats. Water temperature is everything – look for areas that warm fastest. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jerkbaits excel as bass move shallow to spawn.

Summer (June-August):

Go deep or go early. Summer bass in Washington's clear lakes often suspend in 20-40 feet during the day. Drop shots, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving crankbaits are essential. Night fishing can be exceptional.

Fall (September-November):

My favorite season. Bass school up and feed aggressively before winter. Follow the baitfish – where you find shad or perch, you'll find bass. Swimbaits, topwater, and jerkbaits all produce.

Winter (December-February):

Don't write off winter completely. Slow presentations in 30-50 feet can produce quality fish. I've caught some of my biggest smallmouth in February on Lake Washington using a blade bait or jigging spoon.

Conservation and Ethics

Washington's bass fishing is too good to abuse. I practice selective harvest – keeping a few smaller fish for the table while releasing the big spawners. Handle fish quickly, use proper release techniques, and respect other water users.

Remember that many of these lakes have consumption advisories due to mercury. Check current guidelines before keeping fish, especially from Lake Roosevelt and the Columbia River.

FAQ Section

What's the best time of year for bass fishing in Washington?

April through October offers the best action, with May and September being prime months. Spring provides excellent shallow-water fishing, while fall offers aggressive feeding behavior as bass school up.

Do I need a special permit to kayak fish in Washington?

You need a valid Washington fishing license and a Discover Pass for launching at state parks. Some lakes may require additional permits, so check local regulations. No special kayak permit is required.

Which Washington lake has the biggest bass?

For largemouth, Potholes Reservoir and Lake Tapps consistently produce 5+ pounders. For smallmouth, the Columbia River system (including Lake Roosevelt and Lake Umatilla) offers the best trophy potential.

Are Washington bass safe to eat?

Yes, but follow consumption advisories. Many lakes have mercury warnings, especially for larger fish. Generally, smaller bass (under 15 inches) from cleaner lakes are safest. Check DOH guidelines for specific waters.

What's the best lure for Washington smallmouth?

Drop shots with small plastics, tube jigs, and Ned rigs consistently produce. Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, and smoke work best in clear water. Don't overlook blade baits in deeper water.

Can you bass fish year-round in Washington?

Most lakes are open year-round for bass. Winter fishing can be tough but productive for patient anglers. Focus on deep structure with slow presentations during cold months.

How deep should I fish for bass in Washington lakes?

It varies by season. Spring: 5-15 feet, Summer: 20-45 feet, Fall: 10-25 feet, Winter: 30-50 feet. Always use electronics to locate fish, as they often suspend at various depths.

What size bass can I keep in Washington?

Most waters have no minimum size for bass, but some have slot limits. Daily limit is typically 5 bass in combination. Always check current regulations for specific waters, as rules can change.

Do I need a boat to bass fish in Washington?

Not at all! Many productive areas are accessible from shore or perfectly suited for kayaks. In fact, kayaks can access spots boats can't reach, often resulting in better fishing.

What's the water temperature range for active bass in Washington?

Bass become active around 50°F and are most aggressive between 60-75°F. Smallmouth prefer slightly cooler water than largemouth. I start catching fish consistently once water temps hit 55°F in spring.

Final Thoughts

Washington's bass fishing continues to surprise me, even after a decade of exploration. From the urban waters of Lake Washington to the remote canyons of Lake Roosevelt, this state offers incredible diversity for kayak anglers. The combination of healthy fish populations, stunning scenery, and year-round opportunity makes Washington a bass fishing destination that rivals anywhere in the country.

The key to success here is understanding that Washington bass are different. They've adapted to deep, clear, cold water and behave differently than their southern cousins. Downsize your presentations, fish deeper than you think, and always be ready for that next personal best.

Whether you're a weekend warrior hitting Lake Sammamish after work or planning a week-long adventure on the Columbia River, Washington's bass are waiting. Grab your kayak, rig up your rods, and discover why Pacific Northwest bass fishing is one of the best-kept secrets in American angling.

See you on the water – I'll be the guy in the green kayak, probably hung up in somebody's dock, living my best life one bass at a time.