best bass lures for washington state

Year-round largemouth bass fishing opportunities. You can also find an abundance of landlocked salmon at Riffe Lake, along with trout and panfish. Plenty of bass call Lake Washington home but they are spread out, making them tough to find for those new to the lake. On the down side, though, this big water can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the best holding spots, so it takes some effort to get to know the very best spots to cast. "The hundreds of small islands the sand dunes make this a maze of cover. With so many local attractions in the town of Soap Lake, youll never run out of fun things to do. Some winters the water warms enough in February to churn out some hefty largemouth. Best for Big Prespawn Females: Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait. On Potholes, the entire lake is full of brush, beaver dams, dunes or grass. The WDFW manages a single lane boat launch on the north end. A popping frog like the Spro allows you to work your lure fast or slow. So, if youre looking for an amazing fishing experience, be sure to check out the lakes in Washington State. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Start by covering all the bases with bottom, moving, and topwater lures. The Manasquan Reservoir is one of the state's newest waters. Find more information about permits and reservations here. The Columbia River rivals the Great Lakes for smallmouths. ", But the lake's no slouch when it comes to smallmouths. Something about the original formulation produces a tantalizing side-to-side wiggle that fish everywhere cannot wait to inhale. Swofford Pond. I can attest that they are much smarter than they look. "There are world-class smallmouth fisheries and excellent largemouth fisheries," says Danny Garrett. "I'll work it down to deeper fish, like on Banks Lake, over the deep rocky points. The reservoir has both smallmouth bass & largemouth bass- both coming in big size. Also, the Walleye fish are also visible there. Like the Rat-L-Trap, above, they excel when ripped free from vegetation. 6,800 acres wide. And, smallmouths are in fine numbers as well in most of the spots of the river towards northern Washington. If youre looking for a great place to fish for bass, then you should definitely check out Palmer Lake. In other instances, like first and last light, bass will move shallower in search of baitfish cruising flats. 4) Lake Roosevelt. For many of the warm-water anglers in Pacific northwest, this is a super destination spot. Youll find several public boat launches including Potholes Lake State Park, Blythe access and the Sampson Pit access areas. Hardbaits tend to be a little more pricey, so it is important to pick usable lures. We use St. Croix Mojo Bass and Bass X rods. The dunes, he explains, is primarily a show that stars largemouth bass, while the rocky southern end of the reservoir around the dam is more prone to produce smallmouths. Fished fast or slow, on another bait, or by itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass. Fished as is, it is effective, but paired with a soft plastic trailer and its deadly. For the first time, there were realistic-looking jerkbaits with great action readily available and the result was apparent. "Collectively, they're all three excellent lakes," he begins, "and the top-3 most popular tournament lakes in Washington. "I've just started to hear whispers of that (switch) in the last couple years," Garrett says. You can expect to pick up your fair share of 4-5 pound smallmouth along some of the best stretches. Lake Washington Its about 88 km2 wide and 108 ft deep. But (the WDFW) has created some environment and habitat for warm-water fish, and the climate is shifting toward warmer temperatures.". In fact, the Washington state smallmouth bass record was taken from the Hanford Reach portion of Lake Wallula. Top water frogs, poppers and jitterbugs are great in early spring. But from there youll find some definite differences. If the fish are lethargic and not willing to chase it down, you can drag it on the bottom like you would a jig. Bass anglers east of the Cascades commonly home-in on, perhaps, three of the finest bass lakes the Evergreen State has to offer: Banks Lake, Moses Lake, and sprawling Potholes Reservoir. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for RAPALA COUNTDOWN CD-7, CD07, SILVER, S, 2-3/4", SINKING, BALSA LURE at the best online prices at eBay! However, our state record is 12.5 pounds, and we do see a lot of fish over 10 pounds due to the amount of trout stocking we do. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and were now bringing that expertise to online reviews. I picked the best spring bass lures that would cover the gamut of water temperatures from immediately after ice out into the post spawn period. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Of course, the best spring bass lures can vary depending on what part of the country youre fishing, and which species of bass you target. A one lane boat ramp, dock and limited trailer parking is available. Taken as a whole, there are very few bodies of water across the United States with as many smallmouth bass. Instead, most anglers cast and retrieve lures that imitate their prey species, which include smaller fish, crayfish, frogs and other amphibians, all kinds of insects, and even the occasional snake, duckling or rodent swimming across the surface. 5. The lip on the frog chugs and throws water so a small twitch can still produce a lot of commotion. Found in central Washington. There's so many of them (largemouths) out there. That's a good thing, of course, because a fine argument really could be made for either. if you purchase something through our posts, we may receive a commission at no extra charge to you. But dont be fooled; this small bait can catch some tanks. The Spro Bronzeye Popper Frog is my go-to frog lure for summer bass fishing. Best Baits for Spring Bass Fishing Soft plastic stickbaits or soft plastic lizards are two of the best spring baits for bass fishing. Here are some of my best bass lures that meet those criteria.. No worries. That said, smallmouths are the predominant species. There are 5 public boat launches spread along the eastern edge. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? While the fish bite, the District Department of the Environment strictly regulates which fish can be consumed. The fishery is so vast and diverse that anglers spread out and they fish for a variety of species. He's partial to a pair of color variations: Magic and KVD Magic. Best Swimbait: Keitech Fat Swing Impact. Nor as much as it deserves. If a company didnt skimp on the hooks it is usually safe to say they didnt skimp on designing the lure. Lake Roosevelt. Our approach would certainly mitigate your query, confusion or tension regarding the topic for sure. Smallmouth are also available along some of the rockier shorelines. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. The Columbia River runs for hundreds of miles through Washington State before discharging into the Pacific Ocean. The Booyah jig has proven itself as a fish catching winner. The bass anglers will often start showing up at Potholes Reservoir as soon as some decent weather slips through, often in March and definitely by April. Smallmouth are evenly dispersed around the many rocky banks that surround Lake Palmer. Its close proximity to the Seattle metro area makes it a popular recreational destination but the vast, 21,933 acre lake allows bass anglers to find their own space to chase trophy largemouth and smallmouth. Generally, you want to fish dark colors in darker water and natural colors in lighter water. If you want to catch the biggest largemouth bass of your life in the state of Lacamas Lake. Trolling with downriggers is the most effective technique. "Banks is really on the rebound," Brinks says. One of the best ways to enjoy the fishing is via boat-in camping at one of the 35 remote camp areas. And when we write about a productwhether its a bass lure or a backpackwe cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase. "The smallmouths are nomadic. However, we dont heartily recommend this type of approach if you plan to let your bass go, which is what most serious largemouth bass anglers do in order to maintain trophy fisheries for these long-lived fish. It might not be close, but its also not far near Moses Lake just south of Interstate 90, under three hours from Seattle. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. However, it's largemouths that still dominate in the handful of embayments, both big and small, that pockmark Lake Washington's shoreline. Recreational access and camping along the hundreds of miles of shoreline is handled by the National Park Service. Perch fishing can be a fast-paced affair on Lake Washington. Most of the smallmouth average 2-3 pounds but quality fish up to 5 pounds are in the mix. Give a Gift In the early spring, bass eat a variety of prey in order to fatten up before spawning. For smallies, focus on rock with a jig and craw trailer. On the other hand, go to West Medical Lake if you plan to troll around with your motor boat and boat limits of trout, thanks to less restrictive rules and lots and lots of trout stocking. Boat access to Lake Roosevelt is easiest at either Spring Canyon or Keller Ferry on the southern shore. If this is the case, the best baits are bottom baits which can drag past lethargic fish and produce a strike. WebRiffe Lake is one of southwest Washington's best-known fishing spots, particularly for smallmouth bass, which congregate in rocky areas around the western shore. Don't let our great cold-water fishing fool you intooverlooking some great Washington bass fishing. Smallmouth are the most popular target for bass anglers and countless miles of rock studded shoreline provide excellent smallmouth habitat. My BEST Day Bass Fishing EVER!! Palmer Lake. Anglers who know the Columbia sometimes enjoy triple-digit catch days during May and June, when the smallmouths spawn. Come summer, ponds and lakes can be overgrown with vegetation that frogs love. If so, Washington State is the perfect destination for you! This month, Washington-Oregon Game & Fish takes an in-depth look at some of the finest bass fishing Washington has to offer. Currently, state fishing regulations place length limits on both largemouths no retention of fish between 12 and 17 inches long and smallmouths a creel limit of just one fish daily longer than 14 inches. People from both sides of the Cascades come here. When it comes to water sports and fishing, Potholes Reservoir is Washingtons favorite playground. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. Washington salmon fisheries are limited geographically. We're still going to have good runs of salmon up the Columbia and into Puget Sound," he continues, "so the pressure on the department from the salmon fishing community isn't going to go away. Best for Drop-shots: Roboworm Straight Tail Worms. Eloika Lake Eloika Lake, located in Washington State, is well-known for its exceptional bass fishing. The Acme Kastmaster Spoon is one of my go-to trout lures for rivers and lakes. Weightless swimbaits can also fool bass cruising the shallows. Arrive early to get a spot when fishing is at its peak. Western Washington is seldom considered a bass fishing hot spot by out-of-state anglers but Lake Washington proves them wrong. From a hand-tied silicone skirt to the natural-style head, everything about this lure screams premium, and, despite the price, retailers cant keep them on shelves. Bass can be caught anywhere in the water column but it can depend a lot on conditions. A boat, especially one suited for shallow water, will be your best friend at Potholes. Here, the waters surrounding Goat and Gailey's islands provide the shallow habitat conducive to largemouths, along with the rocky structure traditionally a favorite of smallies. Since the Senko was introduced over two decades ago, nearly every other manufacturer has tried to knock it off, but none have perfectly copied or improved upon it. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 4. They can be found around the lakes many docks and close to shore near the weed lines. On any given day, on any of the three Grant County bass fisheries, Lure X might be the hot ticket. When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. Recognizing that no two bass fisheries are alike, or contain the exact same forage base, I focused on lures with universal appeal and quality components. Whether Texas Rigged, Neko Rigged, wacky rigged, or fished on a dropshot, the original Senko makes beginners into winners and makes experts even better. A lot of smells will attract bass but salt and garlic are two of the most important factors. This 629 acre warm-water fishery is almost entirely surrounded by weed beds and brushy shoreline with smatterings of sunken logs and downed trees. Switching to a leader with tandem baitholder hooks has increased my landing ratio tremendously. 2) Columbia River. If you know what the fish are eating, matching a lure to the bait will produce a lot of strikes. Often blue or purple sparkle are top choices as vegetation takes hold during the dry, hot summers. Whether youre targeting bushes, rocks, standing timber, or bluffs, pitch it close to cover and then do just about nothing. Free shipping for many products! Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. The Columbia is an interesting case. With open acknowledgement that many Washington reservoirs and larger rivers offer more extensive opportunities and bigger fish, this canyon-run tributary of the Snake River offers fast-action smallmouth fishing in a spectacular setting. During the spring, when largemouths are shallow and aggressive, keep a crankbait, a lipless crankbait and spinnerbait handy and cover plenty of water. Numerous boat launches are dispersed along Lake Wallulas length. Here topwater lures like frogs or poppers are a good bet. Every one of the following lakes is known for great bass fishing from time to time. Originally from Las Vegas and now living in Spokane, Tyler Brinks has had plenty of time to ply the waters of all three. Nothing is quite as exhilarating or as picturesque as landing a king salmon out of the Columbia River. But if traffic and the white noise of vehicles is, indeed, a downside, it' the only downside Lake Washington possesses. Interestingly enough, given Washington's angling tradition of salmon fishing, there does seem to be an increase in the number of bass anglers hitting the water each season, as well as those fishermen who make the transition from salmon and steelhead to warm-water species like bass. H&H Angler & Outfitter (360-733-2050) in Bellingham has bass gear. Web9 Lakes with Exceptional Bass Fishing in Washington State. You can sometimes go behind someone throwing a different vibrating jig and mop up fish they miss thanks to the Jackhammers enticing frequency and better hookup percentage. Along with some tips of what baits worked best on these bodies of water. Just about every foot of shoreline has bass to give up. Winter months Plan on layering! Our Boat You will be fishing out of a 21ft. These stunning features provide just the most idyllic backgrounds for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers who call Washington home likely live within spitting distance of a quality bass fishery that pumps out 4-5 pound bass regularly. "The lake is over 200 feet deep, and it just drops straight down," Garrett says. Still-fishing with natural bait such as nightcrawlers will certainly catch bass, especially the small ones. Or some lures just provoke an aggressive response from these alpha predators. For over hundreds of miles, big size smallmouth Bass fish spread out amazingly. The state record largemouth bass was taken out of Lake Bosworth. Northrup Canyon and Steamboat Rock State Park are your best bet for centralized access to great bass fishing. Just $1 per month , The lures you need to help land your best bass ever, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 3) Moses Lake. Still, I don't think people realize there are people like me who are making recommendations in terms of (Washington's) bass and bass fishing," he concludes. One that's smoked first. Again, they are suitable for the rivers changing conditions throughout the year. If you like fishing creature baits look for soft plastics with a lot of movement. This means anglers can catch their first bass and their last bass of the year on one of these three lakes.". Kastmaster Spoon. The best bass lures can make all the difference when it comes to catching fish. Look for lures that have good action, are built to last, and are scented when possible. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product worksor doesnt. The president and founder of the Spokane Bass Club, Brinks, an accomplished tournament angler, manages social-media accounts for several clients within the fishing industry, and is a long-time friend and supporter of the Tennessee-based Strike King Lure Company. Banks Lake is the heart and soul of Washingtons bass fishery. We also recommend cloting designed to block the sun, such as long sleeve performance shorts and buffs to keep the sun of your neck and ears. Bass anglers east of the Cascades commonly home-in on, perhaps, three of the finest bass lakes the Evergreen State has to offer: Banks Lake, Moses Lake, and sprawling Potholes Reservoir. Banks Lake. 3. A bit. Try reaction baits first because the catching is quicker if they'll hammer a lipless crankbait. Whereas smallmouth prefer rocky shorelines, points and breaks, largemouth bass are concentrated around downed trees and marina docks. Anglers from across the country started dialing in deep-water fish with a bait that could be worked slow or fast. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Boat launches are available around the entire lake but most bass anglers launch from Kenmore, Magnuson Park, Gene Coulon Park and Beach Park ramps. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabit these waters but smallmouth are the major draw. The Strike King Rage Craws body is soft enough to keep bass holding on, but durable enough to hold up against multiple bites. Not only does Lake Roosevelt claim the title as Washingtons largest lake at 79,000 acres, it also holds a top slot for smallmouth 2. It is notable because of its wider choice while fishing in various lakes, sea shores and water spots compared to other regions. The most important question to ask about the best bass lures is whether or not they catch fish consistently. They should be durable enough to withstand multiple fish and be offered in a variety of colors for different situations. Just enter your email to subscribe to our blog and receive notifications of new posts. Banks Lake. Docks and/or weed-lines, he says, should be the focus. And during the spring months, Cutthroat will gorge themselves on out-migrating Salmon smolt, which tend to migrate along the shorelines and near the surface mid-lake. However, springtime fishing conditions change quickly, and anglers who fail to change with them will have hard days on the water. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Cant make it to one of the top 9 bass fishing lakes in Washington State? "No, it's a tough fishery," Garrett admits. The best ramp facility is at Bloedel Donovan Park (360-676-6888) on the lake's west side. I like to troll with a 4/0 dodger, 12-18 leader to a Wedding Ring tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. Web14 Best Largemouth Bass Fishing Lakes in Washington. Theres something about the hard vibration that drives fish crazy, and the newer version knocks harder and results in better hookups. Fishing a chatterbait is simple, you cast it out and reel it in, which is great for casting and moving. It's a better fishery for largemouths, and trophy largemouths in the 7- to 8-pound class. Thats why a suspending or slow-floating jerkbait that taunts them and represents an easy meal is a prime choice, and this one is a favorite of the pros. Durable, full bodied silicon skirts, rattles, weed guard, high quality hooks, and a variety of colors and sizes all at a very affordable price make this a go to jig for many bass anglers. Step 3: Below the weight, tie on the hook.Offset-shank worm hooks are the gold standard for this technique when fishing with thinner baits, like finesse worms and lizards. A morning with Luce, and it became clear that while Washington is undeniably synonymous with salmon, steelhead, and a host of other famed saltwater species, the Evergreen State is certainly no slouch when it comes to opportunities to pursue Micropterus salmoides, the largemouth bass, or his bulldogging bruiser of a cousin, Old Mister Smallmouth. All Rights Reserved. "Largemouths are in the reedy backwater bays. What's this means to the angler looking for something to do in between runs or simply as a switch from the traditional diet, literally and figuratively, of anadromous species? A smaller craw style lure creates a big enough profile to threaten them while also maximizing your catch rate. Keep in mind that you need to have a D.C. fishing license before casting your first line. As with any fishery in the state, regulations can change so always consult the WDFW Fishing Regulations for the final word. Among the accomplishments includes the recently concluded Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative, which in 10 years conserved or enhanced 5.3 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, recruited 1.5 million new or lapsed hunters, and opened new access to 750,000 acres for hunting and recreation. Best for Flipping Heavy Cover: Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver. Read Also: Pelican Covert 120 Angler Fishing Kayak Kwf12p200. Both lakes are west of the city of Medical Lake, which borders the east bank of Medical Lake. Anacostia National Park is open year-round and offers incredible fishing opportunities. Bass can feel these vibrations in the water and will curiously investigate such offerings. As they move Abu Garcia levelwind reels and Pflueger spinning reels complete a balanced fishing system. I took the time to find several of the best bass baits out there to keep you on fish. Suddenly, youll notice your line move away with a fish that has inhaled it. I prefer fishing a paddle tail swimbait to mimic a fleeing baitfish but crawfish trailers work too. It's awfully hard to win a tournament on Lake Washington anymore without a largemouth in the bag. Sometimes the strikes come on the pause, just a subtle tick in a slack line, and other times the fish will literally try to pull the rod out of your hands. The grassy shorelines and marshy inlets of Osborne Bay and the Devils Punch Bowl generally hold largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound class. That water flow seems to (help) congregate the fish." But only the facts should determine the best bass lures. This is a lure where less is often more, and letting natural currents work your lure can be more productive than implementing a lot of extraneous action. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. These are 9 of the most exceptional bass fishing lakes in Washington State. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Today, there are more largemouths and bigger largemouths in Banks. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. More Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. But, as Garrett puts it, "one of the best bass fisheries in the nation" didn't just happen. It is from the area of Lake Coeur dAlene. You can fish the bait by itself on a jig head or an EWG hook for weedless presentations. Use a larger lure than you would for most similarly sized fish. Silver Lake garners a good bit of attention from local bass clubs and plays host to numerous tournaments. In terms of smallmouths," he continues, "Washington can brag about that on a nationwide level. You will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little. The next lake on our list is yet another smallmouth bass hot spot. While this river is quite popular with fishermen when the steelhead are high in the system and play boaters through the warm months, it gets very little fishing pressure during the summer, whens smallmouth move in. Ask some folks, and the big lake ranks a strong No. This works well even without a baitfish added to the hoochie. WebCentral and Eastern Washington Smallmouth Bass. Where can they quickly get the type of fish they are targeting? The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. Best Overall: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Senko. I find the action of this bait sets it apart from others. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Several of which are within the Hanford National Monument where bass fishing is the best. I've seen (tournament) anglers weigh-in over 25 pounds of largemouths for a five-fish limit. The tributaries such as the Cowlitz and Kalama rivers are a good bet for fishing below the Bonneville Dam. The Vision 110 may now be widely available at retail prices, but a decade ago desperate anglers would pay triple figures for this jerkbait on the secondary market. Whether you will be trolling with downriggers, lead-core line, or flat-line with a little weight, troll your rigs far back behind the boat. A good number of hefty largemouth bass populate the northern portion of Banks Lake as well. If you find a solid lure for finesse fishing and a good moving bait, you can cover nearly all conditions. Best Craw: Strike King Rage Craw. It's more of a numbers lake for smallmouths. For beginners, I recommend choosing a variety of baits that cover the entire water column and experimenting with different techniques. Spring is most bass anglers favorite season, because fish are often at their fattest and most active. Ever since that childhood trip to my Uncles Montana Roostertail Spinner. Best for Bass Chasing Herring: Evergreen Shower Blows Topwater Plugs Best for Covering Grassy Flats : Stanley Ribbit Best Frog: SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Frog Best Swimbait: Triton Mike Bull Shad Best Finesse Spinnerbait: War Eagle Mike McClelland Finesse Spinnerbait How We Picked the Best Bass Lures In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. "There are largemouth bass in almost every lake in the state of Washington,", "I'm part of one of four main warm-water (fishing) teams that were started in 1997," he explains. Free shipping for many products! Silver Lake. "I visited with a salmon club recently, and the speaker was an angler who'd gone to Lake Chelan. WebHere are the best lakes to catch lake whitefish in Washington State. Go beyond that for solitude and an endless supply of willing smallmouth. Sunglasses and sunscreen Try to bring your favorite sun screen and if you forget, dont worry I have plenty. That's over a 4-pound average. Still, it always contains a selection of the following Strike King (StrikeKing.com) profiles and color schemes. Here are a few things to look for in the best soft plastics and hard baits for bass fishing., In the world of soft plastics, there are an infinite number of possibilities. The Rage Craws versatility makes it a necessity for every tackle box 12 months out of the year. Largemouths. The largemouths are a little easier to figure out because they're usually around the same docks every year. Whether fished as is or as a trailer, I make sure to always carry some Keitech Swing Impacts with me. Here are some of the best early spring bass fishing lures to try this season: 1. The biggest females need to feed before the rigors of spawning, but dont expend too much energy to get the job done. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Our Tackle I will provide all of the tackle, rods and reels. Strike Kings popular Rage Tail series of lures are meant to produce maximum action with minimal forward movement. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Slow trolling is key for Kokanee, as is determining where in the water column they will be. If you are interested in all that Seattle has to offer for the angler, check out Your Guide to Fishing Seattle The City and Beyond. Give them a try and learn what fits your style of fishing best.. The best method for stripers here is bait fishing. Its lightly fished and needs to be on every smallmouth junkies bucket list. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Washington.

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