The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Washington

Discover the best fishing lakes in Washington! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 lakes for fishing in the Evergreen State. With top-notch bass, trout, and salmon fishing, these lakes will be sure to provide a great time for anglers of all levels. Read on to find out which lakes made the list!

Lake Roosevelt

Lake Roosevelt is a 130-mile long lake that was created with the completion of the Grand Coulee Dam in 1941. It offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation in central Washington.

Types of Fish: walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, trout, and other warm water species
Types of Fishing: boat, drift boat, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is an extensive list of professional guides in the area
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Grand Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee Lodge, and Banks Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Stix & Stones Tackle Shop in Coulee City, about 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and boat ramps
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Grand Coulee Mini Mart, about 8 miles away.

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a popular recreation destination and is the third-deepest lake in the United States. It is a 50-mile long lake located in the North Cascades of Washington.

Types of Fish: Kokanee, lake trout, rainbow trout, bass, and perch
Types of Fishing: trolling, drifting, casting, jigging, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas and private companies
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Lakeside Lodge, Campbell’s Resort, and Mill Bay Resort
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Cascade Tackle and Archery in Chelan, about 4 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Chevron in Chelan, about 4.5 miles away.

Ross Lake

Ross Lake is a 22-mile long reservoir located in the North Cascades of Washington. It is surrounded by the North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Types of Fish: Kokanee salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas and private companies
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Ross Lake Resort, Golden West Visitor Center, and Golden West Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Cascade Tackle and Archery in Chelan, about 20 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Chevron in Diablo, about 21.5 miles away.

American Lake

American Lake is a large lake in Pierce County, Washington that is popular for fishing year-round. It is approximately 4,320 acres in size.

Types of Fish: cutthroat trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie
Types of Fishing: boat, bank, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at Jolly Roger Marina
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Lakewood Inn, Travelodge Tacoma and Lakewood, and La Quinta Inn & Suites Tacoma Lakewood
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Tacoma Sportsman in Tacoma, about 12 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: 7-Eleven in Lakewood, about 1.3 miles away.

Riffe Lake

Riffe Lake is located in Lewis County, Washington and was created with the construction of the Mossyrock Dam near Mount Rainier. It is a 6,800-acre lake with more than 60 miles of shoreline.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and cutthroat trout
Types of Fishing: trolling, drifting, casting, or jigging
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Mossyrock Lodge, Lake Mayfield Resort, and Lake Mayfield Country Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Mossyrock Outfitters in Mossyrock, about 5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and boat ramps
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Chevron in Mossyrock, about 4.5 miles away.

Deer Lake

Deer Lake is a 2,400-acre lake located in the northwestern corner of Washington. It offers excellent trout fishing for anglers of all skill levels.

Types of Fish: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, and brown bullhead
Types of Fishing: jigging, trolling, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Deer Lake Inn, Deer Lake Resort, and Deer Park Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Big Bear Sports in Deer Park, about 6 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Deer Park Shell in Deer Park, about 4.5 miles away.

Fish Lake

Fish Lake is a large, shallow lake located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. It is approximately 2,500 acres in size and is a popular destination for boaters and anglers alike.

Types of Fish: rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie
Types of Fishing: trolling, drifting, jigging, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Fish Lake Resort, Naneum Inn, and Angels Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Cle Elum Sports in Cle Elum, about 21 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Naneum Shell in Naneum, about 5 miles away.

Potholes Reservoir

Potholes Reservoir is a large, 13,000-acre reservoir located in Grant County, Washington. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation activities.

Types of Fish: walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and crappie
Types of Fishing: trolling, drifting, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Potholes Resort, Potholes State Park, and Oasis Resort
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Potholes Tackle & Supply in Moses Lake, about 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and boat ramps
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Maverik in Moses Lake, about 7.5 miles away.

Merwin Reservoir

Merwin Reservoir is a 1,500-acre reservoir located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in southwestern Washington.

Types of Fish: rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch
Types of Fishing: trolling, jigging, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas and private companies
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is a list of recommended guides available
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Merwin Inn & Resort, Cowlitz River Lodge, and La Quinta Inn Kelso Longview
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Fisherman’s Choice in Kelso, about 6.5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, day-use areas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Chevron in Woodland, about 17.5 miles away.

10.

Banks Lake

Banks Lake is a large, 27-mile-long reservoir located in the central part of Washington and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of Fish: walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and trout
Types of Fishing: trolling, drift boat, and shore fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, at various marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, there is an extensive list of professional guides in the area
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Grand Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee Lodge, and Banks Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and how Far Away it is: Stix & Stones Tackle Shop in Coulee City, about 10 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: State fishing regulations apply
Amenities of the Lake: boat launches, campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and boat ramps
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it Is: Grand Coulee Mini Mart, about 8 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Washington and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking to explore the best fishing locations in Washington, then you’ve come to the right place! With the handy Google map below, you can easily find other lakes and good fishing spots throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax by the lake or an exciting place to cast your line, this map can help you find the perfect spot. So why not take a look and start planning your next fishing adventure in Washington!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Washington

The weather in Washington state can vary depending on the season, but overall it is mild and conducive to sport fishing throughout the year. In the summertime, temperatures can reach the mid-80s and occasionally higher, and in the winter, temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to the upper-40s. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, with an average of nearly 40 inches per year. The area’s coastal climate provides ample opportunity for anglers to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, no matter what the season.