best bass lures for washington state

BLM and DNR access areas provide decent boat launches and a small camping area along the southern and eastern shore. Summers can be hot and dry but the cool, clear water provides a welcome reprieve. This is the definitive book on lure and fly fishing for bass and panfish in Washington State. Palmer Lake is tucked close to the Canadian border in Okanogan County and covers 2,032 very fertile acres. For worms, I like a basic worm shape between 4 and 8 inches longits simple but it works. The Columbia River rivals the Great Lakes for smallmouths. Thousands of sand dune islands harbor grassy weed lines perfect for largemouth bass with many up to 6 pounds. That water flow seems to (help) congregate the fish." Most of Eloika Lake is less than 12 feet deep so the water warms fast after ice out in the spring. The reservoir has both smallmouth bass & largemouth bass- both coming in big size. The Roboworm 4.5 Straight Worm is one of my favorite smallmouth bass baits. Popping it off the bottom makes the blade flutter and can entice fish to eat. If the fish are lethargic and not willing to chase it down, you can drag it on the bottom like you would a jig. Silver Lake. Boat launches are available around the entire lake but most bass anglers launch from Kenmore, Magnuson Park, Gene Coulon Park and Beach Park ramps. Lake Washington is located between Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. "It used to be predominantly a largemouth lake," Garrett reveals, "but smallmouths gradually took over.". Skeeter Bass Boat with a Mercury 225 EFI and Minn Kota Talons for shallow water. Fish slow and cover likely spots thoroughly before moving on. Recommended Reading: Fly Fishing In The Spring. Docks and/or weed-lines, he says, should be the focus. Walleyes, then, were taken care of, courtesy of Mr. Iman and his expertise. The reservoir's 770 acres are fast becoming a gem for bass fishermen in the central portion of the state. ", Located south and west of Moses Lake, and formed by the construction of the O'Sullivan Dam in 1949, Potholes Reservoir " is one of the most unique places I've ever fished in the country," Brinks says. The most intense fishing pressure is within a mile or two of the boat launches. Youll certainly need to sort through a fair number of 2-4 pounders though. Web9 Lakes with Exceptional Bass Fishing in Washington State. Matching the hatch is not necessary, and the standard trolling lures do not look much like the forage they are naturally feeding on, yet they are caught with ease. If you want to add scent to a hard bait there are plenty of sprays that you can add to the lure to attract fish. But from there youll find some definite differences. I was quite mistaken. These stunning features provide just the most idyllic backgrounds for largemouth bass fishing. But with the following six choices, youll have a lure for every condition during this transitional time, no matter where you fish. Steelhead fisheries, too, are likewise restricted. There are lots of smallmouth around the 4 pound mark. The lures sloped nose and baitfish-shaped body produce a tight wobble, and the loud BBs inside create a ruckus. "We did stock assessments from 1997 through 2002," Garrett says, "and instituted these regulations statewide. Instead of going through it, I prefer to go over it with a frog lure. These bass lures can be fished throughout most of the year. Abu Garcia levelwind reels and Pflueger spinning reels complete a balanced fishing system. However, it's largemouths that still dominate in the handful of embayments, both big and small, that pockmark Lake Washington's shoreline. WebDesigned by legendary angler Gary Yamamoto, the Senko is a top bass catching plastic stick worm. Best for Eliciting a Reaction Bite: Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer. Willows, creek channels and other structures are worth your attention, too. Plenty of bass call Lake Washington home but they are spread out, making them tough to find for those new to the lake. This is the definitive book on lure and fly fishing for bass and panfish in Washington State. In the fall as the weeds start to die back, they will move out into deeper open water and school up in great numbers. Largemouth over 4 pounds are common but tricky to find at times. For colors, I prefer the margarita mutilator for goby or crawfish imitations and the pumpkin punisher for shad and shiner imitations. Smallmouth key in on this and can consistently be caught. Generally, you want to fish dark colors in darker water and natural colors in lighter water. Recreational access and camping along the hundreds of miles of shoreline is handled by the National Park Service. Most of the striped bass here arent giants, with an average size Ive seen in the 3 to 5-pound range, but there are plenty of that size and occasional lunkers. The best color for a crawfish lure will depend on the clarity of the water green works well for clear water, oranges and browns are effective in muddy water and blue or black is best for very dark water. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. You will be very comfortable, even if the wind blows a little. If you present something too big, theyll pick it up and move it away without getting near the hook. In this article, we narrow down the lakes that stand above the rest. The next lake on our list is yet another smallmouth bass hot spot. Best Classic Soft Plastic for Bass: Berkley PowerBait Power Worm. These places attract forage like crayfish and sculpin, and the smallmouths will be right there with them.". The best ramp facility is at Bloedel Donovan Park (360-676-6888) on the lake's west side. Here are your best bets for bass fishing in Washington. As far as moving baits a chatterbait can imitate most baitfish patterns effectively and covers a lot of water. Fished fast or slow, on another bait, or by itself, it perfectly replicates the favorite protein-packed food of every bass. The state record largemouth bass was taken out of Lake Bosworth. Swofford Pond. Ever since that childhood trip to my Uncles Montana Roostertail Spinner. Subscriber Services. Persistent bass anglers will find plenty of action all season. But when bass are schooled up and chasing bait, the lure fishes just as well with a fast retrieve. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. And, smallmouths are in fine numbers as well in most of the spots of the river towards northern Washington. The Columbia River runs for hundreds of miles through Washington State before discharging into the Pacific Ocean. This giant reservoir is filled by water pumped up from Lake Roosevelt and covers over 27,000 acres along its 32 mile length. The Arashi Glide gives the average angler a legitimate shot at the biggest bass in the lake while not ruling out tournament sized or keeper fish.. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. H&H Angler & Outfitter (360-733-2050) in Bellingham has bass gear. If you find a solid lure for finesse fishing and a good moving bait, you can cover nearly all conditions. On some lakes, there's no structure or it's too deep. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. Trolling with downriggers is the most effective technique. "The smallmouths are nomadic. . 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 On top of that, the Columbia River system hosts world class smallmouth fishing that is almost entirely overlooked. Believe it or not, Washington State grows plentiful amounts of largemouth and smallmouth bass. The next most important thing is movement. The trophy fishery is sustained by catch-and-release so resist the urge to take home the big ones. Center console bay boats are extremely popular fishing boats because they offer a considerable amount of open deck space for anglers. "It's still 22,000 acres (big)," he points out, "but the largemouths are attracted to the warmest water in the spring. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. As they move Or Lure Z but only if it is the model in glow-chartreuse color with silver-inlaid hackles, whatever that is. The lake is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as rainbow trout. Strike Kings popular Rage Tail series of lures are meant to produce maximum action with minimal forward movement. It's more of a numbers lake for smallmouths. When crawling a drop shot this can put more fish in the boat giving you time to feel the bite. Lake Washington Its about 88 km2 wide and 108 ft deep. Don't forget to share your best bass photos with us onCamera Cornerfor your chance to win free gear! The Columbia is an interesting case. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. A lure with sharp and sturdy hooks will help you land more fish. 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. Here topwater lures like frogs or poppers are a good bet. So you have big largemouths in the bays, and big smallmouths cruising the main lake and the rocky habitat there.". The worm is soft and pliable resulting in an erratic wiggling action. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers. The best lure colors for bass in the spring should mimic local forage, but you also need to consider water color. We all know that Bass fishing in Washington, the capital of North America, is aesthetically special. Smallmouths. 6,800 acres wide. This 629 acre warm-water fishery is almost entirely surrounded by weed beds and brushy shoreline with smatterings of sunken logs and downed trees. The rip-rap bank of the O Sullivan dam impoundment is an ideal location for targeting good sized smallmouth up to 5 pounds. Whether youre finessing them or need to go in with an oversized hook, theres a Rage Craw that fits your purpose. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Marlin is back in the game with the re-introduction of the classic 336 and 1894 lever-action hunting rifles. Strike King Dream Shot "It's just a given that if you're going to fish bass, you have to have a drop-shot rig," Brinks says. Finding the best bait for largemouth is not as straightforward as it seems. Its often that simple. Stop at the bait shop to get the latest bass fishing updates. See our full disclosures here. This year the limit was 5 per day, under 18. A boat, especially one suited for shallow water, will be your best friend at Potholes. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. In addition to working the 120 miles of shoreline for smallmouth bass, anglers also fish for catfish, crappie, trout, whitefish, panfish and perch. | It may be at its best around vegetation, triggering strikes when you rip it free, but dont hesitate to fish it in open water, too, where it replicates the look of just about any baitfish that swims. It's where they spawn, and it's where they live, and they can grow better given the water temperatures in the bays." Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. 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. For many of the warm-water anglers in Pacific northwest, this is a super destination spot. Starting at the McNary Dam, Lake Wallula encompass the upstream portion of the Columbia to Priest Rapids Dam and upstream to Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. No question about it. Suspending Jerkbaits Suspending jerkbaits imitate baitfish that are dying or chilled from the winter, making them an excellent choice for colder days. Several bass tournaments make a seasonal stop at Potholes throughout the spring before major irrigation draw downs impact fishing quality. 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. Real world tips and information about all things fishing. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. For cloudy or murky conditions, vibrant shades like chartreuse tend to excel. 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. He or she doesn't have to go very far to fall into some fantastic largemouth or smallmouth action. The Best Bass Lures: Final Thoughts. Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Go Big or Go Home to Hook Lunker Summer Bass, Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years. It's smallmouth offerings are nationally famous, and anglers travel from across the country to spend a couple of days enjoying fast action from chunky fish, with hopes of a genuine jumbo. Learn what the bass in your area are eating and find lures that resemble it. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. "Largemouths are in the reedy backwater bays. This post includes a map of where to find these places. 4. You can yo-yo it, burn it, or utilize a stop-and-go presentation to get fish to bite, and it calls them from a long way off to investigate. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabit these waters but smallmouth are the major draw. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Since then, the jerkbait market has been flooded with realistic options, but the Megabass still reigns king. Sunglasses and sunscreen Try to bring your favorite sun screen and if you forget, dont worry I have plenty. Interesting fact, size of the river can have both positive and negative impact. Smallmouths abound around rocky areas through the lake's lower end, though, and both species grow to large sizes in this 28,000-acre impoundment in the center of the state. 4) Lake Roosevelt. My go-to is sexy shad which works in a variety of conditions. Whereas smallmouth prefer rocky shorelines, points and breaks, largemouth bass are concentrated around downed trees and marina docks. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. This glide bait is an ideal entry point to to get a shot at the biggest bass. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Anglers who call Washington home likely live within spitting distance of a quality bass fishery that pumps out 4-5 pound bass regularly. The WDFW manages a single lane boat launch on the north end. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Largemouth in excess of 5-6 pounds are not uncommon. ", Strike King Sexy Dawg and KVD Splash "Great choices for just after the spawn," Brinks reveals. These resident Sockeye Salmon live their entire life cycle in the lake and never make it to sea. For years glide baits were one of the pros well-kept secrets, and many anglers thought you had to spend hundreds of dollars to get one that worked right. 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. Best Jerkbait: Zoom Super Fluke. Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Washington When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. Place this in a bed and the claws-up posture will lead to strikes. They can be found around the lakes many docks and close to shore near the weed lines. Small minnow imitations work well, such as a Berkley Flicker Shad, Rapala Jointed Minnow, and Luhr Jensen Needlefish Spoon. The entire lake is a maze of stumps, floating logs, downed trees and entire shorelines overhung with thick brush. Lures that imitate smaller fish, crayfish, frogs or other prey are often effective. WebThe Best Places To Go Largemouth Bass Fishing in Washington State Include: 1. All Rights Reserved. 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. It is notable because of its wider choice while fishing in various lakes, sea shores and water spots compared to other regions. In terms of smallmouths," he continues, "Washington can brag about that on a nationwide level. Silver Lake garners a good bit of attention from local bass clubs and plays host to numerous tournaments. Best for Searching for Concentrations: Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. 5. Throughout any given day, they may be at 30 or 60 or somewhere else! Again, they are suitable for the rivers changing conditions throughout the year. 2) Columbia River. One that's smoked first. 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. Numerous boat launches are dispersed along Lake Wallulas length. It's a phenomenal fishery.". Benji Lilly caught the strikingly pale stocked trout Canada has seen a staggering rise in the Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Winter months Plan on layering! 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. The Booyah jig has proven itself as a fish catching winner. Or some lures just provoke an aggressive response from these alpha predators. 5) Lake Washington. Recommended Reading: Deep Sea Fishing Newport Oregon. Price is always a consideration as you build a personal array of tackle, and while several of these selections are pricey, none will break your bank account. Like many a serious bass angler, tournament bass fishermen Tyler Brinks of Spokane packs plenty of lures when he hits the water; however, his "go-to" tackle box whenever he points his rig at either Banks, Moses, or Potholes lakes is surprisingly simple. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Kokanee Killer Lure Bass Pro Kokanee Cut Plug Brads Kokanee Cut Plug One of the newest lures on the Kokanee fishing market. Eloika Lake Eloika Lake, located in Washington State, is well-known for its exceptional bass fishing. Natural colors like brown, black and green pumpkin produce well. People from both sides of the Cascades come here. A smaller craw style lure creates a big enough profile to threaten them while also maximizing your catch rate. 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. 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. Largemouths. Largemouth bass up to 6 pounds thrill anglers every year with good numbers of 1-3 pound bass to fill the gaps. Lacking enough takers, switch to soft plastic lures. Heres some places I discovered while visiting my brother in the Seattle area for catching bass. Use a larger lure than you would for most similarly sized fish. ", The most popular and, subsequently, the more pressured part of Moses Lakes, Brinks says, lies south of Interstate 90. 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. Shore fishing Seattle for Largemouth Bass proved to be a fun. This creates a natural baitfish silhouette with an erratic action. 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. Only lakes that regularly relinquish 4-8 pound largemouth and smallmouth make it on this list. The Brads Killer Kokanee Cut Plug is another large profile lure that has an enticing Nothing is quite as exhilarating or as picturesque as landing a king salmon out of the Columbia River. This allows anglers to set the hooks before the fish spits it out.. In clearer water, use more realistic and natural patterns. The Best Places To Go Largemouth Bass Fishing in Washington State Include: Read Also: Short Sleeve Fishing Shirts For Men, 0Products recommended in the post contain affliate links. Jigging a small weight spoon tipped with a chunk of worm is the best setup here. 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. When it comes to water sports and fishing, Potholes Reservoir is Washingtons favorite playground. 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. Situated in Grant County, Potholes massive expanse spreads over 28,200 ecologically divers acres. When they do bite, a scented lure will make them hold onto the bait longer than an unscented one. The best bass lures can make all the difference when it comes to catching fish. Booyah Jig. Where is the best bass fishing in Washington State? That and they absolutely crush your lures. Perch fishing can be a fast-paced affair on Lake Washington. For a little more flash, rigged on an underspin you get the weight of a jig head and the addition of a blade that mimics a small school of bait. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. There may be more recent entrants to the lipless crankbait field, but the Original Rat-L-Trap offers more size and color combinations than any other, and its a proven winner. Eric Lundgren of Ruger, which now owns Marlin, highlights the features of both rifles with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. This is important because bass dont always want it to work fast and traditional frogs can struggle to make enough commotion at slow speeds. WebThe best lure to use in the Columbia River is lipless crankbaits. These two quality smallies were caught out of Lake Goodwin, by . WebOften the best opportunities to fish for bass are in the morning or evening. The Strike King Rage Craws body is soft enough to keep bass holding on, but durable enough to hold up against multiple bites. That said, most river sections get only modest pressure from local bass fishermen. Best Baits for Spring Bass Fishing Soft plastic stickbaits or soft plastic lizards are two of the best spring baits for bass fishing. It's a better fishery for largemouths, and trophy largemouths in the 7- to 8-pound class. The lake has such a large population of Yellow Perch that, as of this writing, there is no limit! We have rolled back some of these regulations on some waters, like the Columbia River, because it's extremely difficult to manage bass while you're simultaneously trying to protect salmon stocks. He was a salmon angler and gave a presentation on all the bass he'd caught. Tackle Test 2022: Top Bass Rods & Reels Reviewed, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Pro Bass Tips for Weekend Anglers from 48th Bassmaster Classic, 10 Questions with Pro Bass Angler Keith Poche, Bass Fishing: Now Is Time for Suspending Jerkbaits, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years, Strike King Square Bill KVD 1.5 "I use this one for both bass species," Brinks points out, "say, in mid-May and during the spawn. But if youre unsure, green pumpkin is a safe all-around bet., Hardbaits are lures with a solid plastic or wood constructionlike crankbaits and jerkbaits. While the scenery may act as a plus, the primary consideration for most anglers is usually where to find the best fishing spots. Of all these vibration and smell are the most important. Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort is the perfect place to stay on your fishing trip! The Wests largest river is well known for salmon, steelhead, walleye and other species, but its wise to note that this river very often makes the national best bass fishing lists, thanks to its abundant and often big smallmouth bass spread out over literally hundreds of miles. There's so many of them (largemouths) out there. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Largemouth bass can be caught with a wide variety of methods, which is part of what makes it so fun. 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! Fished slowly, it can trick the most pressured bass into eating which is crucial in tournament situations. Western Washington is seldom considered a bass fishing hot spot by out-of-state anglers but Lake Washington proves them wrong. Bass quickly ramp up their appetite and gorge on the plentiful panfish prey. 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. With so many local attractions in the town of Soap Lake, youll never run out of fun things to do. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. 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. Chunky bronze backs pushing 5-6 pounds are routinely caught. WebThis is the top 7 year around smallmouth bass baits for lake Washington. That said, lures are generally characterized into 2 main categories Hardbody lures i.e minnows, divers, etc. Regional forage, like stocked rainbow trout (particularly in California) or yellow perch in northern water, can also play a role in their diets. I also find that if you flip it over and rig it upside down it has a much tighter action similar to a fleeing baitfish. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. WebHere are the best lakes to catch lake whitefish in Washington State. Take a look at a few of these noteworthy Washington lakes. The bait has an erratic swimming action, due in part to the perfect balance, that mimics a fleeing baitfish. There is also access via private resorts. They move around a lot and never seem to be in the same place twice. 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.

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