Soft Plastics
Yamamoto Senko 5 in
The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.
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A big urban lake in Seattle with strong smallmouth fishing.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Washington for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The best months overall are Mar to Oct. In October, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Ned Rig and Bass Jig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (4 fly, 8 bait and tackle); the closest is Patrick's Fly Shop in Seattle, 4 mi away. Skagit River is 66 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Oct
In October
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Washington Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
13 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Washington
Crankbaits
Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebill
A shallow squarebill that deflects off wood and rock.
Check PriceRigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
Check PriceRods
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
Check PriceReels
Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Lake Washington
Bait & Tackle
Silver Horde Fishing Supplies
Lynnwood, Washington· 15 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Lynnwood, WA.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Silverdale, Washington· 20 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Silverdale, WA.
Make It a Trip