Fishing Washington's Urban Lakes

No boat?  Stuck in town? No Problem!

Washington's many urban lakes offer many shore fishing opportunities.

Boatless but want to go fishing?

Washington offers fishermen many choices when it comes to shore or bank fishing. In most urban areas the lowland lakes are stocked at least once a year and fishing access is specifically provided. This being said, with the right lures, some patience and some research the shore fisherman can do quite well in the urban lakes.

Start off with the right fishing gear.

For most lakes you don't need super heavy gear, or even expensive fishing equipment to do well.  In fact, I rather like fighting fish on gear that is on the lite end of the spectrum.  Generally you can do well with a generic medium action rod that is at least 6' long and a spinning reel filled up with 6# line.  Stop by your local small fishing store and talk to them about what you are doing and what you need.  The small shops are the ones to go to because they appreciate the business and are usually willing trade some information for your sale.  You may be able to buy fishing tackle cheaper in the big stores, but the fishing tips and information your local fishing store can give you is invaluable!

Be prepared and be comfortable!

Shore fishing is a patience game so be prepared and be ready to be comfortable.  Unlike trolling where you are actively hunting the fish, when you are shore fishing, you are waiting for a school of fish to swim by.  Bring a chair, something to drink, and some snacks! Getting bored between bites is the biggest problem bank fishermen face, so be prepared and come to kick back and relax.

Fish where the fish are at!

Now you are most likely going to be constrained to a few locations around any one lake as for places to fish from, but what is more important is to consider where in the water column the fish are! Early in the year is when most lakes are stocked with Rainbow Trout, and these hatchery fish normally stay close to the surface for some time.  As they become used to living in open water they start moving around and finding the bottom and the food there.   So start the year out fishing the surface with bait presented below the surface a foot or so, and as the year progresses, move to fishing the bottom with a floating bait on a Carolina Rig.  Ask your local store what they suggest for bait, but it most likely will be one of the many formulations of Power Bait that are available.

Enjoy your fishing and respect your lake!

I hope you get out and enjoy some time by the water this year.  Please remember to be respectful waters you fish and clean up after yourself or even after the last person that was there.  Nothing ruins a great fishing spot more than having it covered in litter and cigarette butts.  Be clean and have fun!