Crystal Lake Fishing near Leavenworth, Washington

• Overview

  Set in Chelan County, Washington, this is Crystal Lake. It sits at 6,834 feet above sea level. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Washington water on our list, it sits high. The closest town, Leavenworth, is 11 miles distant. Bellevue is the closest city, 66 miles away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Crystal Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Chelan County include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon and largemouth bass. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Crystal Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 55°F, the coldest about 21°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Look for the thaw near early May; the fishing lifts straight after. The water is typically free of ice between early May and mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Crystal Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Enchantment Lakes, 0.4 miles away. For Crystal Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.