Fishing at Lake Sacajawea, Franklin County, Washington

• Overview

  Lake Sacajawea sits in Franklin County, out in Washington. Height above sea level is 436 feet. Some 18 miles away sits Burbank, the nearest settlement. Pasco is 21 miles and Finley 21 miles. Also on the doorstep: Dalton Lake the better part of 6.2 miles, Burbank Slough some 17 miles off, Quarry Pond the better part of 18 miles, Curlew Pond some 19 miles off and Clark Pond the better part of 21 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Sacajawea

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Survey and observation records for Franklin County include yellow perch, largemouth bass, black crappie, smallmouth bass and bluegill. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Lake Sacajawea responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 74°F and January reads 33°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Plan around that when you fish Lake Sacajawea.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Lost Island Habitat Management Unit runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Dalton Lake sits 6.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Lake Sacajawea.