Lake Wallula in Walla Walla County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Walla Walla County, Washington, sits Lake Wallula. Country round the bank runs to sage and rock. Surface area runs to some 41.2 sq miles, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. It is the biggest water on our Walla Walla County list. Finley lies 5.8 miles from the water. For a city, Tri-Cities is 16 miles off. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lake Wallula

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Open biodiversity records for Walla Walla County list Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, bluegill and common carp. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Anyone new to Lake Wallula should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 73°F on average, January about 34°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Wallula.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records put this down as public water. McNary National Wildlife Refuge takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Quarry Pond, 3.6 miles out. The position on Lake Wallula is worth confirming on the day.