Fishing Lake Washington in King County, Washington

• Overview

  Lake Washington is a King County water, Washington side. It lies 3 feet above sea level. This is big water, about 34.4 sq miles, and in a wind it behaves like a small sea. Its outline wanders a long way for the area it covers, which puts more edge in play. Among the waters listed for King County, none is wider. Medina sits 1.6 miles from the bank. After that come Clyde Hill at 2.1 miles and Yarrow Point at 2.4 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lake Washington

  Survey data gives a maximum of roughly 213 feet. Being tidal, the water moves twice a day, and the fishing moves with it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Fish documented in King County include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Fish Lake Washington to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in August and bottom out at 41°F in December. Heat sets the pattern from late spring onward. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Time your trip to Lake Washington by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A pier half a mile from here gives a platform over deeper water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Volunteer Park Reservoir, 2.6 miles out. The position on Lake Washington is worth confirming on the day.