Snoqualmie Lake Fishing Guide, King County, Washington

• Overview

  Snoqualmie Lake lies within the bounds of King County, Washington. Beyond the shoreline you have farm and woodlot. The water covers some 124 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. A shoreline of some 2.3 miles keeps the choices simple. Size puts it in the front rank of our King County list. Nearest town is Tanner, 17 miles off. Bellevue is the closest city, 37 miles away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Snoqualmie Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. King County records list Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and yellow perch among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Work Snoqualmie Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 57°F in August and bottoms out near 26°F in December. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Snoqualmie Lake rarely departs from it.

• 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. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Deer Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Snoqualmie Lake for certain.