Lake Washington
A large, deep natural lake between Seattle and Bellevue, connected to Puget Sound through the Ballard Locks. It is known for smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout and yellow perch, with salmon runs passing through in some years.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky shorelines, docks and bridge structure. Best in spring as fish move in to spawn.
Yellow Perch
Catchable year-round from piers or boats. Best in summer after the spring spawn; schools go deep in winter.
Cutthroat Trout
Best in spring and fall. Troll or cast near shore; fish move deeper in summer.
Largemouth Bass
Weedy, shallow bays and docks. Dawn and dusk are best in summer.
Black Crappie
Docks and cover in spring around the spawn. Slower in summer.
Boat launches
5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Magnuson Park Boat LaunchFeeSeattle Parks, Sand Point. Open 6am-10pm year-round; launch fee and paid trailer parkingDirections ↗
- Stan Sayres Memorial ParkFeeSeattle Parks launch with four wide lanes; launch fee. Ramp replacement project listed, check statusDirections ↗
- Gene Coulon Memorial Beach ParkFeeCity of Renton launch, open 24 hours; launch and parking fee paid at pay box. Fishing pierDirections ↗
- Kenmore Boat LaunchPublicPrincipal boat ramp at the north end of the lakeDirections ↗
- Rainier Beach (Atlantic City Boat Ramp)PublicSeattle Parks ramp in Rainier BeachDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Washington are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (2026-27 pamphlet on eRegulations) ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
No shops listed yet for this lake. Use the search link below.
Search more bait shops near Lake Washington ↗Local tips
- Two-pole fishing is not allowed, and there are zone closures along the floating bridges.
- Washington Department of Health advises not eating northern pikeminnow and limiting meals of bass, perch and cutthroat.
- Expect heavy boat traffic on summer weekends and around Seafair in early August, when ramps get crowded.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Washington lakes
Lake Chelan Banks Lake Lake Wallula (McNary Pool) Potholes Reservoir Ross Lake Riffe Lake Lake Entiat Lake Pateros All Washington lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.