Fishing at Banks Lake, Washington
27,000-acre reservoir · Grant County · 1,571 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
Stretching across 27,000 acres in Grant County, Banks Lake is a reservoir known to anglers throughout Washington for its mixed warmwater and coldwater fishery. Whether you're casting from a kayak or running deeper structure from a boat, the data on this page will help you plan your next trip.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Banks Lake:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2026 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 758 | 3.2″ |
| Dec 20, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 71,584 | 5.3″ |
| Nov 14, 2025 | 🐟 Walleye | 441,014 | 8.3″ |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 116,631 | 9.7″ |
| May 15, 2025 | 🐟 Walleye | 670,642 | 3.7″ |
| Jan 15, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 41,592 | 11.2″ |
| Dec 4, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 43,102 | 5.8″ |
| Nov 8, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 175,965 | 6.0″ |
| Aug 11, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 6,985 | 4.0″ |
| Aug 1, 2024 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 145,771 | 10.7″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Washington
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Banks Lake, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in Washington
- Top Kokanee Salmon lakes in Washington
- Top Walleye lakes in Washington
- Top Rainbow Trout lakes in Washington
Best Time to Fish Banks Lake
For smallmouth bass, the best fishing on Banks Lake is typically in late spring, summer and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 60–75°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with reservoir thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Banks Lake. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
- rod: Light kokanee trolling rod
- reel: Line counter reel
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- rod: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Banks Lake:
- Moses Lake — 47.5 mi (6,815 ac)
- Lake Roosevelt — 54.7 mi (79,000 ac)
- Lake Chelan — 59.3 mi (33,104 ac)
- Potholes Reservoir — 61.5 mi (28,200 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Washington fishing license is required at Banks Lake. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Banks Lake?
Banks Lake has been stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Walleye, Rainbow Trout.
When was Banks Lake last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Feb 15, 2026, when 758 smallmouth bass were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Banks Lake?
Yes — a valid Washington fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.