Fishing at Lake Washington, Washington
21,500-acre natural lake · King County · 16 ft elevation · 3 species stocked
Lake Washington sits at 16 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in King County, Washington, covering 21,500 acres of natural lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on March 26, 2026, with 2,021 smallmouth bass averaging 3.7 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1985, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake Washington:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 26, 2026 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 2,021 | 3.7″ |
| Feb 23, 2026 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 61,103 | 7.9″ |
| Jan 7, 2026 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 7,152 | 11.6″ |
| Jul 23, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,180 | 5.7″ |
| Apr 12, 2025 | 🍣 Kokanee Salmon | 115,989 | 5.8″ |
| Feb 15, 2025 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 22,420 | 6.9″ |
| Jan 7, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 2,212 | 6.9″ |
| Oct 25, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 24,519 | 4.2″ |
| Oct 12, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 9,523 | 9.1″ |
| Jul 11, 2024 | 🌈 Rainbow Trout | 15,128 | 6.8″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🍣 Kokanee Salmon — best in summer
- 🌈 Rainbow Trout — best in spring, fall
Where to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Washington
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake Washington, 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 Rainbow Trout lakes in Washington
Best Time to Fish Lake Washington
For smallmouth bass, the best fishing on Lake Washington 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 natural lake 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 Lake Washington. 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: Ultralight 6'6" spinning rod
- reel: Light spinning reel (1000 size)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Washington fishing license is required at Lake Washington. 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington has been stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
When was Lake Washington last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Mar 26, 2026, when 2,021 smallmouth bass were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake Washington?
Yes — a valid Washington fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.