Fishing at Moses Lake, Washington
6,815-acre natural lake · Grant County · 1,046 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Washington, Moses Lake is one of the most consistently productive natural lakes in Grant County. At 6,815 acres, it offers mid-sized lake fishing across diverse habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 8 stocking events on record for Moses Lake:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 14, 2026 | 🐟 Crappie | 4,920 | 4.2″ |
| Nov 8, 2025 | 🐠 Largemouth Bass | 2,672 | 3.6″ |
| Jun 14, 2025 | 🐠 Largemouth Bass | 2,792 | 10.0″ |
| Apr 21, 2025 | 🐟 Walleye | 385,303 | 6.1″ |
| Dec 21, 2024 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,469 | 4.8″ |
| Oct 17, 2024 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 494 | 7.3″ |
| May 7, 2024 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,336 | 4.3″ |
| Feb 5, 2024 | 🐟 Crappie | 4,578 | 3.1″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐟 Crappie — best in spring
- 🐠 Largemouth Bass — best in spring, summer
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
Where to Catch Crappie in Washington
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Moses Lake, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Crappie lakes in Washington
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Washington
- Top Walleye lakes in Washington
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in Washington
Best Time to Fish Moses Lake
For crappie, the best fishing on Moses Lake is typically in spring, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°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 Moses Lake. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Light 10' crappie rod
- reel: Light spinning reel
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' baitcasting rod
- reel: Baitcasting reel 7.1:1
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Moses Lake:
- Potholes Reservoir — 14.0 mi (28,200 ac)
- Banks Lake — 47.5 mi (27,000 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Washington fishing license is required at Moses 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 Moses Lake?
Moses Lake has been stocked with Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass.
When was Moses Lake last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Apr 14, 2026, when 4,920 crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Moses Lake?
Yes — a valid Washington fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.