Lake Washington Fishing
A 21,934-acre Washington lake in King County.
Pick for troutPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Starting out on Lake Washington
The Fish Washington layer gives Lake Washington 21,934 acres; the water lies in King County. At around 17 feet, the climate on its banks follows the elevation. Medina, about 2 miles away, is the closest Census place. Its WDFW management emphasis: mixed-species water managed with a trout emphasis. Its county sits in WDFW Region 4.
No launch on it appears in the WDFW or State Parks layers. For fishing without a boat there are 28 shore fishing sites. The 2026-27 pamphlet lists 25 Special Rules here. The lake layer calls bank access good.
WDFW Fish Washington lake layers on geodataservices.wdfw.wa.gov (surface acres, elevation, management emphasis, shoreline access, species), USGS NHD outlines, Census 2023 places, retrieved October 31, 2026.
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Species WDFW ties to Lake Washington, from its lake layer, records and plants:
WDFW Fish Washington species layers (presence, not abundance), WDFW records and the 2026 trout plant report; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Putting a boat on Lake Washington
With no listed ramp at Lake Washington, carry in a small boat or use a ramp nearby.
Bank access on Lake Washington
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Bryn Mawr-Skywayshore fishing site, Expansive wrap-around dock serves as a spacious fishing plat
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Mercer Island (east)shore fishing site, Nice fishing pier built specifically for anglers, deep water
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Beaux Arts Village (south)shore fishing site, Public pier, weedy in the summer, can be crowded with swimme
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Mercer Island (west)shore fishing site, Nice fishing pier near deep water, good summer fishing
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Beaux Arts Village (east)shore fishing site, Large public pier with spacious fishing area, adjacent to sw
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Mercer Island (north)shore fishing site, Nice fishing pier that extends over deep water, good summer
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Large fishing pier with two arms, extends out beyond swimmin
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Beaux Arts Village (north), King Countyshore fishing site, Public pier, can be crowded with swimmers
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Beaux Arts Village (west)shore fishing site, Public pier that extends to deep water, good summer fishing
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Small public pier at the end of SE 15th Street, shallow wate
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Beaux Arts Village (north), King Countyshore fishing site, Public pier offers good fishing in the summer, can be crowde
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Medina (south)shore fishing site, Large fishing pier, good summer fishing spot
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Clyde Hillshore fishing site, Public pier, can be crowded with swimmers
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Medina (north)shore fishing site, Public fishing pier
- Lake Washington shore accessshore fishing site, Trail provides leads to shore fishing spots along Marsh and
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Yarrow Point (south), King Countyshore fishing site, Public pier, can be crowded with swimmers
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Yarrow Point (south), King Countyshore fishing site, Public pier, designated fishing area at west end
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Yarrow Point (east)shore fishing site, Public pier, can be crowded with swimmers
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Public pier offers good fishing in the summer, can be crowde
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Yarrow Point (north)shore fishing site, Public pier, no swimming allowed
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Public pier offers good fishing in the summer, can be crowde
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Public pier located just south of Anthony's restaurant
- Lake Washington fishing piershore fishing site, Pier that provides pier fishing and moorage for the Argosy
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Kirkland (south)shore fishing site, Public pier located next to boat ramp
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Kirkland (west)shore fishing site, Multiple docks next to boat ramp, high use area, can be crow
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Kirkland (east)shore fishing site, Public pier located outside swim area
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Kirkland (north)shore fishing site, Public pier over shallow water, weedy in the summer
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Kenmoreshore fishing site, Large pier that extends out from Log Boom park, spacious for
Fallback launches for Lake Washington
- Kenmore Bridge boat launch on Sammamish RiverSammamish River, 10 miles north
- Lake Sammamish launchLake Sammamish, 11 miles east
- Beaver Lake boat launch on Beaver Lake – SammamishBeaver Lake – Sammamish, 13 miles east
- Lake Desire boat launchLake Desire, 14 miles southeast
- Spring Lake boat launchSpring Lake, 15 miles southeast
- Shady Lake boat launchShady Lake, 15 miles southeast
WDFW Water Access Sites and Shore Fishing Sites layers (geodataservices.wdfw.wa.gov) and the Washington State Parks boat launch layer, retrieved October 31, 2026. A Discover Pass is needed to park at WDFW access sites and State Parks launches.
Forebay and gauge readings at Lake Washington
USACE Northwestern Division water management data, LWSC.Elev-Lake.Inst.15Minutes.0.IRIDIUM-REV, reading for October 31, 2026 PST, retrieved October 31, 2026; series datum not stated. Provisional.
Compare the timestamp before trusting any Lake Washington reading.
Fish an angler can bag at Lake Washington
| Species | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Only largemouth bass less than 12" may be retained, except 1 over 17" may be retained. Daily limit 5. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 |
| Smallmouth Bass | No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Only 1 smallmouth bass over 14" may be retained. Daily limit 10. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 |
| Walleye | Min. size 12" in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Daily limit 8. Only 1 over 22" may be retained. May be caught, retained, and released alive from a livewell until daily limit is in possession. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 |
| Channel Catfish | No min. size in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Daily limit 5. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 |
| Burbot (Freshwater Ling) | No min. size. Daily limit 5. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Crappie, Northern Pikeminnow, Peamouth Chub, Perch, Suckers, Sunfish, | No min. size. No daily limit. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 |
| Grass Carp | Closed unless otherwise listed in Special Rules. | Closed |
| Kokanee | No min. size. Daily limit 10. When fishing with bait, all kokanee that are lawful to possess and are equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether kept or released. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Tiger Muskellunge (Tiger Muskie) | Min. size 50". Daily limit 1. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Whitefish | No min. size. Daily limit 15. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Steelhead | Release all wild steelhead. Min. size 20". Daily limit 2. Open during salmon or game fish seasons unless as otherwise listed. | Open during salmon or game fish seasons unless as otherwise listed |
| Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Tiger Trout | In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size. Daily limit 5. | Year-round (statewide lake season, p.23) |
| Trout (combined rivers and lakes same day) | The combined daily limit for an angler that fishes in both rivers and lakes on the same day is 5 trout, no more than 2 may be from rivers. | see the pamphlet |
| Lake Trout | No min. size. No daily limit. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Eastern Brook Trout (EBT) | No min. size. No daily limit. | Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: year-round; rivers, streams and beaver ponds: Sat. before Memorial Day through Oct. 31 (p.23 general rule for |
| Dolly Varden/Bull Trout | Closed unless otherwise listed in Special Rules. | Closed |
Statewide rows govern Lake Washington unless the Special Rules band changes them.
Special rules printed for Lake Washington
| Water as printed | Species | Rule and season |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | All species | Chumming permitted. Two-Pole not allowed. |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Kokanee | Min. size 8". Max. size 18". Daily limit 5. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Trout | Min. size 12". Daily limit 5. Release rainbow trout over 20". (Mar. 1-June 30) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Trout | Statewide min. size/daily limit. (July 1-Nov. 30) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Trout | Statewide min. size/daily limit. Except: Release rainbow trout over 20". (Dec. 1-Last Day of Feb.) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Steelhead (hatchery) | Statewide min. size/daily limit. (July 1-Nov. 30) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Steelhead (hatchery) | Release steelhead. (Dec. 1-June 30) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Smallmouth bass | No min. size. Daily limit 15. Only 1 over 14" may be retained. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Largemouth bass | No min. size. Daily limit 10. Max. size 12", except 1 over 17" may be retained. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Channel catfish | No min. size. Daily limit 10. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Walleye | No min. size. Daily limit 16. Only 1 over 22" may be retained. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Other game fish | Statewide min. size/daily limit. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: north of Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of Montlake Bridge, including that portion of Sammamish River from 68th Ave. NE Bridge downstream CRC (762) | Salmon | Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho. (Sept. 11- Oct. 31) |
| Lake Washington: south of Hwy. 520 Bridge including Mercer Slough | All species | Two-Pole not allowed. Chumming permitted. |
| Lake Washington: south of Hwy. 520 Bridge including Mercer Slough | Kokanee | Min. size 8". Max. size 18". Daily limit 5. (Year-round) |
| Lake Washington: south of Hwy. 520 Bridge including Mercer Slough | Trout | Min. size 12". Daily limit 5. Release rainbow trout over 20". (Mar. 1-June 30) |
Special Rules as printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), pamphlet page 90 (pamphlet PDF), read on eRegulations October 31, 2026.
Lake Washington carries 25 rows; the remainder are in the pamphlet.
Anglers 16 and older need a Washington Freshwater license ($39.95 resident, $115.85 nonresident for 2026-27) or a Combination license; salmon, steelhead and sturgeon also take a catch record card.
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026-2027 Washington Sport Fishing Rules (WDFW pamphlet, in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027), PDF page 27 (pamphlet PDF; eRegulations statewide freshwater page), read October 31, 2026.
Lake Washington in the WDFW sport fish records
| Species | Weight | Angler | Water as printed | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sockeye Salmon | 10.63 lbs | Gary Krasselt | Lake Washington, King County | July 20, 1982 |
| Black Crappie | 4.50 lbs | John W. Smart | Lake Washington, King County | May 1, 1956 |
WDFW sport fish records (freshwater and saltwater record lists, kept by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)) as listed October 31, 2026. All Washington records.
Nearby lakes set beside Lake Washington
Anyone wanting more room can drive to Lake Union, 1,030 acres.
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Elevation | Launches | 2026 plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Washington | 21,934 | 17 ft | 0 | 0 | |
| Lake Union | 4 miles northwest | 1,030 | 17 ft | 0 | 0 |
| Green Lake (King County) | 6 miles northwest | 250 | 164 ft | 0 | 3 |
| Larsen Lake | 6 miles east | 9.8 | 253 ft | 0 | 0 |
| Phantom Lake | 7 miles east | 64 | 258 ft | 0 | 0 |
| Lake Boren | 7 miles southeast | 16 | 387 ft | 0 | 1 |
WDFW Fish Washington lake layers, access layers and the 2026 trout plant report; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Near Lake Washington
Neighbouring lakes to Lake Washington
- Lake Union4 miles northwest
- Green Lake (King County)6 miles northwest
- Larsen Lake6 miles east
- Phantom Lake7 miles east
- Lake Boren7 miles southeast
Gear stores used by Lake Washington anglers
- Dick's Sporting Goods Bellevuesporting goods store, Bellevue, 7 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Seattlesporting goods store, Seattle, 7 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Tukwilasporting goods store, Tukwila, 11 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Issaquahsporting goods store, Issaquah, 13 miles
- Sportsman's Warehouse Silverdalesporting goods store, Silverdale, 19 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Silverdalesporting goods store, Silverdale, 20 miles
Guide services listed near Lake Washington
- Adventure Charterscharter, Seattle, (206) 789-8245
- Digital Anglerscharter, Redmond, (206) 819-7010
- Emerald Water Anglerscharter, Seattle, (206) 708-7250
- Fish Finders Private Charterscharter, Seattle, (206) 632-2611
- Screaminreels Guide Servicecharter, Duvall, (206) 849-2574
- Tight Lines Sports Fishingcharter, Des Moines, (206) 715-0879
- cut plug charterscharter, Seattle, (206) 920-9482
Lodging towns for anglers working Lake Washington
- Medina2 miles
- Clyde Hill3 miles
- Yarrow Point3 miles
Lake Washington county by county
- King Countyseat: Seattle
Piscifun reels and line rigged for Lake Washington
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The shoreline country around Lake Washington, in pictures
Photo: Kev Cook, CC BY 4.0
Photo: WordRidden, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Kev Cook, CC BY 4.0
Before you drive to Lake Washington: common questions
Where in Washington is Lake Washington?
The WDFW point falls in King County, about 2 miles from Medina.
What size does the Fish Washington layer give Lake Washington?
Near 21,934 acres.
Which listed ramp suits a first trip to Lake Washington?
Carry in a kayak, or tow to a nearby ramp.
Which gamefish are on record at Lake Washington?
WDFW names coastal cutthroat trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch and black crappie.
Does WDFW print Special Rules of its own for Lake Washington?
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Golden Trout, Tiger Trout: In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size. Daily limit 5.; Year-round (statewide lake season, p.23). A 2026-27 Special Rule overrides part of that.
Do I need a Washington license to fish Lake Washington?
Anglers 16 and older need a Washington Freshwater license ($39.95 resident, $115.85 nonresident for 2026-27) or a Combination license; salmon, steelhead and sturgeon also take a catch record card.
Were trout planted in Lake Washington in 2026?
WDFW shows no 2026 plants for it through October 27.
Who sells worms and PowerBait near Lake Washington?
Stop at Dick's Sporting Goods Bellevue, about 7 miles away.
Where can I check the level at Lake Washington?
Above: the dated reading from USACE NWD water management (dataquery).
Has Lake Washington produced a Washington record?
Sockeye Salmon, 10.63 lbs, by Gary Krasselt (July 20, 1982).
Plan a Cascades-to-coast trip around Lake Washington
Check the daily limit before a fish goes on the stringer.