Fishing near Renton, Washington
King County, population 106,785.
- 4 milesto nearest paged water
- 8launches nearby
Pick for troutPiscifun Carbon X ultralight spinning reel28% OFFSale $57.99 Photo: Coast Guard News, CC BY 2.0
Water within a short drive of Renton
With 106,785 people in 2020, Renton ranks as a city of King County. Roughly 4 miles north sits Lake Boren, the nearest water with a guide. Among the nearby lakes, Angle Lake is biggest at 103 surface acres in the WDFW layer. Launch at Lake Desire boat launch, roughly 5 miles out.
The nearest marine page is Tacoma-Vashon Island (Marine Area 11), around 11 miles off. The nearest WDFW shore site is Lake Washington fishing pier near Bryn Mawr-Skyway, 2 miles off. About 4 miles away, Lake Boren got a 2026 WDFW plant.
Census 2020 population and Gazetteer point for Renton; miles are straight lines.
The nearest paged lakes to Renton
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Launches | WDFW program | Fish WDFW maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Boren | 4 miles north | 16 | 0 | Mixed species – Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, largemouth bass |
| Lake Desire | 5 miles southeast | 69 | 1 | Mixed species – Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch |
| Shady Lake | 5 miles southeast | 21 | 1 | Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed |
| Angle Lake | 6 miles southwest | 103 | 0 | Mixed species – Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth bass |
| Spring Lake | 6 miles southeast | 65 | 1 | Mixed species – Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead |
| Shadow Lake | 7 miles southeast | 49 | 1 | Mixed species – Trout emphasis | rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch |
WDFW Fish Washington lowland and high lake layers (surface acres as published, management emphasis, mapped species); retrieved October 31, 2026.
For the trout herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 Marine water within reach of Renton
| Water | Kind | Distance | Launches | Piers and shore | Marine area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma-Vashon Island (Marine Area 11) | WDFW marine area | 11 miles southwest | 0 | 8 | 11 |
| Elliott Bay | regional marine water | 12 miles northwest | 0 | 5 | 10 |
| Colvos Passage | regional marine water | 16 miles west | 0 | 2 | 11 |
| Commencement Bay | regional marine water | 18 miles southwest | 0 | 5 | 11 |
| Seattle-Bremerton (Marine Area 10) | WDFW marine area | 18 miles northwest | 3 | 22 | 10 |
Lake and river trips call for the Freshwater license: $39.95 if you live in Washington, $115.85 if you do not. For the sound and the coast, WDFW prices the Saltwater license at $40.71 resident and $81.70 nonresident.
WDFW Recreational Marine Areas, WDFW and State Parks marine launches, WDFW piers; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Rivers and creeks by Renton
- Duwamish River3 miles, SWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 2 USGS gauges, 5 mi in Washington
- White River (Pierce County)14 miles, SWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 9 USGS gauges, 71 mi in Washington
- Raging River15 miles, SWIFD lists chinook, chum and coho, 1 mapped launch, 1 USGS gauge, 16 mi in Washington
Flow figures from gauges by Renton
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar River At Renton, Wa | 323 cfs, 8.58 ft gage height | Nov 2 7:15 pm |
| Green River At Tukwila, Wa | 5.35 ft gage height | Nov 2 6:15 pm |
| Duwamish River At Golf Course At Tukwila, Wa | 1,090 cfs, 7.63 ft gage height | Nov 2 6:45 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 2, 2026 7:32 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
USGS NHD flowlines, WDFW SWIFD salmon and steelhead distribution, WDFW and State Parks launches and USGS gauges; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Where to put in near Renton, on a map
- Lake Desire boat launchLake Desire, WDFW, 5 miles
- Shady Lake boat launchShady Lake, WDFW, 5 miles
- Spring Lake boat launchSpring Lake, WDFW, 6 miles
- Shadow Lake boat launchShadow Lake, WDFW, 7 miles
- Lake Meridian boat launchLake Meridian, WDFW, 8 miles
- Lake Fenwick boat launchLake Fenwick, City of Kent, 9 miles
- Lake Sammamish launchLake Sammamish, State Parks, 9 miles
- Lake Sammamish launchLake Sammamish, State Parks, 9 miles
WDFW bank sites around Renton
- Lake Washington fishing pier near Bryn Mawr-Skywayshore fishing site, Expansive wrap-around dock serves as a spacious fishing plat, 2 miles
- Lake Boren fishing piershore fishing site, Public fishing pier, 4 miles
- Panther Lake shore accesswater access area, 4 miles
- Fishing pier on Lake Desirefishing pier, 5 miles
- Lake Desire fishing piershore fishing site, Public dock, limited shore fishing at boat ramp, 5 miles
- Lake Morton on Shady Lakeshore fishing site, Very limited shore fishing at boat ramp, 5 miles
WDFW Facilities layer and the State Parks boat launch layer; retrieved October 31, 2026.
Recently stocked water near Renton
| Lake | Distance | Latest 2026 plant |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Boren | 4 miles | Rainbow, 1,350 fish at 2.2 per pound, May 26, 2026, Puyallup Hatchery |
| Lake Desire | 5 miles | Rainbow, 905 fish at 0.6 per pound, October 15, 2026, Tokul Cr Hatchery |
| Shady Lake | 5 miles | Rainbow, 4,500 fish at 2.5 per pound, April 6, 2026, Puyallup Hatchery |
| Angle Lake | 6 miles | Rainbow, 3,168 fish at 1.8 per pound, April 23, 2026, Arlington Hatchery |
These lakes appear in the 2026 WDFW trout plants report, newest plant shown.
WDFW Trout Plants report (rows January 2 to October 27, 2026), read October 31, 2026.
Fly shops, tackle and skippers around Renton
Tackle shops a short hop from Renton
- Dick's Sporting Goods Tukwilasporting goods store, Tukwila, 4 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Issaquahsporting goods store, Issaquah, 9 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods Bellevuesporting goods store, Bellevue, 10 miles
- Sportsman's Warehouse Federal Waysporting goods store, Federal Way, 14 miles
- Angle Maidenbait and tackle shop, Auburn
- Tow Boat Seattlemarina, Auburn
- Bellevue Marinasmarina, Bellevue
- Brandt's Landing Marinamarina, Bellevue
Paid trips leaving Renton
- 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
Yellow Pages and chain store listings (miles only for shops with an exact point), guide and charter listings; retrieved October 31, 2026.
WDFW record catches from water by Renton
| Species | Weight | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Crappie | 4.50 lbs | Lake Washington | May 1, 1956 |
| Sockeye Salmon | 10.63 lbs | Lake Washington | July 20, 1982 |
| Atlantic Salmon, sea-run | 14.38 lbs | Green River (King County) | Sept. 22, 1999 |
| Rock Bass | 1.38 lbs | Steilacoom Lake | June 26, 1981 |
| Cutthroat Trout, Coastal, sea-run | 6.00 lbs | Carr Inlet | May 1, 1943 |
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sport fish records list, as of October 31, 2026. Waters within 40 miles.
Statewide rows for a Renton stay
For lakes and rivers the Freshwater license costs $39.95 with Washington residency, $115.85 without it. Anglers working salt water buy the Saltwater license at $40.71 resident or $81.70 nonresident, unless a Combination license covers it. WDFW adds a catch record card for anyone keeping salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut.
| Species | Limit | 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 |
| Largemouth Bass | No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds. | 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 |
| Smallmouth Bass | No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds. | 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 |
| Walleye | No size restriction/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds. | 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 |
| Channel Catfish | No min. size/daily limit in rivers, streams, and beaver ponds. | 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 rivers, streams, and beaver ponds: Min. size 8". Daily limit 2. | Sat. before Memorial Day-Oct. 31 (statewide river season, p.23) |
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, river and marine pages print any Special Rule or marine area table.
Roads leading away from Renton
Neighbour towns for a Renton base
- Bryn Mawr-Skyway2 miles
- Fairwood (King County)3 miles
- Tukwila4 miles
- Newcastle4 miles
- East Renton Highlands5 miles
The Washington county around Renton
- King Countyseat: Seattle
Piscifun reels and line rigged for Renton
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The shoreline country around Renton, in pictures
Photo: brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Marty B, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 2.0
Planning to fish around Renton: what comes up
How far must Renton anglers drive to a lake?
Lake Boren, 4 miles north.
Which ramp do Renton boaters tow to first?
Try Lake Desire boat launch, 5 miles.
Where can Renton kids cast from shore?
Lake Washington fishing pier near Bryn Mawr-Skyway, some 2 miles off.
Who sells eggs and jigs around Renton?
Dick's Sporting Goods Tukwila lists a store 4 miles from the town point.
Where is the county guide for Renton?
King County, Washington.
What does a Washington fishing license cost a Renton visitor?
Expect $115.85 for a nonresident Freshwater license from WDFW. The sound and coast need a Saltwater license too.
Which lake close to Renton holds the most acres?
Angle Lake covers 103 acres and sits 6 miles out.
What communities neighbour Renton?
The nearest are Bryn Mawr-Skyway (2 miles), Fairwood (King County) (3 miles) and Tukwila (4 miles).
Where do Renton anglers go for salmon on the salt?
Tacoma-Vashon Island (Marine Area 11), WDFW marine area, about 11 miles away.
What record catches came from around Renton?
Black Crappie, 4.50 lbs, from Lake Washington, King County.
Where can Renton anglers find hatchery trout?
Lake Boren, 4 miles away, is the closest lake with a 2026 WDFW plant.
Try the lakes and rivers by Renton
Ramp pages open with the managing agency and a map link.