Fishing Banks Lake

AKA: Banks Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Banks Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Banks Lake, WA

Popular Fish Species Banks Lake, WA

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population and plenty of small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Banks Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Banks Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Banks Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Banks Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Banks Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, yellow perch and kokanee at Banks Lake in Washington.

Loaded with walleye and smallmouth bass, Banks Lake is a favorite of local anglers all year long. When winters are cold enough the lake freezes, offering ice-fishing opportunities. In addition to smallmouth and walleye the lake has populations of crappie, rainbow trout, catfish, trout, perch, kokanee and bluegill.

With 26,900 surface acres and 91 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of places to wet a line. Located in central Washington, at Coulee City, the elevation is 1,570 ft above sea level. There are several public access areas for fishing from the bank. Boat launch ramps, campgrounds.

Primary fish species residing in Banks Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Banks Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Barker Flats Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Barker Canyon NE Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Coulee City Boat Launch
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off I-2, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Million Dollar South Public Access Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Coulee Blvd, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Northup Canyon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Coulee Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Osborn Bay Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Coulee Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Steamboat Rock Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Steamboat Rock Park Entrance Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.