Walleye Fishing In Washington

Guide to fishing for walleye in local lakes.

Washington state offers exciting opportunities for walleye fishing, with several lakes and rivers providing excellent habitats for this prized game fish. Walleye are known for their delicious taste and challenging nature, making them a popular target among anglers.

Moses Lake is one of the premier walleye fishing destinations in Washington. This expansive lake offers ample opportunities to catch walleye throughout the year. Anglers can target these fish by trolling, casting, or jigging in various areas of the lake. Moses Lake is renowned for producing both quality-sized walleye and good numbers, making it a favorite among walleye enthusiasts.

Potholes Reservoir is another top-notch walleye fishery in Washington. Located in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, this reservoir provides anglers with exceptional walleye fishing opportunities. The combination of diverse structure, including weed beds, rocky points, and submerged islands, creates ideal walleye habitats. Anglers can employ techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, vertical jigging, or live bait presentations to entice these elusive fish.

The Columbia River is a prominent walleye fishery in Washington, offering a vast expanse of water and productive fishing opportunities. Anglers target walleye in sections of the river such as the Hanford Reach, the Tri-Cities area, and the Lake Wallula pool. The Columbia River's walleye fishing is particularly excellent during the spring and fall, when these fish are more active and feeding aggressively.

Washington state holds a number of impressive state records for walleye catches. The current state record stands at an impressive weight, showcasing the potential for landing trophy-sized walleye. These records highlight the quality of walleye fishing available in Washington and the opportunity for anglers to pursue their personal bests.

Whether you're fishing in lakes like Moses Lake and Potholes Reservoir or exploring the productive waters of the Columbia River, Washington offers an abundance of walleye fishing opportunities. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of targeting these sought-after fish and savor the reward of landing a delicious walleye.

Walleye Lakes In WA

Alder Lake, Banks Lake, East Rapids Lake, Lake Bryan, Lake Umatilla, Lake Wallula, Lake Washington, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir, Roosevelt Lake, Rufus Woods Lake and Wanapum Lake are some of the major lakes in Some of these lakes freeze over in winter providing opportunities for ice fishing for walleye. Washington with healthy populations of walleye. Some rivers, especially those running into and out of major lakes with walleye, are also possibilities for walleye.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in Washington

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

The state record walleye was caught from the Lake Wallula.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Washington walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.