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Lake Washington

Boat Ramps
9
Access Points
38
Species
18

Lake Washington is a vast 22,000-acre freshwater lake nestled between Seattle and Bellevue in King County, Washington. This urban fishing destination offers year-round angling opportunities with numerous access points and diverse fish populations. Spanning approximately 22 miles in length with an average depth of 17 feet, Lake Washington is characterized by its two floating bridges and Mercer Island situated at its heart. The lake provides excellent fishing prospects for both novice and experienced anglers with abundant shoreline access, fishing piers, and boat launches making it a premier fishing destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Coho Salmon151 fish · FryMay 30, 2026
  • Coho Salmon14,500 fish · FingerlingsMay 29, 2026
  • Coho Salmon14,500 fish · FingerlingsMay 29, 2026
  • Coho Salmon137 fish · FryApr 20, 2026
  • Coho Salmon62 fish · FryApr 19, 2026

Source

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Washington. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point
Cedar River Boathouse

Cedar River Boathouse

Access Point
Lake Washington Access

Lake Washington Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Washington

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Washington licenses and regulations

Washington Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Washington Fishing License

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.

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Washington Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Washington Stream Access Laws

In Washington, the public has a right to use streams that are capable of floating a “bolt of shingles” during high flows. While a bolt of shingles is not large, this test does eliminate some smaller streams capable of being floated in a kayak. Washington does not recognize a right to portage across private land.

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Take Lake Washington with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Washington to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Washington to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Washington and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

Lake Washington fishing guides

Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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