Largemouth Bass

For Bellevue, WA, anglers chasing largemouth bass, Lake Sammamish is your go-to destination. This large lake offers diverse habitat, from lily pads and docks to deeper, offshore structure. The bass fishing here can be excellent, particularly in the spring when bass are spawning in the shallows and again in the fall as they fatten up for winter. Summer can be tougher, but early morning and late evening topwater fishing can be explosive. A local tip: pay attention to the mayfly hatches, as the bass will often key in on these insects and the baitfish that feed on them. Access to Lake Sammamish is readily available via numerous public parks and boat launches, but be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. The lake also hosts several bass tournaments, so check the local fishing reports to see if one is scheduled during your visit. Expect to find healthy, aggressive bass here, with the potential for some real lunkers.