Largemouth Bass

Carnation, Washington, though known more for its scenic beauty, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing in the Snoqualmie Valley. The smaller lakes and sloughs connected to the Snoqualmie River hold decent populations of largemouth. While you won't find trophy-sized fish consistently, the sheer number of accessible ponds and slow-moving sections of the river makes it a great place for a fun day of fishing. The best time to target largemouth here is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall (May-September), when the water temperatures are conducive to their activity. Look for lily pads, submerged logs, and other cover where bass like to ambush their prey. A local tip: many of the ponds are accessible from the road, but a small kayak or canoe can greatly expand your fishing options. Be mindful of private property and respect posted signs. The bass here tend to be opportunistic feeders, so a variety of lures and techniques can be effective.