Largemouth Bass

Olympia, Washington offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing if you know where to look. The key here is exploring the smaller lakes and sloughs that connect to the Deschutes River and Puget Sound. Capitol Lake, while impacted by tides, can hold some decent bass, especially around the edges with submerged vegetation and structure. Black Lake, just west of Olympia, is another popular option known for its consistent bass population. Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are prime times, as the bass are actively feeding. Local tip: Pay attention to the tide if you're fishing Capitol Lake; low tide can concentrate the fish but also make navigation tricky. For Black Lake, the public access point on the north end can get crowded, so consider arriving early. Largemouth in this area tend to be ambush predators, so target docks, lily pads, and overhanging trees with lures like spinnerbaits, Texas-rigged worms, and crankbaits. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and retrieve speeds until you find what the fish are hitting.