Largemouth Bass

If you're chasing largemouth bass near Orting, Washington, you'll want to focus your attention on the smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout the area. While the Puyallup River is known for salmon and steelhead, it's the quieter waters that hold the bass. Bradley Lake and Kapowsin Lake, a short drive from Orting, are good starting points. These lakes feature classic bass structure like lily pads, docks, and submerged timber. Spring (May-June) is excellent for targeting bass moving into shallower water to spawn. Throwing spinnerbaits and soft plastics around cover can be highly effective. Summer can be productive as well, but you'll need to fish early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat. A local tip: Bradley Lake has a public access point, but it's relatively small, so arriving early is recommended. Kapowsin Lake offers boat rentals, which can significantly improve your access to prime fishing spots. The bass in these lakes are generally healthy, but don't expect to find many giants; the average size is around 2-3 pounds.