Largemouth Bass

Stanwood, Washington, offers access to some overlooked largemouth bass fishing. Forget the crowded lakes closer to Seattle; here, you can find more secluded spots and potentially bigger bass. The Stillaguamish River estuary and its associated sloughs and backwaters offer unique habitat. While tidal influence is a factor, these areas hold surprisingly good numbers of bass. Warm summer months are ideal, as the bass become more active in the warmer water. Try fishing weed lines, lily pads, and submerged timber with topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or Texas-rigged worms. A local piece of advice: Pay attention to the tides. Fishing during the incoming or outgoing tide can often trigger increased bass activity. Be aware of boat traffic in the Stillaguamish River. The bass in this area may not be as numerous as in some other Washington lakes, but the average size tends to be better, with fish in the 3-5 pound range being common, and larger fish always a possibility.