Rainbow Trout

While not as renowned as some other Washington locations, you can find rainbow trout opportunities near Kirkland. The best bet is to head to nearby lakes stocked by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Check the WDFW stocking reports for recent plantings in lakes like Cottage Lake or Beaver Lake. Spring (March-May) immediately after stocking is usually the best time, as the trout are plentiful and relatively naive. Trolling small spoons or spinners, or fishing with bait like PowerBait or worms, are effective tactics. Shore access is generally good at these smaller lakes. Keep an eye out for WDFW regulations regarding size and bag limits. A local tip: try fishing early in the morning or late in the evening, especially during the warmer months, as the trout will seek cooler water. While not trophy-sized, these stocked rainbows provide a fun and accessible fishing experience close to Kirkland.