Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near Lake Forest Park means heading to Lake Washington. While largemouth get more attention, the smallmouth population is healthy and offers exciting angling. Focus on rocky points, docks, and submerged structure along the shoreline. Areas with riprap are particularly productive. Summer and early fall are prime times, as the water warms and the bass become more active. A local tip: look for areas with current, as smallmouth prefer moving water. Try using crankbaits, tube baits, or drop-shot rigs to target these fish. The smallmouth in Lake Washington are known for their aggressive strikes and hard fighting ability. Don't be surprised if you hook into a decent-sized fish; Lake Washington produces some quality smallmouth bass. Be prepared to cover a lot of water to find active fish.