Shore Fishing on Lake Washington

[SC]

Hey guys and gals.. So I'm pretty new to still water fishing. Me and my buddies have gone out a couple of times already in a small boat we acquired, and it's been pretty fun! I'm 2 for 2 on our outings.

However, taking the boat out is more of a weekend thing, and not every weekend at that, and I'm just dying to go out there more often! I also happen to live right by Lake Washington, within walking distance of the numerous fishing piers on Coulon Park on the south end of the lake. It's so convenient, I'd love to just go out there on the weekdays after work and try my luck.


Problem is, I've been searching the internet left and right, and I have found zero info on Lake Washington shore fishing. I expected most info to be on boat fishing, but I got NOTHING. So I'm interested in a little info on what I can fish for, and hopefully some help what would be some good setups for this situation.

Thanks in advance, and good fishing!

[gpc]

Coulon is a decent park to fish. Just be ready for some crowds. I have caught some nice perch and smallys in recent years from there. Some times even enough perch for a decent fish fry. I also watched a kid land a 3# smally. I just used a crappie jig (1/32 oz) tipped with a worm and then some perch meat. They also do a kids trout derby type thing and release 300 or so trout. I think its in June, so usually a few weeks after that there are also a few stockers swimming around. I have tried for crappie and cutthroat with limited success and by limited I mean none.

[SC]

Thanks! I've never gone for Crappie before. Only Trout and Walleye in eastern WA. Are those jigs cast and reel? or do I float a bobber?
The piers have been empty these past few days.

[gpc]

There is really no right way to fish a jig. They are a universal bait by technique as well as for the species you might catch with them. Either cast out and retrive with a jigging motion or let out 5'-10' of line and vertical jig

[islandbass]

You just might see me there targetting smallies. Depending on the time of year, smallies can be had there and this time is soon. Just pay your dues and you will catch some. My last few Lake WA fish were caught there.

Do some searching here for the drop shot in the articles and stories section on this site. Jigs are alright, but I will tell you flat out, that drop shotting by far has been the most effective tactic at coulon for me.

[G-Man]

This topic has come up more than once on this site so do a search in the forum and you should get a ton of information to process. Here is a sample: http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/ya ... Trout.aspx A quick rundown of places to check out are: Enatai Park, Luther Burbank Park, Seward Park, the Arboretum, and the Cedar River Boathouse Dock. You can use Google maps to check out the areas to get an idea of what you can expect in the way of parking and lake access. There are more places and docks, especially along Lake Washington Blvd between Leschi and Seward Park so get out and explore a bit.

[kzoo]

It'll pick up as the weather gets warmer. The smallies should be there or should be there shortly right now. There's probably a bunch there from the tournaments. Perch actually have started showing up on the weed lines, but won't get good until late May/early June.

Best thing to use to get action is dropshot with a night crawler, you'll catch all sorts of fish.

[Bigbass Dez]

I just put a 5lb smallie back in the lake about 100yrds away from the dock !! I bet she is still is in the area !!

[SC]

Thanks a lot for the advice everyone! I'll be swinging by the Emporium later today to get some tackle, and I guess we'll see how it goes. I'll be sure to submit a report if I get lucky.

G-Man, thanks a lot for the additional info! I was looking out for specific info on this pier though, since it's walking distance from my apartment.