Exploring Washington's Top SUP Fishing Destinations

Washington State offers a diverse range of waterways that are perfect for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing enthusiasts. From tranquil lakes and winding rivers to scenic reservoirs and alpine streams, Washington's abundant freshwater ecosystems are teeming with fish waiting to be caught. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best locations for SUP fishing in Washington, highlighting the type of fish you can catch at each location and suggesting the best lures to use.

Key Highlights

Diverse Fishing Locations: Explore a range of waterways perfect for SUP fishing, from tranquil northern lakes to the vibrant ecosystems of western Washington.
Target Fish Species and Lures: Detailed guide on the types of fish available at each location and the best lures to catch them, including kokanee in Lake Chelan and bass in Lake Sammamish.
Seasonal Fishing Tips: Insights into the best times of year to visit each SUP fishing destination for optimal fishing conditions.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: Highlight the stunning natural scenery and wildlife encounters possible at destinations like Lake Wenatchee and the Okanogan River.
Safety and Conservation Practices: Emphasize the importance of safety while SUP fishing and tips for practicing catch-and-release and other conservation efforts.

June 2023

Northern Washington:

Lake Chelan:

Lake Chelan, located in the heart of the North Cascades, is a stunning location for SUP fishing. This deep, glacial-fed lake is known for its population of landlocked sockeye salmon, also known as kokanee. To target kokanee salmon, try using lures such as small spoons, spinners, or soft plastic grubs. Additionally, Lake Chelan offers opportunities to catch rainbow trout and lake trout. For rainbow trout, consider using small spinners or floating bait. Lake trout, on the other hand, can be targeted with larger spoons or swimbaits.
Lake Wenatchee:

Nestled in the Wenatchee National Forest, Lake Wenatchee is a picturesque destination for SUP fishing. This pristine lake is home to a variety of fish species, including kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. Effective lures for fishing in Lake Wenatchee include spinners, spoons, and small crankbaits. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and calm waters as you paddle and fish in this serene location.
Okanogan River:

The Okanogan River, winding through the eastern part of northern Washington, offers exciting opportunities for SUP fishing. This river is known for its steelhead runs, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking a thrilling catch. When targeting steelhead, try using lures such as spoons, spinners, or bait imitations like jigs tipped with soft plastic worms. The scenic beauty of the Okanogan Valley adds to the charm of fishing on this river.
Sullivan Lake:

Sullivan Lake, located in the Colville National Forest, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing in northern Washington. This pristine mountain lake offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Effective lures for Sullivan Lake include small spinners, spoons, or fly imitations such as woolly buggers or nymphs. Paddle along the calm waters and enjoy the scenic backdrop of dense forests and majestic peaks.

Western Washington:

Lake Sammamish:

Lake Sammamish, located just east of Seattle, is a popular SUP fishing destination in western Washington. This urban lake offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Effective lures for bass fishing include soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. When targeting yellow perch, try using small jigs or live bait such as worms or minnows. Enjoy the serene waters of Lake Sammamish while surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views.
Lake Washington:

Lake Washington, the second-largest natural lake in Washington, provides ample opportunities for SUP fishing. This lake is known for its diverse fish population, including cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and perch. For trout fishing, consider using spinners or small spoons. When targeting bass, opt for soft plastic baits, crankbaits, or jigs. For perch, small jigs or live bait are effective. Paddle along the scenic shores of Lake Washington while casting your line and enjoying the urban and natural scenery.
Green River:

The Green River, flowing through western Washington, is a popular destination for fly fishing from a SUP. This river is known for its abundant trout population, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Effective flies for the Green River include dry flies such as mayfly imitations, nymphs, and streamers. The lush green surroundings and gentle currents of the Green River create a peaceful and immersive SUP fishing experience.
Lake Cushman:

Nestled in the Olympic National Forest, Lake Cushman offers a serene and picturesque setting for SUP fishing. This beautiful mountain lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. When targeting trout, consider using small spinners, spoons, or fly imitations such as woolly buggers or nymphs. For kokanee salmon, try using small spoons or spinners. The tranquil ambiance and scenic mountain views make Lake Cushman a favorite spot for SUP anglers.
Riffe Lake:

Riffe Lake, located in Lewis County, is a popular destination for SUP fishing in western Washington. This reservoir is known for its populations of rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and largemouth bass. Effective lures for rainbow trout and kokanee include small spoons, spinners, or soft plastic grubs. When targeting largemouth bass, consider using soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Enjoy the calm waters and breathtaking forested surroundings as you paddle and fish on Riffe Lake.

Eastern Washington:

Sprague Lake:

Sprague Lake, located in Lincoln County, is a fantastic location for SUP fishing in eastern Washington. This shallow lake is known for its diverse fish population, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and crappie. When targeting largemouth bass, try using soft plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures during low light conditions. For perch and crappie, small jigs or live bait are effective. The peaceful ambiance and expansive views of the surrounding farmlands make Sprague Lake a serene SUP fishing spot.
Potholes Reservoir:

Potholes Reservoir, situated in Grant County, is a premier destination for SUP fishing in eastern Washington. This expansive reservoir offers abundant fishing opportunities, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie. Effective lures for bass fishing include soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. When targeting walleye, try using jigs tipped with live bait or minnow imitations. For crappie, small jigs or live bait are effective. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Potholes Reservoir while cruising on your paddle board and reeling in some impressive catches.
Lake Roosevelt:

Lake Roosevelt, formed by the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, is a renowned SUP fishing destination in eastern Washington. This vast reservoir offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Effective lures for trout fishing include small spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as worms or PowerBait. When targeting walleye, try using jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastic baits. For smallmouth bass, opt for soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. The expansive waters of Lake Roosevelt and the surrounding rugged cliffs create a scenic backdrop for your SUP fishing adventure.
Yakima River:

The Yakima River, flowing through central and eastern Washington, is a popular destination for fly fishing from a SUP. This scenic river is known for its healthy populations of trout, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Effective flies for the Yakima River include dry flies such as mayfly imitations, caddisflies, or terrestrial patterns. The picturesque landscapes, meandering currents, and abundant wildlife make the Yakima River an ideal spot for SUP fly fishing.

Central Washington:

Lake Cle Elum:

Lake Cle Elum, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, is a picturesque location for SUP fishing in central Washington. This reservoir offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. Effective lures for kokanee and trout include small spoons, spinners, or soft plastic grubs. The pristine waters and forested surroundings of Lake Cle Elum create a serene atmosphere for SUP fishing.
Banks Lake:

Banks Lake, a man-made reservoir along the Columbia River, is a popular destination for SUP fishing in central Washington. This expansive lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. Effective lures for walleye and bass fishing include soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. For rainbow trout, try using small spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as worms or PowerBait. The dramatic basalt cliffs and wide-open waters of Banks Lake offer a unique and scenic SUP fishing experience.
Moses Lake:

Moses Lake, located in Grant County, is a vibrant fishing destination in central Washington. This large lake is known for its diverse fish population, including walleye, bass, and perch. Effective lures for walleye and bass include soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. When targeting perch, try using small jigs or live bait such as worms or minnows. Enjoy the tranquil waters and panoramic views as you paddle and fish on Moses Lake.

Southern Washington:

Swift Reservoir:

Swift Reservoir, situated in Skamania County, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing in southern Washington. This reservoir is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Effective lures for rainbow trout and kokanee include small spoons, spinners, or soft plastic grubs. When targeting smallmouth bass, consider using soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. The scenic beauty of the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest adds to the allure of fishing on Swift Reservoir.
Yale Reservoir:

Yale Reservoir, formed by Yale Dam on the Lewis River, offers excellent SUP fishing opportunities in southern Washington. This reservoir is known for its populations of kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Effective lures for kokanee and trout fishing include small spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as worms or PowerBait. When targeting smallmouth bass, try using soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. The picturesque landscapes and calm waters of Yale Reservoir create a peaceful setting for SUP fishing.
Horsethief Lake:

Horsethief Lake, located in the Columbia Hills State Park, is a scenic destination for SUP fishing in southern Washington. This small lake offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Effective lures for bass fishing include soft plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures during low light conditions. For crappie and bluegill, try using small jigs or live bait such as worms or maggots. Paddle along the tranquil waters and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Horsethief Lake.

Coastal Washington:

Westport:

Westport, situated on the Pacific Ocean coastline, is a renowned destination for saltwater SUP fishing in Washington. Anglers can target a variety of fish species, including lingcod, rockfish, and salmon. Effective lures for lingcod and rockfish include jigs, swimbaits, or soft plastic grubs. When targeting salmon, try using spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as herring or anchovy patterns. Explore the coastal beauty of Westport as you paddle and fish in the vast ocean waters.
Neah Bay:

Neah Bay, located on the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, offers excellent saltwater SUP fishing opportunities. This area is known for its abundant populations of salmon, including Chinook, coho, and pink salmon. Effective lures for salmon fishing include spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as herring or squid patterns. Enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery and the thrill of fishing for salmon in the waters of Neah Bay.
Grays Harbor:

Grays Harbor, a large estuarine bay along the central Washington coast, is a fantastic location for SUP fishing. This area is home to a variety of fish species, including surfperch, flounder, and sea-run cutthroat trout. Effective lures for surfperch and flounder include small jigs, spoons, or bait imitations such as sandworms or shrimp patterns. When targeting sea-run cutthroat trout, try using small spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as minnow patterns. Paddle along the scenic shoreline of Grays Harbor and cast your line in search of these coastal species.
Willapa Bay:

Willapa Bay, located in southwest Washington, is a renowned destination for SUP fishing in a pristine coastal estuary. This bay offers opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including salmon, Dungeness crab, and various shellfish species. Effective lures for salmon include spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as herring or anchovy patterns. When targeting Dungeness crab, use crab pots or traps baited with chicken or fish. Willapa Bay's vast tidal flats and lush marshlands provide a picturesque backdrop for your SUP fishing adventure.
Hood Canal:

Hood Canal, a scenic fjord-like waterway on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, is a prime location for SUP fishing in coastal Washington. This area is known for its populations of salmon, including Chinook, coho, and chum salmon. Effective lures for salmon fishing include spoons, spinners, or bait imitations such as herring or squid patterns. The tranquil beauty of Hood Canal and its surrounding forests make it a remarkable place to paddle and fish for salmon.

Conclusion:

Whether you're in northern, western, eastern, central, or southern Washington, the state's diverse waterways offer incredible opportunities for SUP fishing. From tranquil lakes and winding rivers to expansive reservoirs and stunning coastal areas, Washington's abundance of fish species and scenic beauty make it a paradise for anglers. Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before fishing in any of these locations. Enjoy your SUP fishing adventures and embrace the serenity of Washington's waters as you reel in your next big catch.

The Glide O2 Angler Fishing Paddle Board.

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The Glide o2 Angler stands out as the premier fishing SUP, offering a host of features and benefits that make it the top choice for anglers. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this paddle board is designed to enhance your fishing experience and provide unmatched performance on the water.

One of the key highlights of the Glide o2 Angler is its exceptional stability. With its wide and durable construction, it offers a solid and reliable platform for casting, reeling, and even standing up while fishing. Whether you're battling a feisty fish or enjoying a calm day on the water, this SUP delivers the stability you need for a confident and comfortable fishing experience.

The integrated fishing features take convenience to the next level. The board comes equipped with removable fishing rod holders, and storage compartments strategically placed for easy access. This means you can store your gear, keep your catch fresh, and have your rods within arm's reach at all times. The thoughtfully designed layout ensures that your fishing essentials are always organized and readily available. and fresh with optional cooler that also makes a killer seat.

Not only does the Glide o2 Angler excel in functionality, but it also boasts a sleek and streamlined design. Its hydrodynamic shape and efficient tracking allow for smooth and effortless paddling, allowing you to navigate the water with ease. Whether you're exploring calm lakes, meandering rivers, or even venturing into light surf, this fishing SUP glides through the water, making your fishing adventure all the more enjoyable.

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In summary, the Glide o2 Angler is the ultimate fishing SUP that combines stability, convenience, performance, and comfort. Its top-notch design, integrated fishing features, and exceptional craftsmanship make it the go-to choice for anglers who demand the best. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice enthusiast, this fishing SUP will elevate your fishing adventures and help you reel in those trophy catches with confidence and ease.