Every since I was a little boy, my father and I would go on an annual fishing trip to some remote location in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years we’ve experience some of the best fishing that Washington, Oregon and Idaho have to offer, but my favorite place to go is still Eastern Washington. The variety of fish and abundance of lakes, streams and waterways sets Eastern Washington fishing apart from the rest.

Although we have dabbled in areas around Spokane and the Tri-Cities, we always seem to find our way back to Banks Lake. Few people know about this pristine body of water, and that is just the way that we like it. While we will experiment with other areas from time to time, Banks Lake has been a mainstay on our fishing itinerary.

Washington is a great state for fishing, and is well renowned amongst fishermen around the U.S. as one of the best. Perhaps the reason so many fishermen like Washington is because it offers such a wide range of fishing destinations. In Washington it’s possible to fish off a dock into the Puget Sound, fish off a boat right into Pacific Ocean, float down the Snake River with a rod and reel, or cast a line into Banks Lake. Washington fishing also offers an excellent assortment of different fish species. In Washington, there are salmon, cod, flounder, bass, trout, and much more.

For the ultimate fishing vacation, think about starting in Western Washington, and hitting the Puget Sound. In the Sound there are all kinds of fish, including the Northwest favorite, flatfish or flounder. Once done in Puget Sound, head east over the Cascade mountains, but don’t forget to hit a few of the rivers on the way there in search of trout and salmon. Once over the Cascade Mountains, head to Banks Lake where the bass fishing has never been better. Banks Lake is also quite deep, so trolling can also be a fun activity in the lake.

No trip to Grand Coulee would be complete without a stop at the Grand Coulee Dam. One of the summer highlights is the evening laser light show at Dam that is projected onto the dam’s wall.

The area around the dam has an abundance of camping options, including cabins, villas, resorts and setting up your own tent. Banks Lake campgrounds located around Banks Lake also offer many recreational options such as boating, fishing, kayaking as well..

The feature location for several bass tournaments, Banks Lake is one of the best places for bass fishing in the Northwest.  Located in Eastern Washington, Banks Lake is the preferred fishing hole of many an Old Salt.  While renowned for bass fishing, Banks Lake fishing is not limited to just bass, but is also a great fishing spot for Perch, Sunfish, and even Trout.  Banks Lake has clear water, and it is sometimes possible to see the bottom of the lake even from a boat fifty feet above the surface.  This also makes Banks Lake a good location for trolling, however some submerged rocks and outcrops can cause fishing lines to snag.  But whether fishing from a boat or from the shore, Banks Lake is an ideal fishing destination for professional and amateur fishermen. 

There are numerous places to camp or lodge along Banks Lake, and in addition to fishing, it’s an ideal vacation destination with its clear water, scenic beauty, and a wealth of recreation.  Rent a boat, take a swim, or just soak in the sun at Banks Lake!