Banks Lake Washington

[eyefish2]

I was over fishing at Banks Lake last weekend and spent some time on the north end of the lake. I didn't have any luck past steamboat park boat launch but have heard of people catching walleye in the spring further up north when they are letting water in. I am currious how people fish on the north end if you do. Is there a certain area or way to fish on the north end that produces for you?

I also had my aqua view and kept seeing a fish we couldn't identify. It looks like a whitefish or whitesucker????? What is in banks besides walleye, perch, bass, crappie, carp and trout? We also saw a couple of eagles drop these fish after picking them out of the water. They seem to be 15 to 19 inches long with a wide tail and can be found in all depths from top to bottom.

We also walked across the dam to the inlet. I was amazed at the amount of water coming into banks. We weren't sure how deep the canal was, does anybody know? How much water can they pump into banks???

Thanks and Good Fishing!

[WalleyeJason]

Eyefish2,

Hey, Banks Lake is a great walleye Lake. Im not an expert or biologist, but it sounds like the fish you were seeing were Northern Pike-minnow? (squawfish)?? I dont know, thats the first thing that that comes to mind.

Early in the year when the fish are geeting ready to spawn, there is period of a couple of weeks (sometimes shorter) when the fishing can get real good. It's just a matter of the walleye moving up to spawn. We caught some in years past and it can be real fun. The way we allways have fished it is by using 1/4oz jigs and verticle jigging. we move slow to cover ground. Sooner or later you bump a few fish. Like I said, its wildly unpredictable. After the fish spawn, it will be real slow now untill mid-May. The the activity really picks up.

Banks Lake can flow some serious water. When they are pumping water there is a pretty good current ripping. This stirs up all kinds of activity.

I have caught Burbot in Banks Lake. They look like a Ling cod with a narrow tail. There kind of prehistoric looking fish. But from what I hear, they are good eating. Also I beleave there are pan fish in Banks, but I have never caught them.

Anyway Good luck
WJ

[eyefish2]

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