Moses Lake, Washington by Dan Rice

Moses Lake, Washington by Dan Rice

MO S ES L AK E

Story & Photos

BY DAN RICE

Washington

Rapala DT-6 Bruised

M

oses Lake is a Washington State fish-

ery known for a mix of dynamic small-

mouth and trophy largemouth. With a

semi-arid climate and very few fishing restrictions, this area of the region is nearly 6,800

acres of bass abundant water that many anglers

utilize for early ice-out fishing. In spring, reac-

tion baits are the most effective methods for

catching quality fish that quickly advance

through the stages of spawning. Regard-

less of your purpose, all types of bass

anglers will find something familiar in Mo-

ses Lake; trophy hunters throwing large

swimbaits, tournament anglers covering

water searching for active fish and weekend war-

riors who often take family trips due to the sheer

numbers of warm water species available today.

With a vast array of opportunities, the bass are

striving and tournament weights are strong. The

key to approaching this particular lake is having

the right baits tied on for each species of fish and

covering water with persistence. Lures such as

jigs and soft plastics are very effective, but for

newcomers, anglers should keep the trolling

motor on medium-high and engage the fish

aggressively. Ask any angler in the northwest

and Moses Lake quite often ends up being a top

pick for favorite bodies of water.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

The smallmouth bass in Moses Lake are rod bending abusive. The larger fish tend to ignite their activity levels as soon as daylight hours increase.

6

Traditional

of the “here

today” and “gone tomorrow”

positioning, these fish reuse the same

highways when it comes to pre-spawn fishing

year after year. Those who can fish deeper breaks and keep track of smallmouth when they advance to shallow flats are often able to dominate this body of water.

For pre-spawn action, the Rapala DT-6 has been a very consistent choice personally. Colors such as Red Crawdad and Demon Craw are excellent for spring fishing in general, but a recently released color called

“Bruised” looks be an effective

Rapala DT-6 Red Crawdad

®