Washington Lake Fishing guide

Walleye were sampled at a rate of 7.3 fish/gill net. Walleye were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 5.9 fish/net. Walleye from both gear types ranged in length from 9.8 to 26.6 inches and averaged approximately 16.5 inches. About 55% of all Walleye were 15.0 inches or longer. Walleye were aged using otoliths and scales to evaluate growth rates and year class success. Age-2 Walleye (2023 year-class) comprised 31% of all aged fish, which suggested that the 2023 stocking effort was successful. Non-stocked year classes were also present. The 2022 year-class was the second most abundant (25% of aged fish) year class and resulted from natural reproduction.

The Northern Pike catch rate in 2025 was 1.3 fish/gill net which is below the long-term average for Lake Washington (2.0 fish/net). Northern Pike were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 1.0 fish/net. Northern Pike from both gear types averaged 24.5 inches. The largest fish measured was 38.4 inches. Northern Pike are not stocked in Lake Washington, so the population is the result of natural reproduction.

Black Crappie were sampled in trap nets at a rate of 11.9 fish/net, which was up from 2022 (5.0 fish/net). This catch rate was above the long-term average of 10.4 fish/net. Black Crappie ranged from 7.3 to 12.7 inches and averaged 9.3 inches. Black Crappie were aged using scales and otoliths. Fifty-two percent of aged fish were age-3. Black Crappie are not stocked in Lake Washington, so the population persists through natural reproduction.

The 2025 Bluegill catch rate was 5.6 fish/trap net, which was below the long-term lake average for Lake Washington (16.2 fish/net). Bluegill from trap nets averaged 8.1 inches, with the largest individual measuring 9.9 inches. The Bluegill population in Lake Washington is completely self-sustaining. There is a 10 fish sunfish daily limit special regulation in place on Lake Washington.

Largemouth Bass are not effectively sampled in traditional gears (gill and trap nets). As a result, sampling using an electrofishing boat is required to assess the population. Electrofishing was conducted on Lake Washington on 13 May 2025 to target Largemouth Bass. The catch rate was 11.7 fish/hour in 2025. Largemouth Bass ranged from 4.4 to 18.0 inches. Largemouth Bass are not stocked in Lake Washington. Spring electrofishing surveys targeting Largemouth Bass will be completed in conjunction with each standard survey on Lake Washington (every three years).

The Yellow Perch catch rate in 2025 was 3.9 fish/gill net. This catch rate was below the long-term average for Lake Washington (13.1 fish/net). Yellow Perch averaged 7.6 inches and ranged from 5.6 to 10.1 inches. Yellow Perch are an important prey species for predator fish, especially Walleye.

Freshwater Drum, often referred to as "sheepshead", was the most abundant fish species sampled in the 2025 Lake Washington survey. A total of 1,187 Freshwater Drum were sampled throughout the survey. The average length was 12.3 inches, and the largest fish was 20.8 inches. Freshwater Drum are native to Minnesota and are often caught on common angling gear.

Other fish species sampled throughout the survey included Black Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Common Carp, Bowfin, Bigmouth Buffalo, Golden Shiner, White Crappie and Pumpkinseed.

Water quality measurements recorded in the 2025 survey included secchi depth, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen readings. The secchi depth reading was 2.5 feet. Water temperature ranged from 75.9 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 58.6 degrees at a depth of 45 feet. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.1 mg/l at the surface to 0.0 mg/l at a depth of 25 feet. A thermocline was detected at a depth of 22 feet

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist