Westside Bass

[Gone Fishin]

I'm spending a week and a half or so on the west side to visit family and friends. Haven't bass fished this side of the state. I brought my boat over and I am taking a friend out on Thur. or Fri. Looking for a good bass lake in the Oly area or near Grays Harbor. I know of a few but having never fished any of them I don't know how they are. Any input would be very helpful.

[G-Man]

I'm guessing that your boat is powered by an outboard so you'll need to hit a lake that allows them.
Silver Lake, Cowlitz county to the South. Shallow lake, you need to be stealthy and holds some real monsters.
American Lake, Pierce county to the North. Deep lake, in an urban environment. You'll want to hit it early or during the week.
Black Lake, Thurston county to the West. Shallow lake and, in my limited experience, not as high a quality fishery as the 2 lakes mentioned above.

[Gone Fishin]

Thank you! Your help is greatly appreciated. I think that gives me some good options. I have both outboard and bow mount electric. Easy to take the outboard off and run solely electric for lakes that dont allow outboards as well.

[Rosann G]

Hi Gone Fishin,
Lake St. Clair is another good lake down by Oly/Lacey that I've noticed guys reporting catching bass this year. Bill and I used to go down there alot to bass fish and we love the lake. It has a fast boat ski side if you go under the bridge straight across from the launch or if you go right after launching there are alot of different arms to fish and everyone can't go over 5 mph. Take a look at the reports to see where they have been catching fish this year. It also used to be good for trout if you like them. Duck lake out at Ocean Shores is also supposed to have bass in it but it gets real weedy.
Are you coming up to fish Tapps or down to Mayfield for Tigers while you are over on this side? Say hi to your Grandpa for us.
Rosann

[davidwat1]

Hi Gone Fishin,
Lake St. Clair is another good lake down by Oly/Lacey that I've noticed guys reporting catching bass this year. Bill and I used to go down there alot to bass fish and we love the lake. It has a fast boat ski side if you go under the bridge straight across from the launch or if you go right after launching there are alot of different arms to fish and everyone can't go over 5 mph. Take a look at the reports to see where they have been catching fish this year. It also used to be good for trout if you like them. Duck lake out at Ocean Shores is also supposed to have bass in it but it gets real weedy.
Are you coming up to fish Tapps or down to Mayfield for Tigers while you are over on this side? Say hi to your Grandpa for us.
Rosann

I've heard rumors that Duck Lake is having some real problems this year, at least for Bass. Can't confirm or deny, but I trust the sources enough to scratch it off my list of lakes to visit this season. I continue to hear great things about St.Clair, and am now "adding" it to my list of lakes to visit this season! Good luck and have fun! -Dave

[fishaholictaz]

I would hit Offut I have heard of big bass being caught this year:-" I caught a lot of fish out of there the last few years... I have also fished other lakes in the Thurston Co. and none compare in my opinion! If you want some hot spots or lure choices ect.. hit me up in a pm:cheers:

McIntosh would be my second choice:salut:

[Gone Fishin]

Thanks for the info!

Rosann, I was really hoping to hit mayfield while I was over but I am not sure if I am going to be able. I would love to hit Tapps to but am not familiar with it at all so I will probably just try to get to mayfield if I get a chance monday or something.

Dave, Thanks for the info on Duck, I was contemplating that one. With it being a complete gamble I will skip it this time. It will be easier to hit an Oly/ Lacey area lake anyway. I'll be up that way thur. and leaving from there to fish on friday.

I think that gives me 3 good ones to choose from, St. Clair, Offut, and McIntosh

[fishaholictaz]

I was collecting info for another member and I found out that the bass hatch was HUGE at Offut this year! I also talked to my best friend/fishing buddy and he hooked and landed a 6.5 lately I think last week. Also the big rainbows,browns and cutt throat are stuffing them selves with the baby bass:-$ Just some info I thought I would share while I was on line...