Lake Stevens Info

Thinking of hitting Lake Stevens tomorrow morning in the Wavewalk.  Never been to this lake but I wanted to give this lake a try this year.  So couple of questions for those who know the lake.

Launch Point.  I don't need a boat ramp so any park will do, but the park closest to where the koke action usually is would be helpful. Just looking at the map it looks like Lundeen park might be the best option for a kayak launch close to deep water?  Any tips in that regard?

I have read the reports and have the typical gear, so figured I would spend the gas, brave the commute and give it a go.

Anyone else going to be out there be sure and say hi.

The launch on the west side of the lake is nice but crowded and paid parking. The launch downtown has 5 free non trailer spots and is nice. Lundeen park is a good spot. Lots of parking, bathroom. Hope you have a cart, it's not close but not far to the water. Head for the center of the lake. You can't miss the 50 boats out there trolling for kokanee. I live on a bluff overlooking the lake. At 5:00am the lake is littered with boats fishing. Most everyone uses dowriggers to get to the kokes. There are smallmouth on the northwest corner of the lake by the high bridge. Also some of the biggest perch I have seen. Good luck out there, going to be a nice day.

Last time I was there I launched for free from Lundeen Park on the north side which had shore access. I don't think you'll find the lake too large to be concerned with distance to the fish from the launch, but even if you are, the fish are always moving so I don't know if that's a relevant concern. Where they are now, they might not be in 30 seconds ;-)

For kokes - small dodger about 4" in length (Shasta Tackle Sling Blade dodger or something like that) with the lure about 12-18 inches behind. Standard issue stuff you read about all over the internet ;-) I usually use a tiny Dick Nite Spoon or a Shasta Tackle Pee Wee Hoochie.

Well the day was a bust for me.  Thanks for all the tips.  I was where the fish were but they were not interested in my setups.  I threw the kitchen sink at them.  I regularly fish kokanee so I had all the right stuff.  There were boats catching them right next to me and we compared notes.  45 feet on the downrigger, pink hoochie, sling blade. I didn't ask about which scent, but that and I might have been a touch slower than them (wind was annoying).  Nice lake, and the 10 fish limit made me want to give a try.

I can check it off my bucket list.  It is 90 miles from my house but I spent almost 6 hours in my car.  I will probably not head north for any kind of fishing (or anything else if I can help it) again.  I gave it a good solid effort, but will concentrate my fishing on more local areas.

Now to plan a fathers day trip.

Current plans are to head to Lake Stevens the 4th.  Am not rigged with a downrigger yet so I'll check out the bass / perch action with my son.

You do not need a downrigger for this fishery. Lead core line 12lb test and a cheap reel would work great. I never use a downrigger and have no trouble limiting out on kokes or at least catching a few when I fish for them. Besides, leadcore is a lot cheaper than a downrigger..

Try four colors of lead core down in the water, a 10-15 foot  top shot of mono and then your terminal tackle..

Fish early mornings and late evenings for the best bite (as a general rule not absolute).


Attached photos of dead kokes last month without using a downrigger.

Thanks Ray!  That's a new style of fishing to me.  What type of rod?  I have some MH and H spinning rods I use for river salmon, but I'm game to picking up something different.

Picked up a couple ML 8' Daiwa Sealines at Cabela's for $29 each, along with some lefty line counter reels with 18# lead core.  Out the door under $100 per rod.

As for the fishing, just way too much traffic on the lake today. Seems a decent place to visit again though.