Banks Lake, WA

About Banks Lake

Banks Lake is a large reservoir in north-central Washington, sitting in the dramatic basalt walls of the Grand Coulee between Grand Coulee Dam and Dry Falls. It was created as part of the Columbia Basin Project, holding Columbia River water pumped up behind a pair of earthen dams, and it stretches roughly 27 miles with a mix of deep open water, rocky shorelines, submerged rock piles, and weedy bays. The scenery alone — towering coulee cliffs reflected in the water — makes it a destination, but anglers know it best as one of the better warmwater and coolwater fisheries in eastern Washington.

Banks is most famous for its smallmouth bass fishing, which is excellent thanks to the endless rock structure, and for a strong walleye population that draws serious anglers from across the region. Beyond those headliners, the lake supports lake whitefish, yellow perch, largemouth bass, kokanee, and a scattering of trout. The combination of clear water, abundant rock habitat, and forage makes it a productive year-round fishery and a popular spot for both bank anglers and boaters.

Fish Species

Banks Lake offers a genuinely diverse fishery for an eastern Washington reservoir. The standouts:

• Smallmouth bass — the signature species here. The lake's miles of rocky shoreline, talus slopes, and submerged boulder fields are ideal smallmouth habitat, and quality fish are common. This is one of the lake's biggest draws.
• Walleye — a strong, well-established population. Banks produces both good numbers and quality-size walleye, and it has a loyal following of walleye specialists.
• Lake whitefish — abundant and underrated. They school in deeper water and provide fast action for anglers willing to fish small jigs and bait, especially in colder months.
• Yellow perch — plentiful and a favorite for panfish anglers and families; they also feed the predators.
• Largemouth bass — present in the weedier, shallower bays and backwaters, though smallmouth dominate the open rock.
• Kokanee — landlocked sockeye salmon are present and pursued by trollers, with numbers varying year to year.

Rainbow trout and other species turn up as well, making Banks a lake where you can target several very different fisheries in a single trip.

Best Seasons & Times

Spring is prime time. As water warms into the 50s and 60s, smallmouth move shallow to stage and spawn along rocky shorelines and rock points — sight-fishing and shallow rock fishing can be outstanding. Walleye also become active in spring, moving toward rocky shoreline structure and rip-rap to spawn, making it one of the best windows of the year for both species.

Summer brings warm, often crowded conditions. Smallmouth and walleye pull off the banks and relate to deeper rock humps, points, and ledges; early morning and the evening into dusk are the most productive windows when fish move up to feed. Midday fishing means going deeper. Perch and whitefish remain catchable in deeper water.

Fall is a favorite among experienced anglers. As water cools, smallmouth feed aggressively to fatten up and can be caught on rock structure, often in good numbers and larger average size. Walleye also feed well. It is arguably the best season for a memorable bass trip.

Winter slows the bass bite but opens excellent cold-water opportunities. Lake whitefish and perch concentrate in deep water and bite reliably on small jigs and bait; in years with safe ice on the protected bays, ice anglers target perch and whitefish. Always confirm conditions before heading out on cold-weather trips, and never assume ice is safe.

Techniques & Baits

Smallmouth bass: Fish the rock. Soft-plastic tubes, drop-shot rigs, Ned rigs, and small swimbaits worked along rocky points, talus banks, and submerged boulders are consistent producers. Crankbaits and jerkbaits cover water in spring and fall, and topwater can be explosive on calm summer mornings. Crawfish and shad/baitfish color schemes both work well.

Walleye: Bottom-bouncer-and-spinner rigs (worm harnesses) trolled along structure are a Banks Lake staple, as is trolling crankbaits. Vertical jigging with jigs tipped with nightcrawler or minnow over rock humps and ledges produces, especially in low light. Slow your presentation in colder water.

Lake whitefish: Vertical fish deep water with small jigs, ice-fishing-style jigs, or tiny bait rigs tipped with maggots or worm pieces. They feed close to bottom and reward a light, sensitive setup.

Yellow perch: Small jigs and bait (worm pieces, maggots) fished near bottom around weed edges and over flats. Light tackle makes them more fun and lets you feel the subtle bite.

Kokanee: Troll small dodger/flasher-and-hoochie or small spinner setups, often tipped with corn, at the depth fish are holding. Downriggers or leadcore help reach them in summer.

General tip: with so much rock, bring plenty of terminal tackle — break-offs and snags are part of the game when you fish the structure where the fish actually live.

Access & Launches

Banks Lake is well set up for public access. There are several public boat launches and shoreline access areas distributed along the lake, including spots near the towns of Coulee City at the south end and Electric City/Grand Coulee at the north end, as well as state park and wildlife-area access along the shore. A popular state park on the lake offers camping, day-use, and a launch, making it a common base for multi-day trips.

Bank and wade anglers can find productive water along accessible rocky shorelines and rip-rap, while boaters get the run of the lake's deeper structure and remote rock walls. Because this is a large, open reservoir surrounded by high coulee cliffs, wind can come up quickly and build significant chop — check the forecast, wear a life jacket, and be ready to seek shelter. For current launch availability, ramp conditions, and any seasonal closures, check with Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before you go.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid Washington fishing license is required to fish Banks Lake, and a freshwater (or combination) license with any applicable catch-record or transport endorsements should be carried while fishing. Regulations on this water can include specific size limits, daily bag limits, and rules that vary by species — for example, bass and walleye are often managed with their own limits, and these rules change over time.

Before your trip, review the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sport-fishing rules for Banks Lake specifically, since statewide defaults and lake-specific exceptions both apply, and seasons or limits can be updated season to season. Always confirm slot, size, and bag limits, gear restrictions, and any boating or invasive-species (decontamination) requirements as they stand for the year you are fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is Banks Lake best known for?
Banks Lake is best known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing, thanks to miles of rocky shoreline and submerged rock structure, and for a strong walleye population. It also holds abundant lake whitefish, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and kokanee, making it one of the more diverse fisheries in eastern Washington.

When is the best time to fish Banks Lake?
Spring and fall are the standout seasons. Spring brings smallmouth and walleye shallow to spawn along rocky banks, while fall offers aggressive, fattening smallmouth and good average size. Summer fishing is best at dawn and dusk when fish move up to feed, and winter is excellent for deep-water whitefish and perch.

What are the best techniques for smallmouth bass on Banks Lake?
Target rock structure with finesse plastics like tubes, drop-shot and Ned rigs, and small swimbaits along points, talus banks, and submerged boulders. Crankbaits and jerkbaits work well in spring and fall, and topwater can produce on calm summer mornings. Crawfish and baitfish colors both perform.

Do I need a license to fish Banks Lake, and are there boat ramps?
Yes, a valid Washington fishing license is required. Banks Lake has several public boat launches and shoreline access areas along its length, including a popular state park with camping and a ramp. Check current WDFW regulations for species limits and Washington State Parks for ramp conditions before you go.