Palmer Lake Okanogan Fishing Guide - Kokanee, Burbot, Bass and More

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Overview

Palmer Lake in Okanogan County, Washington, is a 2,032-acre lake located about 4.5 miles north of the town of Loomis. Surrounded by mountains and orchards, this large lake offers year-round fishing and is known for its diverse fishery. Anglers visit Palmer Lake for its renowned kokanee salmon, bass, and perch fisheries, among others, with ice fishing opportunities available in winter months. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the fish species present, trophy catches, best seasons and techniques, regulations, and local facilities to help you plan a fishing trip to Palmer Lake.

Fish Species in Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake supports a diverse range of fish species, including both cold-water trout/salmon and warm-water gamefish. According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), anglers might encounter the following species in Palmer Lake:

  • Trout & Salmon: Rainbow Trout and Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) are present. Historically, the lake was also stocked with trout like Eastern brook, brown, and Lahontan cutthroat, though these are not commonly caught today. Kokanee are a major draw in spring due to their size and abundance.
  • Bass & Panfish: Both Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass thrive here (commonly 1–3 lbs, with larger individuals caught). Panfish species include Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed sunfish, and Yellow Perch, which are plentiful – perch in the 6–10 inch range are frequently caught year-round.
  • Other Species: The lake also holds Burbot (freshwater ling cod), Mountain Whitefish (also referred to as lake whitefish in surveys), Common Carp, and native minnows like Northern Pikeminnow, Peamouth Chub, Chiselmouth, as well as Largescale and Bridgelip Suckers. These indicate a very rich ecosystem, though most anglers focus on the game fish.

(Source: Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Okanogan County Tourism)

Trophy Catches and Record Fish

Palmer Lake has a reputation for producing some trophy-sized fish across several species:

  • Kokanee Salmon: Palmer’s kokanee have historically grown to impressive sizes. In some years, kokanee over 18 inches have been recorded in spring catches. This high growth is partly due to cyclical population changes; a few years ago the lake produced “spectacular catches of kokanee to 18 inches” before a downturn. WDFW began restocking kokanee fry after a 2016 die-off to revive this fishery. Kokanee in the 11–14 inch range are common, with larger fish possible as the population rebounds.
  • Bass (Smallmouth & Largemouth): Palmer Lake is known to produce exceptionally large bass. In spring, anglers report big largemouth bass and some of the biggest smallmouth bass found anywhere in Washington state. While typical bass caught are in the 1–3 lb range, it’s not unusual to find smallmouths well above 3 lbs here. Local sources say Palmer has yielded smallmouth bass rivaling state-class sizes in recent years.
  • Burbot (Freshwater Ling): Palmer Lake once held the state record burbot – the previous Washington record burbot was caught through the ice at Palmer Lake. (The current state record is a 17.37 lb burbot from another lake, but Palmer’s catch was notable at the time.) This highlights Palmer as a prime burbot lake. Burbot in Palmer can grow large and are often targeted by ice fishermen in winter.
  • Yellow Perch & Others: While not state records, Palmer’s abundant yellow perch can reach sizes over 10+ inches, and the lake’s whitefish (mountain/lake whitefish) population is very robust. These species provide great action for anglers, especially in winter (perch) and late fall (whitefish spawning period).

(Sources: Okanogan Country Tourism, WDFW, and Washington State fishing records)

 

Action-Packed Perch Fishing for Kids of All Ages

If you're looking for a lot of action and the ability to reel in a lot of fish, consider going for  perch in Palmer Lake. Try fishing in about 30 feet of water just out from The Lodge at Palmer Lake. Drop your lure all the way to the bottom—a guest reported that the perch were only about 2 inches above the lakebed. We recommend using a Swedish Pimple tipped with a small piece of worm, though once you've caught one, using a perch eye as bait can be extremely effective. During the spawning season, perch gather in large schools, so once you find them, stay put and keep fishing that spot. For movement, jig the lure slightly, then let it sit for a bit. Guests have reported catching hundreds of perch in just a couple of days, but keeping only those over 11 inches.

 

Best Fishing Seasons and Techniques by Species

Each major species in Palmer Lake has its peak seasons and effective techniques. Below is a breakdown to help anglers plan:

  • Kokanee Salmon: Best Season: Spring is prime time for kokanee. The kokanee bite often starts as early as March and stays good through June, when these plankton-feeding salmonids are nearer the surface before summer heat drives them deeper. Late fall (October) sees kokanee leaving the lake to spawn in tributaries. Techniques: Trolling is the go-to method. Anglers troll flashers or dodgers with Kokabow spinners, small hoochie squids, or other kokanee lures tipped with white corn (shoepeg corn) – a classic kokanee bait. During spring, troll higher in the water column; by mid-summer, kokanee move offshore into deeper, thermocline zones, so downriggers or lead-core line may be needed to reach them. (Be sure to report any fin-clipped kokanee, as WDFW monitors their stocked fry success.)
  • Rainbow Trout: Best Season: Spring is generally best for rainbow trout in lakes across Washington, especially after spring stocking. Palmer Lake’s rainbow trout action is good in spring and early summer (through June) when fish are active in the warmer shallows. In the heat of summer, trout often move to cooler, deeper water, then return toward shore in fall as temperatures drop. Techniques: In spring, trout can be caught from shore or boat – try still fishing with PowerBait or worms off the bottom, or trolling small spoons and spinners along the shoreline. As summer progresses, troll deeper or fish early morning/evenings when surface waters are cooler. Fly fishing with leech or woolly bugger patterns near creek inlets can be effective in fall. Patience is key; rainbows can be caught year-round with persistence.
  • Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Best Season: Late spring to early summer is peak for bass. Fishing improves through spring as bass move into shallow waters to spawn, typically peaking in May-June. Largemouth spawn in weedy, sheltered bays, while smallmouth spawn on gravelly shorelines. Summer can be tougher during midday, but dawn and dusk hours provide excellent bass action. Fall cooling temperatures trigger a feeding uptick again. Techniques: Target shallow structure in spring. At Palmer, the northwest end of the lake (shallower, weedy areas) is noted as best for largemouth, and the rocky east shore (in front of lakeside homes) is a hotspot for smallmouth. Use typical bass lures: spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or soft plastic jigs near weed beds and rocky drop-offs. In summer, bass often hold deeper or under cover during the day – flipping jigs into cover or topwater lures in low-light (morning/evening) can draw strikes. Fly fishing for bass is also popular here; local experts recommend using 6–8 weight fly rods with poppers or streamers (e.g. Clouser Minnows, crawfish patterns) to entice Palmer Lake bass.
  • Yellow Perch: Best Season: Year-round – perch are a willing target any time, but summer is typically most productive after they finish spawning in late spring. Perch school up and feed actively in warm months, offering fast action. In winter, Palmer Lake is a popular ice-fishing destination for perch; they remain active under the ice and often school in deeper zones. Techniques: In summer, look for perch around weed edges or drop-offs and fish small jigs or bait (pieces of worm, maggots, or perch meat) near the bottom. Perch will also bite small spinners or spoons jigged vertically from a boat. Through the ice, use ice jigs or spoons tipped with maggots; once a school is located (often 20–50 feet deep in winter), anglers can catch many perch through a single hole. Palmer’s perch run medium-sized (half-pound or so), great for a fish fry.
  • Black Crappie & Sunfish: Best Season: Spring is prime for crappie – they move into shallows to spawn, and fishing peaks during this period (around May). Summer crappie fishing slows a bit (they often suspend in mid-depths), then picks up again in fall as cooling water brings them back toward structure. Bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish also bite well in late spring and throughout the warm summer months. Techniques: Crappie are structure-oriented; target them around submerged brush, docks, or rocky outcrops. Use small jigs (1/16 oz or 1/32 oz) or minnow imitations under a bobber. In spring, casting a minnow-tipped jig or a tiny beetle-spin in the evenings can yield slabs. During summer, night fishing with submersible lights can concentrate crappie beneath your boat. For bluegill/sunfish, worms under a bobber or tiny jig flies near shoreline weeds will keep you busy – great for kids. Palmer Lake crappie and bluegill can also be caught through the ice in winter, albeit more slowly (they school in deeper water like perch).
  • Burbot (Freshwater Ling): Best Season: Mid-winter (January/February) is the top time for burbot. “Winter is an excellent time to fish for burbot, as they tend to congregate leading up to and during spawning,” according to WDFW biologists. These nocturnal fish spawn under the ice, so they are most active on winter nights. Palmer Lake is one of only about 11 lakes in Washington that contain burbot, making it a special opportunity for winter anglers. Techniques: Burbot are usually targeted at night. Anglers either fish through the ice or from shore on winter nights with heavy jigs. The standard approach is a glow jig or spoon sweetened with bait – e.g. a chunk of worm, fish belly, or cut bait – bounced on the bottom. Set up over areas 20–50 feet deep near the rocky bottom; burbot often move shallow after dark to feed. Patience is key, but catches of burbot (which average 2–5 lbs in Palmer) are prized as excellent eating (“poor man’s lobster”). Note: The daily limit for burbot is 5 in Washington.

(Sources: WDFW Fishing Prospects Calendar, Okanogan County info, and expert fishing reports)

Fishing Licenses and Permits

Fishing at Palmer Lake requires the same licenses and access permits as other Washington lakes:

  • Washington Fishing License: Anglers age 15 or older must have a valid Washington State fishing license to fish Palmer Lake. A freshwater license is required (or combination license if you might fish for salmon/steelhead elsewhere). Short-term (1-3 day) licenses are available for non-residents or visitors. You can purchase licenses online or from local vendors. Ensure you have your license on you while fishing.
  • Catch Record Card: No special catch card is needed specifically for Palmer Lake. Species present (trout, kokanee, bass, etc.) do not require catch reporting. The exception would be if you fish for anadromous salmon or steelhead elsewhere in the region (not applicable to Palmer’s landlocked kokanee). For Palmer Lake’s species, your regular license is sufficient.
  • Two-Pole Endorsement: Palmer Lake allows two-pole fishing, meaning you can fish with two rods if you purchase the two-pole endorsement on your license. This can be advantageous when trolling or still-fishing (for example, running two different setups for trout or kokanee). Be sure to have the endorsement sticker if you plan to use a second rod.
  • Boat Launch Access: Palmer has two main public boat launches (details in the next section). The BLM launch on the south end is free – no Discover Pass needed. The DNR launch/campground on the north end is on state land, so a Washington Discover Pass (parking permit) is required to use that site. A Discover Pass can be purchased annually or daily (available online or at state park offices). If parking at the DNR campground or other DNR land, have a Discover Pass visible in your vehicle.

(Source: WDFW & North 40 Outfitters blog)

Boat Launches and Lake Access

Palmer Lake offers two public boat launch sites:

  • BLM Access (South End): On the south end of the lake (nearest Loomis), there is a Bureau of Land Management site with an improved concrete boat ramp and ample parking. This is often the first launch you’ll encounter when coming from Loomis. No launch fee or parking pass is required at the BLM ramp. The ramp is concrete and can accommodate most trailered boats. This site provides the easiest access for larger boats. There are no motor restrictions on Palmer Lake – powerboats are welcome (the lake sees water skiing and jet skiing use in summer). Do be courteous, as the lake isn’t heavily trafficked by boats and many anglers appreciate the tranquility.
  • DNR Campground & Launch (North End): At the north end of Palmer Lake, reachable by road around the lake, is a Washington Dept. of Natural Resources campground with a gravel boat launch. The DNR launch is rougher but usable for small to medium boats (larger boats may prefer the concrete ramp on the south end). This launch is steeper, and can be used during high water periods when the South End launch may be underwater. Parking is available at the campground. A Discover Pass is required to use this site (as it’s on state land). The campground allows overnight camping (typically first-come, first-served, primitive sites). There may be seasonal restroom availability (e.g., pit toilet) but few other amenities. This north end is a good access point for anglers targeting bass in the northwest shallows or those ice fishing in winter. In winter, check ice conditions and access – the gravel launch area can serve as an access onto the ice.
  • Shore & Dock Access: Shoreline access around Palmer Lake is somewhat limited because much of the immediate shoreline is privately owned or steep. However, guests staying at the Lodge at Palmer Lake can fish straight from their 30' dock.
  • Boat Restrictions: There are no special boating restrictions on Palmer Lake noted in the regulations. Motorized boats are allowed (many anglers troll for kokanee or zoom around on jet skis). Always practice safe boating – the lake can be windy at times given its north-south orientation through a valley. Also note there is no developed marina, gas dock, or boat rental on Palmer Lake, so come prepared with fuel and gear. Nearest gas is in Loomis (a few miles away).

(Sources: WDFW site, North 40 Okanogan fishing guide, DNR/BLM information)

Nearby Services: Bait, Tackle, and Lodging

Palmer Lake is in a relatively remote part of Okanogan County, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Here are nearby services and amenities:

  • Bait & Tackle: The Loomis Mini-Mart (General Store) in the tiny town of Loomis (about 4 miles from the lake) is the closest thing to a bait shop. It’s a small gas station and store – you can buy gas, snacks, and likely worms or basic fishing tackle there. For a larger selection of bait and tackle, you may need to drive to Tonasket (35 miles southeast) or Oroville (20+ miles northeast). Tonasket has sporting goods sections in stores (and farm supply stores) that carry fishing gear. If coming from the south, Omak/Okanogan (60 miles) has full-service sporting goods stores. Make sure to bring essential tackle with you due to limited local options.
  • Lodging: Palmer Lake has one primary lakeside lodging facility: a private vacation rental property known as The Lodge at Palmer Lake. It's a 30-acre property with over 300 feet of waterfront on the eastern shore. The lodge is available year-round and can accommodate groups of up to 27. They have a dock that is 30 ft long and is deployed from about early June until mid October. They also have a fishing boat for guest's use that can be checked out. Other lake-specific amenities include a large anchor with a buoy and boat tie-up that is available just off the beach. That allows guests to bring multiple boats and not need to drag them up on the beach overnight.
  • Food & Supplies: Loomis has limited services, but the Kwik Stop convenience store does have staples, along with fishing supplies and gas. If you need groceries or hot meals, you might head to Tonasket (which has cafes/restaurants and a larger grocery store) or Oroville.
  • Boat Rentals & Guides: Other than the fishing boat available for guests at the Lodge at Palmer Lake, there are no on-site boat rental facilities at Palmer Lake. Guided fishing services occasionally operate on Palmer Lake, especially for kokanee – you can inquire with regional fishing guides (for example, guide Jerrod Gibbons of Okanogan Valley Guide Service has guided kokanee trips on Palmer, as seen in NWFR videos). Hiring a guide can be a good way to learn the lake on a first trip.

(Sources: North 40 Okanogan Guide, WDFW, Okanogan Country tourism info)

Rules and Regulations Specific to Palmer Lake

When fishing Palmer Lake, be sure to follow Washington’s fishing regulations. Key rules and limits (specific to Palmer or statewide rules that apply) include:

  • Open Season: Open year-round for fishing. Palmer Lake is open 24/7, 12 months a year (including ice-fishing in winter). There are no seasonal closures on this lake, unlike some high lakes or streams.
  • Fishing Methods: All standard methods are allowed. Two-pole fishing is permitted with the proper endorsement. All angling must be done via rod and line (no nets or traps). Ice fishing is allowed (and popular) in winter – make sure ice thickness is safe and use common-sense precautions. There are no special gear restrictions (no fly-only or selective gear rules) on Palmer Lake.
  • Daily Limits: Palmer Lake generally falls under statewide freshwater limits. Important daily limits and size rules include:
    • Trout (includes rainbow and kokanee combined in general rules): 5 trout per day is the statewide limit. However, Kokanee often have a separate limit – in Washington, kokanee are typically 10 per day on lakes unless otherwise noted. (Palmer Lake’s kokanee count as part of a 10 fish kokanee limit. Check the regs if they count towards the trout limit or separate – current rules list kokanee at 10 daily in most lakes.)
    • Bass: Largemouth Bass – no minimum size; you may keep up to 5 per day, but only 1 largemouth over 17 inches is allowed in the daily catch. Smallmouth Bass – no minimum size; daily limit 10, but only one smallmouth over 14 inches may be kept. These slot limits protect larger breeding bass. Many anglers practice catch-and-release on big bass to sustain the trophy fishery.
    • Panfish: Yellow Perch, Crappie, Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed) – **no minimum size and no daily limit on these in Palmer Lake. (Statewide, Eastern WA lakes often have no limits on perch and sunfish to encourage harvest of abundant populations.) That said, responsible harvest is encouraged – take what you can use.
    • Whitefish: 15 whitefish per day, no size limit. Mountain whitefish (lake whitefish) typically school in deeper water; a special whitefish gear rule is not required here, so standard tackle is fine if targeting them.
    • Burbot: 5 per day, no size limit. Burbot are classified as a game fish in WA with a specific daily limit of five. Given their rarity, even catching one or two is good; make sure not to exceed five if you hit a nightly jackpot.
    • Other species: Common Carp, Pikeminnow, Suckers, etc.: no limits – these nongame fish have no daily limit or size restrictions. They can be retained in any quantity. If bowfishing for carp (allowed under state general rules), do so responsibly and properly dispose of carcasses.
  • Size Limits: Aside from the bass slot limits mentioned above, most species in Palmer have no minimum size. Trout (rainbow) have no minimum size in lakes, and kokanee have no minimum size. If any brown or brook trout are present, note that those count within the trout limit as well. There is typically a 12″ minimum size for retained walleye in WA, but walleye are not officially documented in Palmer (the odd one caught would be an outlier).
  • Special Regulations: Palmer Lake currently has no special prohibitions or unique rules beyond the standard statewide regulations. That means night fishing is allowed (many anglers ice-fish or shore fish for burbot after dark). No speed or motor restrictions are listed (power boats are permitted). Chumming (throwing bait feed to attract fish) is generally not allowed in Washington unless specifically permitted for a water (Palmer’s rules do not specifically allow chumming, so it’s best to avoid it or check the latest pamphlet). Live bait: You may use live worms or maggots, etc., but cannot use live fish as bait in Washington.
  • Enforcement: Palmer Lake’s remote location means WDFW officers aren’t always nearby, but they do patrol. Make sure you have your license on you, observe limits, and have personal flotation devices on your boat. Also, be mindful of the international border – Palmer Lake is entirely in the U.S., but only ~30 miles from Canada; if you venture to other lakes or Osoyoos Lake near the border, have proper licenses for those areas.

Always consult the latest WDFW Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet before fishing, as regulations can change (emergency rule changes are posted on WDFW’s site). Palmer Lake falls under the Eastside Lakes section of the regulations, Okanogan County. As of the current 2025–2026 rules, the above guidelines apply. Happy fishing, and enjoy the bounty of Palmer Lake’s waters while adhering to the rules to keep the fishery productive!

 

Additional Resources

 

Sources: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (Lake database and regulations); Okanogan County tourism report; North 40 Outfitters fishing guide; WDFW “Washington’s Weirdest Catch – Burbot” (2024); Washington state fishing records.