Palmer Lake in Okanogan County, Washington, is a 2,032-acre lake surrounded by mountains and orchards, offering year-round fishing opportunities. This diverse fishery is known for its kokanee salmon, burbot,bass, and perch, with excellent ice fishing in winter months.
Fish Species
Palmer Lake supports a diverse range of fish species, including both cold-water trout/salmon and warm-water gamefish:
Trout & Salmon
Rainbow Trout and Kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) are the primary cold-water species. Kokanee are a major draw in spring due to their size and abundance.
Bass
Both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass thrive here, commonly 1-3 lbs with larger individuals. Palmer Lake produces some of the biggest smallmouth bass found anywhere in Washington state.
Panfish
Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed sunfish, and Yellow Perch are plentiful. Perch in the 6-10 inch range are frequently caught year-round.
Other Species
Burbot (freshwater ling cod), Mountain Whitefish, and various native minnows indicate a very rich ecosystem. Burbot are nocturnal fish, can grow large and are prized as excellent eating.
Trophy Catches
Kokanee Salmon: Historically grown to impressive sizes over 18 inches. Current catches typically range 11-14 inches with larger fish possible as the population rebounds.
Bass: Palmer Lake produces exceptionally large bass, with some of the biggest smallmouth bass found anywhere in Washington state. While typical catches are 1-3 lbs, smallmouths well above 3 lbs are not uncommon.
Burbot: Palmer Lake once held the state record burbot, which was just over 17 pounds. Anglers report that catching a 10 pound burbot in Palmer Lake is not unusual.
Best Seasons & Techniques
Kokanee Salmon: Spring (March-June) is prime time. Troll flashers or dodgers with Kokabow spinners, small hoochie squids, or other kokanee lures tipped with white corn.
Rainbow Trout: Spring and early summer (through June) when fish are active in warmer shallows. Try still fishing with PowerBait or worms, or trolling small spoons and spinners.
Bass: Late spring to early summer (May-June) is peak season. Target shallow structure in spring, deeper water in summer. The northwest end is best for largemouth, rocky east shore for smallmouth.
Yellow Perch: Year-round action, with summer most productive. Winter ice fishing is popular - perch remain active under the ice and often school in deeper zones.
Burbot: Mid-winter (January/February) is prime time. Fish at night with glow jigs or spoons sweetened with bait, thumped on the bottom to get the attention of the fish.
Action-Packed Perch Fishing
While not a guarantee, many anglers report finding schools of perch in Palmer lake and catching a lot of fish, keeping only the big ones. Some are as large as 13 inches. 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 - perch are often only about 2 inches above the lakebed.
Lake Access & Services
Boat Launches: Two public launches available - BLM access on the south end (free, concrete ramp) and DNR campground on the north end (requires Discover Pass, gravel launch).
Lodge Access: Guests staying at The Lodge at Palmer Lake can fish straight from our 30' dock, available from early June until mid-October.
Nearby Services: Loomis Mini-Mart (4 miles away) has basic fishing supplies and gas. For larger selection, drive to Tonasket or Oroville.
Fishing License: Required for anglers 15 and older. Purchase online or from local vendors. Two-pole endorsement available for using two rods.
Key Regulations
- Open Season: Year-round fishing, including ice fishing in winter
- Kokanee: 10 per day, no minimum size
- Bass: 5 largemouth per day (only 1 over 17"), 10 smallmouth per day (only 1 over 14")
- Panfish: No daily limit on perch, crappie, and sunfish
- Burbot: 5 per day, no size limit
- Whitefish: 15 per day, no size limit
Always consult the latest WDFW Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet before fishing, as regulations can change.