Out of all the time I been fishing Lake Washington from Lake union to coulon I have caught a variety of fish from bass,perch,sculpins,squawfish,large sucker,trout,pumkinseed and out of all those fish I have never caught a catfish out of this lake I seen one once in the shallows crusin around gaurding fry which was a something to see. But that was it never even seen a Crappie caught out of there but i know they exist. I have never been able to catch any when trying to where should I go on lake washington to catch catfish and crappie? Any info hot spots to try would be appreciated and any secret spot will be kept secret cause I love catfish and Crappie and fishing and i know how it is in the seattle area spots get crowded sometimes and you get pushed out. But anyway any info would be useful Email me at Magee102@hotmail.com

REal -
Catfish - actually brown bullheads are pretty common in the big lake. I would focus my efforts in the back ends of the shallow mud bottom bays. There are a number areas in various parts of the lake. During the early spring (February/March) the best fishing is during the day and about now the fishing is best during low light periods.

Since the clear up of the lake in the 1960s the numbers of crappies have dropped. The fishinng has gotten even tougher due to the clearer water - much of the year they tend to suspend ove deeper water. During their spawning season - water temepratures in the low 60s you can find they along the shore lines associated with various structure. During the summer you can also find them at times along the out edges of the weed lines at dusk.

Good luck with your search.
Tight lines
S malma

RB,
Here is a little more info… The arboretum at the U.W. has some good cat fishing. Try under the westbound exit from 520 to Lake Washington Blvd. E. (be sure to have a shallow draft on your boat) This is where I have had my best luck. And believe it or not I just used a bobber and a worm…….

Good Luck
COHO

I once grabbed up a couple of those baby bullheads which were being guarded by Mom. I put them in an aquarium with a couple of bluegill youngsters. I released one of the cats after about 6 months, as things were getting a little crowded, but kept the other.

I had that catfish for about a year and a half, and then gave it to my sister and her husband, who kept it for another two years. They finally released it into Lake Washington when they moved and didn't have room. It had grown to about 18 inches long and I would guess about 5 lbs.

It was a fun thing to do. The catfish made a great aquarium fish. Just a useless ditty...thought maybe someone else might like to try it.

Fun5arces-
Thought folks might want to know that keeping game fish in captivity without permits is a no-no.

Tight lines
S malma

Right you are...thanks for the update. When I did it, all warm water species were considered trash fish. Used to fish bass out in Dave's area in all the farmer's ponds, that's how long ago. Now it's all condo's, gated communities, and tract homes........ah, for the good ol' days.