Green Lake - Seattle, WA

Green Lake in Seattle is a standout urban fishery, offering consistent year-round angling just minutes from downtown. At 259 acres, it provides accessible trout and warmwater fishing for all experience levels, with easy access from multiple banks, fishing piers, and a surrounding walking path.

Each spring and fall, WDFW stocks Green Lake heavily with rainbow trout, which respond well to PowerBait, worms, and spinners. Boaters in kayaks or rowboats often troll wedding rings or small spoons to cover water. Fly anglers can also target trout near inflows or shaded banks.

Though rainbows are the main draw, Green Lake also holds resident brown trout and broodstock rainbows, occasionally exceeding five pounds. These larger fish often require finesse tactics—small spoons, night fishing, or streamer patterns.

In summer, bass, perch, and sunfish become active around structure, docks, and weed beds. Largemouth bass are commonly caught on soft plastics and topwater baits, while panfish provide steady action with worms or jigs.

Non-motorized boats are welcome, making it ideal for float tubing and kayaking. Despite being in a busy park, Green Lake maintains a consistent bite, especially during stocking season. For city dwellers looking for a productive, convenient fishing spot, Green Lake remains one of Seattle’s best choices.