Lake Chelan
Washington's largest natural lake, a narrow glacial lake running more than 50 miles from the town of Chelan up to Stehekin. It is known for kokanee, big lake trout (mackinaw), and smallmouth bass in the lower lake.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Kokanee
Best from mid-April through June. In summer they move offshore and deep, near the thermocline; troll small dodgers and lures.
Lake Trout
The state record has come from here several times, most recently a 35.63 lb fish in 2013. Fish deep water with downriggers or jigs.
Smallmouth Bass
A fairly good fishery with some quality fish, mainly in the lower lake near Chelan and Manson. Best during the spring spawn and at dawn and dusk in summer.
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Catchable fish are planted in June and July and average about 12 inches. Wild cutthroat must be released.
Chinook Salmon
Landlocked Chinook are less common and usually caught by anglers trolling for other species.
When they bite
Month-by-month activity for each target species.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokanee | ||||||||||||
| Lake Trout | ||||||||||||
| Smallmouth Bass | ||||||||||||
| Westslope Cutthroat Trout |
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Lake Chelan State ParkFeeWA State Parks, 7544 S Lakeshore Rd. Boat ramp, $7 daily launch feeDirections ↗
- Twenty-Five Mile Creek State ParkFeeWA State Parks. Boat ramp, ADA launch, gas dock and seasonal store; $7 launch fee; closed Nov 1 to Apr 1Directions ↗
- Lakeshore MarinaPublicCity of Chelan public ramp in townDirections ↗
- Chelan RiverwalkPublicChelan PUD public ramp in ChelanDirections ↗
- Manson Bay ParkPublicManson Parks public rampDirections ↗
- Old Mill ParkPublicManson Parks public rampDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Trout Year-round; release wild cutthroat trout | Statewide | Statewide |
| Salmon Year-round; no catch record card required | 15 in | 1 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (2026-27 pamphlet on eRegulations) ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Sportsman's WarehouseNearby611 Valley Mall Pkwy, East Wenatchee(509) 886-7200Directions ↗
Local tips
- The lake is over 1,400 feet deep and very cold; lake trout and kokanee often hold far below the surface in summer.
- Twenty-Five Mile Creek has the last fuel up the lake until Stehekin, so plan fuel before heading uplake.
- Washington has fish consumption advisories for Lake Chelan; check the Department of Health guidance before keeping fish.
Angler reports
Water temp, what's biting, and anything else other anglers should know about Lake Chelan.