Great Places to Fish in Lake Chelan

by | Apr 14, 2022 | Things to Do

Man fishing around Lake Chelan

Springtime is such a beautiful season at Lake Chelan. People worldwide come to enjoy the sunny weather, magnificent landscapes, and endless things to do while connecting with nature in the Lake Chelan Valley.

One of the most popular activities in our region is fishing. While fishing season is open year-round in Lake Chelan, the best time for going to the lake is during the warm and sunny seasons.

Before heading out to your next fishing adventure, drop us a line at Mountain View Lodge & Resort and book a room for your fishing vacation headquarters!

To help you during your next fishing excursion around Lake Chelan and surrounding areas, I have compiled a list of the best spots to cast your fishing line.

Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan with the mountains in the background

First up on our list for all you fishing enthusiasts is beautiful Lake Chelan.

With over 50 miles of crystal blue water and magnificent surroundings of hillside orchards, vineyards, and mountain ranges, it’s no wonder why Lake Chelan is a world-renowned location in the Northwest for fishing.

This spot has an abundance of different types of fish to catch. Stocking programs release 100,000 Cutthroat and 500,000 Kokanee (landlocked Salmon) fingerlings into Lake Chelan. Along with these two types of fish, you can also expect to fish for Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Burbot, ranging anywhere between 6 to 20 pounds.

Although Lake Chelan is open year-round, check with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for license requirements and limits.

Wapato Lake

Person on a kayak while fishing on Wapato Lake

If you’ve got a great recipe to cook Rainbow Trout, Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, or Black Crappie, make Wapato Lake your next fishing spot.

Nestled in the Manson hills and just 7 minutes away from The Lodge, Wapato Lake is a beautiful area that could be considered any fisherman’s dream spot. The lake covers 216 surface acres, has a maximum depth of 68 feet, and has gorgeous mountain surroundings making for a great destination to bring a kayak or small boat to fish on the water. 

Wapato Lake has plenty of parking, bathroom access, and a concrete block boat launching ramp.

Antilon Lake

Antilon Lake

Continue to travel 14 minutes further north of Wapato Lake, and you’ll come across another little nook fishing hole called Antilon Lake. 

This 77-acre lake will make you feel like you’re fishing in your own private area. Enjoy the beautiful 360-degree scenery of the mountain range as you toss your line in the water to catch a variety of fish that await you. 

This lake is best known for being home to such fish as Black Crappie, Brown Trout, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

Spend the day catching some fish out on the lake and then grill it all up on the BBQ later on in the evening under the pavilion section of Mountain View Lodge & Resort.

Alta Lake

A fisherman's hands holding a fishing pole

Travel 36 min up the Cascade Loop, where you can take in the fantastic mountain views on your way to a popular fishing spot called Alta Lake.

Tucked in the hills between Winthrop and Lake Chelan, Alta Lake is home to an extraordinary number and variety of fish, including the wild Large Mouth Bass, Kokanee, and Rainbow trout. Typically, around April, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will re-stock this lake with Rainbow Trot and Kokanee, so expect to catch fish between 11 to 16 inches long. 

Additionally, Alta Lake has two boat launches and a campground area, just in case the fishing is too good to leave!

Add Mountain View Lodge To Your Tackle Box

Front counter of Mountain View Lodge and Resort

Don’t wait another minute! The Lake Chelan Valley is quite a catch for anyone looking for an amazing spot to enjoy some quality time on the water with a fishing pole, bait, and good company. The fish are biting, and the grills are hot!

Bring your family and friends along and stay with us at Mountain View Lodge & Resort. 

If you’d like to find out about other great fishing spots during your stay, call us at (509) 687-9505. Ask about our specials and snag a room at The Lodge to set up the perfect fishing adventure. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook, as we are constantly posting about unique events happening around Lake Chelan, along with great places to go and experience during your trip.