If you're looking for a fishing getaway near Seattle, Easton, Washington should be at the top of your list. The Snoqualmie Pass area offers everything from private stocked lakes to rivers full of wild trout — and it's just 80 minutes from the city.
Here's everything you need to know about fishing in and around Easton.
Fishing at Alpine Lakes Lodge — 4 Private Stocked Lakes
The biggest advantage of staying at Alpine Lakes Lodge is exclusive access to our 4 private stocked lakes. No public access, no crowds, no competition for the best spots.
What makes our lakes special:
- Private — only lodge guests can fish here
- Stocked with trout and other popular game fish
- No fishing license required — it's private property
- Year-round fishing — though summer and fall offer the best conditions
- Shore fishing and boat fishing — fish from the bank or take a free kayak or paddle boat out on the water
- Family-friendly — calm, shallow shoreline areas perfect for kids
What to Bring
You'll need to bring your own fishing gear:
- Rods and reels — spinning rods work great for our lakes. Bring kid-friendly setups if fishing with children
- Tackle — hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and a variety of lures
- Bait — live bait and PowerBait both work well in our stocked lakes
- Net — helpful for landing larger fish from shore
- Cooler — if you plan to keep your catch
- Sunscreen and hat — you'll be out on the water for hours
Best Fishing Times
- Early morning (sunrise to 9 AM) — consistently the best bite window. The lakes are calm, the light is low, and the fish are active
- Late evening (6 PM to sunset) — another excellent window, especially in summer when midday heat slows things down
- Overcast days — fish tend to be more active when it's cloudy. Don't let gray skies keep you indoors
- After a rain — increased insect activity brings fish to the surface
Seasonal Fishing at Our Lakes
| Season | Conditions | What to Expect | |--------|-----------|---------------| | Spring (April-May) | Water warming, fish active | Great early season — fish are hungry after winter | | Summer (June-Aug) | Warmest water, longest days | Best overall conditions. Early morning and evening bites | | Fall (Sept-Oct) | Cooling water, fish feeding up | Excellent fishing. Fish are bulking up before winter | | Winter (Nov-Mar) | Cold water, slower activity | Challenging but possible. Fish are deeper and slower |
Public Fishing Spots Near Easton
If you want to expand your fishing beyond our private lakes, there are several excellent public options nearby.
Lake Easton (5 minutes away)
A 237-acre lake right next to Easton with public access through Lake Easton State Park. Stocked by WDFW with rainbow trout. Also holds some bass and perch.
- License required: Yes — Washington State fishing license
- Best for: Shore fishing, small boat fishing
- Season: Best April through October
Yakima River (15-30 minutes)
The upper Yakima River is one of Washington's best trout streams. Catch-and-release only for wild trout in most sections. Known for excellent fly fishing.
- License required: Yes, plus catch-and-release rules apply
- Best for: Fly fishing, experienced anglers
- Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, whitefish
- Season: Year-round, but best in spring and fall
Kachess Lake (20 minutes)
A large reservoir surrounded by forest and mountains. Good fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and burbot.
- License required: Yes
- Best for: Boat fishing (there's a public boat launch)
- Species: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, burbot
- Season: Best May through September
Keechelus Lake (25 minutes)
Another large reservoir along I-90. Decent trout fishing, especially in spring and fall when the water level is stable.
- License required: Yes
- Best for: Shore fishing and boat fishing
- Species: Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon
- Season: Best May through October
Washington State Fishing License
For any public water in Washington, you'll need a fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
- Resident annual license: ~$30
- Non-resident annual: ~$85
- Short-term options: 1-day, 3-day, and family licenses available
- Where to buy: Online at WDFW website, or at local sporting goods stores
Remember: You do NOT need a license for our private lakes at Alpine Lakes Lodge. Bring your gear, walk to the lake, and start fishing.
Planning Your Fishing Trip
The easiest way to combine great fishing with a comfortable place to stay is to book a cabin, tiny home, or RV site at Alpine Lakes Lodge. You'll have 4 private lakes right outside your door, plus easy access to all the public fishing spots listed above.
Our lodge is also a great option for fishing groups — sleep up to 14 under one roof, then spread out across the lakes in the morning.
What we provide: Free kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and paddle boats for getting out on the water. Bring your own fishing gear (rods, tackle, bait).
Alpine Lakes Lodge is located at 3000 U-Fish Rd, Easton, WA 98925 — just 80 minutes from Seattle via I-90 (Exit 63, then 1.5 miles down the road on your left). Open year-round. Call 425-622-2790 or book online.