Fishing Lake Umatilla
AKA: Umatilla Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Umatilla, WA
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Umatilla, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Walleye Fishing
Lake Umatilla is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Lake Umatilla. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a bunch of hungry of crappie. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead and sturgeon at Lake Umatilla in Washington.
Lake Umatilla Fishing Video
Stretching for 110 miles along the WA/OR border, between John Day Dam and McNary Dam, Lake Umatilla is an excellent fishery with a wide variety of fish species. Residing in this 48,000-acre lake are bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and others.
Lake Umatilla in Washington offers anglers a scenic and productive fishing experience in the heart of the Columbia River. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, attracting fishing enthusiasts from near and far. Popular fish species found in Lake Umatilla include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, and salmon. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines from the shore or venturing out onto the water in boats to target these sought-after fish species.
Over 220 miles of shoreline give anglers plenty of places to wet a line for bass, crappie and sunfish. The deeper river channel, ledges and humps are favorite hangouts of most the other species. The elevation is 268 ft above sea level. This section of the Columbia River is accessible from both Oregon and Washington with numerous boat launch ramps in each state. No boat rentals are available here so bring a canoe, kayak, family boat or fishing boat and enjoy this great fishing in southern Washington.
Lake Umatilla in Washington offers a rewarding fishing experience, complemented by boating and camping opportunities. Whether you're angling for bass, trout, or salmon, cruising the calm waters by boat, or spending a night under the starry sky at a lakeside campground, Lake Umatilla provides ample recreational opportunities for visitors to relax, appreciate the natural beauty, and create lasting memories.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Umatilla
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Umatilla Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a favored activity at Lake Umatilla, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore the expansive waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits both motorized and non-motorized boats, giving anglers the freedom to choose their preferred boating method. From powerboats to kayaks and canoes, boaters can navigate the calm waters, explore different fishing areas, and find optimal spots to cast their lines. The panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere of Lake Umatilla make boating a delightful experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Crow Butte Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Crow Butte State Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Plymouth Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Christy Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Railroad Island Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the west end of the lake, north side, off John Day Dam Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Rock Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Highway 14, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Sundale Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Sundale Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Umatilla
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington fishing license.
Camping options are available near Lake Umatilla, offering visitors the chance to extend their outdoor adventure. There are nearby campgrounds and camping facilities that provide various amenities, including campsites, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Camping near Lake Umatilla allows anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, enjoy peaceful evenings by the water, and have convenient access to fishing opportunities throughout their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Crowe Butte Park Campground - 509 875-2644
Agate Acres RV Park - 509 735-8642
Plymouth Park Campground - 541 506-4807
Driftwood RV Resort & Campground - 541 481-3262
US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 541 739-2713
Roosevelt Park Recreation Area Campground - 541 506-7819
Oregon Trail RV Park - 541 571-0661
Umatilla Marina RV Park - 541 922-3939
Green Acres RV Park - 541 481-2205
Lake Umatilla WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Umatilla
Crowe Butte Park
1 Crow Butte State Park Rd
Paterson, WA 99345
509 875-2644
Fishing lakes in each state.
101024
Lake Umatilla in Washington.
WASHINGTON
Information about fishing lakes in Washington
Lake Umatilla offers crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, bass, catfish, salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fishing along the Washington-Oregon border.
