Anywhere to go fishing without a boat 2-4 hours east of Seattle?

[gooeydruid]

Hey all,
The wife and I are looking to go camping, fishing, and stargazing this weekend.
Only problem is, we don't have a boat, so we need a lake that offers some decent shore-fishing.
We would prefer something 2-4 hours from Seattle (the closer the better ), with dark skies for stargazin'.
Any ideas?

One place we were considering is Lake Kachess off I-90, seems like the Kokanee fishing is good there, but I'm questioning if we'll catch much without a boat.

Thanks.

[jjdavis2222]

 I would suggest the north side of Banks lake. There are a couple of camp grounds that are first come. Its beautiful on the north side of the lake!! And at night its even more cool. I have never fished from shore there since I have a boat but see people all the time doing it. I have caught bass as large as 5 pounds right off the road in my boat in osborn bay. Theres a ton of rip rap along the road with alot of turn offs for fishing. If I were you i would try that. Like I said its awsome up there. You could even go check out Grand Coulee during the heat of the day. PM if you wnat more info. PS. its about a 4 hour drive from Des Moines.

[GEARHEAD]

ditto on banks lake, might also consider rufus woods just a little farther too, ya could even do both. consider bridgeport park at rufus. rufus will get ya fish for sure.

[jackelope]

you can camp at sun lakes state park and fish blue and park lakes, or trek up to banks if needed, there's a few other lakes in that immediate area that have fish too. we have seen the northern lights from that campground at times before.

[jjdavis2222]

  It really depends on what type of fish your after, trout on sun and blue lakes spin rays on bank with some trout. Either way you'll be happy!

[yelp]

 

I would suggest the north side of Banks lake. There are a couple of camp grounds that are first come. Its beautiful on the north side of the lake!! And at night its even more cool. I have never fished from shore there since I have a boat but see people all the time doing it. I have caught bass as large as 5 pounds right off the road in my boat in osborn bay. Theres a ton of rip rap along the road with alot of turn offs for fishing. If I were you i would try that. Like I said its awsome up there. You could even go check out Grand Coulee during the heat of the day. PM if you wnat more info. PS. its about a 4 hour drive from Des Moines.

 

[BigGoonTuna]

potholes and quincy areas get my vote.  about 2 or 3 hours from seattle.

[gooeydruid]

  It really depends on what type of fish your after, trout on sun and blue lakes spin rays on bank with some trout. Either way you'll be happy!

Sorry, shoulda specified. Was really hoping to get some fish like pan fish or bass.

[gooeydruid]

I would suggest the north side of Banks lake. There are a couple of camp grounds that are first come. Its beautiful on the north side of the lake!! And at night its even more cool. I have never fished from shore there since I have a boat but see people all the time doing it. I have caught bass as large as 5 pounds right off the road in my boat in osborn bay. Theres a ton of rip rap along the road with alot of turn offs for fishing. If I were you i would try that. Like I said its awsome up there. You could even go check out Grand Coulee during the heat of the day. PM if you wnat more info. PS. its about a 4 hour drive from Des Moines.

Any suggestions on where to stay?
The closest I could find on the web is on WDFW's site, this listing of access sites for Banks Lake Unit: http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/columbia_basin/access_sites.php

[kbyers]

Well if you decide to get over to Banks let me know.  The wife and I will be there Sunday.  If you are there maybe we could get you out on the boat for a bit

[Fishhunt223]

I would go to potholes.  Not too far, good camping, and great fishing off the dock.  You can catch slab crappies and bluegill by the bucketfulls and if the fish arent biting there, you have dozens of other options within 20 minutes of the resort.

[ducks55]

I would go to potholes.  Not too far, good camping, and great fishing off the dock.  You can catch slab crappies and bluegill by the bucketfulls and if the fish arent biting there, you have dozens of other options within 20 minutes of the resort.

The dock isnt there anymore, got taken out by the ice this winter. THe guy a tmardons said they have a new one coming but Im not sure it is there yet and he told me the delivery was being delayed and that was a week or two ago.

[alanger]

BRidgeport state park. steamboat state park. conconully state park. ? Rufus is the way to go if you want some big ol trouters!