What You'll Find at Conconully Lake

Conconully Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir in north-central Washington that holds smallmouth bass, walleye, and perch in cold, clear water surrounded by sagebrush and ponderosa pine. The lake sits at 2,200 feet elevation in the Okanogan National Forest, about 30 miles north of Wenatchee, and the water stays cool enough through summer to keep fish active all day. The lake has two public boat launches, a campground with 45 sites, and a small resort, making it accessible without a long backcountry hike.

The lake's depth and clarity work against you in summer. Smallmouth bass move to deeper structure — rocky points, submerged logs, and the drop-offs along the main channel — and they become more cautious in bright light. Walleye are easier to pattern because they follow predictable depth zones, but you need to fish early morning, late evening, or overcast days to catch them consistently. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons because fish move shallower and feed more aggressively.

Key Takeaways

  • Smallmouth bass dominate the shallows in spring and fall; in summer they retreat to rocky points and drop-offs in 20 to 40 feet of water.
  • Walleye fishing peaks at dawn and dusk, especially in May through June and September through October, using live shiners or jigging along the main channel.
  • Two public launches at Conconully Resort and the Conconully State Park day-use area give you access to the entire lake without a long drive from the ramp.
  • The lake's clarity means fish can see your line and lure clearly, so use light tackle, small baits, and natural colors rather than bright patterns.
  • Conconully Lake sits in the rain shadow east of the Cascades, so water levels can drop significantly by late summer and some shallow coves become inaccessible.

Spring Fishing: Shallow Flats and Spawning Zones

From April through May, smallmouth bass move into water 3 to 8 feet deep along the north and east shorelines to spawn. Fish the rocky flats and gravel bars with small crankbaits, tube jigs, and soft plastics in brown, green, and natural colors. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but overcast days let you fish through midday. Expect to catch fish in the same 50-yard stretch for several days in a row because spawning bass are territorial and return to the same beds.

Walleye also move shallow in spring, and they congregate near the inlet where Salmon Creek enters the lake on the north end. Fish live shiners under a bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water, or jig vertically with small minnow-pattern jigs. The bite is strongest from sunset through the first two hours after dark. If you're fishing during the day, focus on the deepest holes in the creek channel itself — walleye will hold in shade and current even in spring.

Summer: Deep Structure and Early-Morning Patterns

By June, water temperature climbs into the low 60s and smallmouth bass move to rocky points and submerged structure in 25 to 40 feet of water. The main channel that runs down the center of the lake holds the most consistent fish. Use a depth finder to locate the break line where the bottom drops from 15 feet to 25 feet, then fish the edge with small jigging spoons, tube jigs, or drop-shot rigs. Fish slowly and deliberately — the clear water means bass can inspect your lure from a distance, and a natural presentation matters more than speed.

Walleye fishing in summer requires discipline. Fish from one hour before sunrise until two hours after sunrise, then again from two hours before sunset through full dark. The middle of the day is nearly dead. Focus on the main channel in 30 to 50 feet of water, using live shiners on a slip sinker rig or vertical jigging with small minnow imitations. If you're fishing from shore, the dam area on the south end has deeper water nearby and often holds walleye in the shade of the structure.

Fall: Return to Shallow Water and Aggressive Feeding

September and October bring the most consistent fishing of the year. Water temperature drops back into the 50s, and both smallmouth bass and walleye move shallow again to feed before winter. Fish rocky shorelines, points, and shallow flats in 8 to 15 feet of water with small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. The bite is aggressive — fish will chase lures and hit hard. Overcast days are excellent, but clear days still produce if you fish early and late.

Walleye fishing in fall is straightforward: live shiners under a bobber in 10 to 20 feet of water along the main channel and near the inlet. Fish from dawn through mid-morning and again from mid-afternoon through dark. The fall bite is less time-sensitive than summer, so you have a wider window to fish. Perch also become active in fall and can be caught on small jigs and live minnows in shallow water — they're not trophy fish, but they're fun and make good bait for walleye.

Tackle and Technique for Clear Water

Conconully's clarity demands light tackle and subtle presentations. Use 4- to 6-pound monofilament or 6- to 8-pound braided line for smallmouth bass, and 6- to 8-pound monofilament for walleye. Avoid fluorocarbon unless you're fishing in very shallow water — the extra visibility of monofilament matters less than the stretch it provides when a fish is close. Small lures work better than large ones: 2- to 3-inch tube jigs, 1.5- to 2-inch crankbaits, and 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigging spoons.

For walleye, live shiners 2 to 3 inches long are more effective than larger baitfish. Use a slip sinker rig with a small barrel swivel and a 12- to 18-inch leader to the hook. Keep the sinker just heavy enough to reach the depth you want to fish — a 1/4-ounce sinker is often enough in 20 feet of water. For smallmouth bass, work your lure slowly and pause frequently. In clear water, a bass will follow a lure for several feet before deciding to strike, so give it time to commit.

Access, Facilities, and Water Levels

Conconully Resort operates a boat launch on the west shore with parking for trailers and a small store. Conconully State Park has a day-use area with a second launch on the south end. Both ramps are paved and maintained, though the State Park ramp can get crowded on summer weekends. There is no fuel dock, so fill up in Conconully town before you launch. The campground at the State Park has 45 sites with water and vault toilets, and the resort has RV hookups and cabins if you want to stay overnight.

Water level is the biggest variable. The lake is drawn down for irrigation from July through September, and the level can drop 15 to 20 feet by late August. Shallow coves on the north and east ends become inaccessible, and some of the best spawning habitat in spring is too shallow to fish in late summer. Call the Conconully State Park ranger station before you go if you're planning a trip in August or September — they can tell you the current level and which areas are still fishable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Conconully Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most reliable because fish move shallow and feed aggressively. Summer can be productive if you fish early morning and late evening, but you need to work deeper structure and accept longer periods of slow fishing. Winter is possible but cold and less predictable.

Do I need a boat to fish Conconully Lake?

A boat gives you access to the main channel and deeper structure where walleye hold in summer, but you can catch smallmouth bass from shore along the rocky points and flats. The dam area and the inlet creek are both accessible from shore and hold fish year-round.

What kind of license do I need?

You need a Washington State fishing license, available online or at sporting goods stores in Wenatchee and Okanogan. A freshwater license covers all species in the lake. Check the current regulations for any species-specific restrictions or seasonal closures before you fish.

How far is Conconully Lake from major towns?

Conconully is about 30 miles north of Wenatchee and 50 miles south of Okanogan. Wenatchee has more services and lodging, but Okanogan is closer to the lake. The drive from Wenatchee takes roughly 45 minutes on US-97 north and local roads.

Can I fish the inlet creek where it enters the lake?

Yes, Salmon Creek is open to fishing and holds walleye and some smallmouth bass. The creek is shallow and narrow, so use light tackle and small lures. Access is limited to where the creek meets the lake; upstream access depends on private land ownership.