What Cascade Park offers anglers

Cascade Park sits on the eastern shore of Moses Lake, about three miles south of the city of Moses Lake proper. The park is a day-use facility with boat launch access, a paved parking area, and direct shoreline fishing from the bank. The lake here holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie — the same species throughout Moses Lake, but Cascade Park's location on the eastern side puts you in shallower water and weed beds that hold bass and crappie more consistently than the deeper central basin.

The park has no overnight camping, no lodging, and no food service. What it does have is reliable public access to water that sees less pressure than the main marina areas on the western shore. The boat launch is concrete and well-maintained, though it can get crowded on summer weekends. Bank fishing is the real draw here — you can walk the shoreline for several hundred yards and work structure without needing a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Cascade Park is a day-use facility with a concrete boat launch and bank fishing access on the eastern shore of Moses Lake, about three miles south of town.
  • The shallow water and weed beds near the park hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and walleye, with bass and crappie most reliable from shore.
  • Spring and fall typically produce better results than summer, when the lake warms and fish move deeper or suspend in the water column.
  • Bank fishing is productive here, especially early morning or late evening, and requires no boat or special equipment beyond a rod and tackle.

Bank fishing the shoreline

The shoreline immediately in front of the park is sandy and slopes gradually into deeper water. This gradual drop-off is where bass hunt in spring and fall. Work the first 15 to 20 feet of water with crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures early in the morning or in the last two hours before dark. The weed beds begin about 30 to 50 yards out, depending on water level and season — you can see them from shore on clear days.

Crappie fishing from the bank is often overlooked at Cascade Park, but it can be excellent in spring (March through May) when crappie move into shallow water to spawn. Use small jigs tipped with minnows or small soft plastics, cast toward any visible structure — fallen trees, dock pilings, or the edges of weed beds — and work them slowly. Crappie bite best in low light, so dawn and dusk are your best windows.

Walleye are present but less predictable from shore. If you want to target them, fish live minnows on a simple rig near the bottom during the evening bite, typically from one hour before sunset through full dark. Most shore anglers catch walleye by accident while bass fishing, but it happens often enough that it is worth keeping a minnow rod rigged if you have one.

Launching and fishing from a boat

The boat launch at Cascade Park is single-lane concrete with a gentle slope. On weekends and holidays during summer, arrive early — the lot fills by mid-morning. There is no launch fee. The launch is suitable for bass boats, pontoons, and smaller aluminum rigs; larger cabin cruisers are better served by the main marina on the western shore.

From a boat, you can reach the weed beds and deeper structure that hold bass and walleye. Smallmouth bass are scattered throughout the lake but concentrate on rocky points and the transitions between shallow and deep water. Largemouth bass prefer the weed beds and shallower bays. Troll or cast along the weed edges in spring and fall, or fish deeper structure (20 to 35 feet) during summer when surface temperatures climb above 75 degrees.

Seasonal patterns at Cascade Park

Spring (March through May) is the most consistent season. Bass move shallow to spawn, crappie are active in the shallows, and walleye feed heavily before and after their own spawning cycle. Water temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees. Fish early morning and late evening, and expect the bite to slow during midday.

Summer (June through August) is slower from shore but can be productive from a boat if you fish early, late, or deep. Surface temperatures often exceed 75 degrees, pushing bass and walleye deeper or into the thickest weed cover. Crappie become harder to locate. Many anglers shift to night fishing or focus on early-morning topwater.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring — a second peak season when water cools and fish move back into shallower feeding zones. Bass bite aggressively, crappie return to accessible depths, and walleye feed throughout the day. This is often the best time for a visiting angler with limited time.

Winter (November through February) is slow. The lake does not freeze solid, but water temperatures drop to the 40s and fish become lethargic. Some walleye fishing occurs, but most anglers do not make the trip during these months.

What to bring and what to know

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — the eastern shore has little shade and the sun reflects hard off the water. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for early-morning or evening fishing. If you are bank fishing, wear polarized sunglasses to spot structure and fish in the shallows.

Washington requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most tackle shops in Moses Lake. There is no separate fee for Cascade Park itself.

The park has vault toilets but no running water. Cell service is reliable. The parking area is paved and well-lit, though there is no overnight security — do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Tackle and techniques for Cascade Park

For largemouth bass, bring 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning or baitcasting rods with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line. Crankbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and topwater plugs all work. For smallmouth, use slightly lighter tackle — 8- to 12-pound line — and smaller lures.

Crappie rigs are simple: a 1/16- to 1/8-ounce jig on 4- to 6-pound line, tipped with a live minnow or small soft plastic. A light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) is ideal. Cast and retrieve slowly, or use a vertical jigging approach if you are fishing from a boat.

For walleye, live minnows (shiners or shad, 2 to 4 inches) on a basic slip-sinker rig work best. Use 6- to 8-pound line and fish near the bottom in deeper water or along the weed edges at dusk.

Getting there and nearby options

Cascade Park is located at 2618 East Cascade Drive, Moses Lake, WA 98837. From downtown Moses Lake, head east on Division Street, which becomes Cascade Drive. The park entrance is on your right. Parking is free, and the lot typically has space except on major holidays.

If Cascade Park is crowded or if you want to explore other parts of Moses Lake, the main marina on the western shore offers more amenities (restaurants, tackle shops, fuel) but also more boat traffic. The northern end of the lake near the dam is shallower and better for crappie. The southern basin is deeper and holds more walleye and smallmouth bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Cascade Park?

No. Bank fishing is productive, especially for bass and crappie in spring and fall. You can walk the shoreline and work the shallow water without a boat. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and weed beds, but it is not required.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dark) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. Night fishing can be excellent for walleye and bass during warm months.

Are there fish in winter?

Yes, but the bite is slow. Walleye are the most reliable winter target, but water temperatures in the 40s make fish lethargic. Most anglers do not make the trip during November through February.

Can I fish from the dock or pier at Cascade Park?

There is no dock or pier at Cascade Park. Fishing is from the bank or from a boat. The shoreline is accessible and fishable for several hundred yards in both directions from the parking area.

What licenses do I need?

Washington requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at local tackle shops. There is no separate park fee.