What Conconully Lake offers and when to fish it

Conconully Lake is a shallow, warm-water reservoir in Okanogan County that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and rainbow trout. The lake sits at 2,185 feet elevation in semi-arid terrain, so water temperature swings hard between seasons — it warms fast in spring and early summer, making it excellent for bass from May through September, then cools enough by October that trout become the better target. Winter fishing is possible but the lake can freeze solid by January depending on the year.

The lake covers roughly 1,000 acres when full, though water level fluctuates with irrigation demand. Conconully State Park occupies the north shore and provides the main public access point, with a boat launch, day-use parking, and a small campground. The south and east shores are mostly private property, so plan to fish from the park or from a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Largemouth and smallmouth bass dominate spring and summer; fish shallow structure near the park and along the eastern shoreline where brush and rocks hold fish.
  • Walleye bite best at dawn and dusk year-round, especially in fall and winter when they move into deeper water; live shiners or soft plastics work well.
  • Water level drops through summer as irrigation withdrawals increase, so check current conditions before launching and expect the lake to be lower in August and September than in May.
  • Conconully State Park is the only developed public access; arrive early on weekends because the parking lot fills by mid-morning during summer.

Bass fishing in spring and early summer

Largemouth bass spawn in April and May in the shallows near Conconully State Park, particularly along the northern shoreline where reeds and submerged brush provide cover. Fish 3 to 8 feet deep with soft plastics — 4-inch worms rigged Texas-style or small crankbaits that mimic the shiners and dace the bass feed on. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but bass will bite through midday in spring because water temperatures are still cool.

Smallmouth bass prefer rockier structure and move into slightly deeper water than largemouths. The eastern shore has more exposed rock and gravel than the western side, making it a better bet for smallmouths. Fish drop-offs and rocky points with tube jigs or small swimbaits in 6 to 12 feet of water. By June, both species move deeper as the lake warms, so shift to early morning and dusk fishing and work deeper structure — points, drop-offs, and the channel that runs through the middle of the lake.

Walleye and fall fishing

Walleye are present year-round but bite most reliably at low light — dawn, dusk, and overcast days. In spring and summer, fish live shiners or shiner-pattern soft plastics along the deeper edges of structure, particularly near the channel that runs through the center of the lake. Walleye often suspend 15 to 25 feet down in summer, so a sonar unit helps, but you can also work the drop-offs that border the shallows.

Fall is when walleye fishing peaks. As water cools in September and October, walleye move shallower and bite more aggressively. Fish the same structure you would target in spring — rocky points, brush piles, and the edges of the channel — but expect to find fish in 8 to 15 feet rather than 20 feet. Live shiners are the most reliable bait, but jigging with soft plastics or small spoons also works. Fish dawn and dusk, and plan to stay through the low-light periods because walleye often bite best in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.

Rainbow trout and winter conditions

Rainbow trout are stocked periodically and are most active in fall and winter when water temperatures drop below 65 degrees. In fall, fish near the surface with small spinners or spoons early and late in the day. By November, trout move deeper and bite more slowly, so switch to live shiners or small soft plastics fished on the bottom near the channel and deeper structure.

Winter fishing is possible but unpredictable. The lake can freeze by late December, and ice thickness varies year to year. If the lake is open, trout fishing is slow but consistent — fish the deepest holes with live bait and expect to spend long periods waiting for a bite. Check current conditions with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or local tackle shops before making the drive in winter.

Boat launch and access details

Conconully State Park has a single-lane concrete boat launch that accommodates trailers up to about 20 feet. The launch is free and open year-round, though it can be muddy in spring and early summer when water levels are high. Parking is limited — the lot holds roughly 30 vehicles, and it fills by 9 or 10 a.m. on summer weekends. Arrive early or plan to fish on weekdays if you want a may provide spot.

The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small campground with tent and RV sites if you want to stay overnight. Day-use parking is separate from the campground parking, so you can fish without paying a camping fee. No fuel or tackle shops are at the park, so bring everything you need from town — Conconully is a small community about 2 miles south, with a general store but limited fishing supplies.

Water level and seasonal changes

Conconully Lake is managed for irrigation, so water level fluctuates significantly through the year. The lake is usually highest in May and June after spring runoff, then drops steadily through summer as water is released for agricultural use. By August and September, the lake can be 10 to 15 feet lower than in spring, which changes where fish hold and how accessible certain structure becomes.

Low water in late summer can expose rocks and stumps that are submerged in spring, creating new hazards for boats. If you fish in August or September, run the lake slowly until you learn the bottom, or ask other anglers at the park about current conditions. Fall rains and winter snowmelt begin refilling the lake by October, so water levels rise again through winter and spring.

Tackle and technique for Conconully's conditions

Conconully's shallow, warm water in summer means fish are sensitive to light and pressure. Use 6 to 8-pound fluorocarbon leader for bass and walleye, and keep your boat quiet — the lake is small enough that engine noise travels far. Fish early and late, and focus on structure rather than open water. Brush piles, rock outcrops, and the channel edges hold fish consistently.

Soft plastics and live bait outperform hard lures on Conconully because the lake has relatively clear water and fish see artificial lures closely. Carry a selection of 4 to 6-inch worms, tube jigs, and swimbaits for bass, and live shiners or shiner-pattern soft plastics for walleye. Spinners and small spoons work for trout, especially in fall. A sonar unit is helpful for finding the channel and locating suspended walleye in summer, but not essential if you focus on visible structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Conconully Lake?

May through September for bass, and September through November for walleye and trout. Spring bass fishing is excellent because fish are shallow and aggressive during spawn. Fall is best for walleye because they move shallower and bite more reliably as water cools. Summer is productive but requires early morning and evening fishing because midday heat pushes fish deep.

Do I need a boat to fish Conconully Lake?

No, but a boat gives you access to more structure and deeper water. Shore fishing from Conconully State Park is possible along the north shore, but you are limited to shallow water and the immediate area around the park. Most productive fishing requires reaching points, drop-offs, and the channel, which is easier from a boat.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouth bass typically run 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. Smallmouth bass are usually smaller, 10 to 14 inches. Walleye average 12 to 16 inches. Rainbow trout stocked in the lake are usually 10 to 12 inches when released, though some grow larger if they survive multiple years. Conconully is not known for trophy fish, but it is consistent for numbers and a good place to learn warm-water fishing.

Is there a daily catch limit?

Washington State sets daily limits for bass, walleye, and trout. Limits change year to year, so check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you fish. Generally, bass limits are 5 fish per day, walleye limits are 5 fish, and trout limits are 5 fish, but verify current rules because they can vary by water and season.

Can I fish Conconully Lake in winter?

Yes, if the lake is not frozen. Fall and early winter (October through November) are good for walleye and trout. By December, the lake often freezes, making boat fishing impossible. Ice fishing is possible if ice is thick enough, but check conditions with local sources first. Winter fishing is slow compared to fall, so plan accordingly.