What Badger Lake Offers

Badger Lake sits about 30 miles southwest of Spokane near the town of Reardan and holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in a shallow, weedy system that rewards anglers who work structure carefully. The lake runs roughly 400 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with extensive reed beds and submerged timber that hold fish year-round. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons — water temperatures stay in the range where bass and pike feed actively — but summer can produce if you fish early morning, late evening, or target deeper holes during midday heat.

The lake's shallow character and heavy vegetation make it different from the clearer, deeper reservoirs you might fish elsewhere in the region. Badger rewards patience and precision over distance casting. Expect to work shorelines, weed edges, and any opening in the vegetation where predators ambush prey. The pike population has grown noticeably in recent years, so bring heavier tackle if you want to be ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Badger Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in a shallow, weedy system 30 miles southwest of Spokane near Reardan.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent fishing, when water temperatures favor active feeding across the entire lake.
  • Work vegetation edges, reed beds, and timber rather than open water — structure is where the fish live in this system.
  • A Washington State fishing license is required; check current regulations for bass and pike seasons, which can vary by year.

Access and Launch Points

Badger Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore managed by Spokane County Parks. The launch is gravel, suitable for trailers, and includes a small parking area. From Spokane, take I-90 west toward Reardan, then follow local roads south toward the lake — signs mark the turnoff. The launch is free, though parking can fill on weekends during peak season.

Bank access exists along portions of the shoreline, particularly near the launch area and along the eastern shore where public land borders the water. Walk-in access is limited compared to boat access, so launching a small boat or kayak opens up significantly more water. The lake has no developed campground, but nearby Reardan has lodging and services.

Bass and Pike Tactics for Shallow Water

Largemouth bass in Badger Lake relate heavily to vegetation. Throw soft plastics — 4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits — into pockets within the reed beds and along weed edges. Work them slowly, pausing to let them fall naturally. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be effective in early morning when bass move into shallower water to feed. Smallmouth bass tend to hold slightly deeper than largemouths and respond well to jigs and drop-shot rigs fished along the deeper weed edges and any rocky areas you can locate.

Northern pike in Badger Lake have become more abundant and more aggressive in recent years. Pike hunt in the same weed beds as bass but prefer larger prey. Throw larger swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), large spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs that create commotion. Pike often strike hard and run immediately, so use a wire bite leader or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent break-offs. Early morning and late evening are prime times, but pike will feed throughout the day in this shallow system.

Summer fishing requires adjusting your approach. Bass and pike move to the deepest available water — typically 20 to 25 feet — during the heat of midday. Fish the deeper holes and channels between weed beds. Dawn and dusk remain your best windows; midday fishing is slow unless you specifically target depth. Fall cooling brings fish back to shallower structure, making mid-September through October some of the most productive weeks of the year.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (April through May) sees bass and pike moving shallow to spawn and feed aggressively as water warms from the 50s into the 60s. Shallow weed beds and any protected bays warm fastest and hold fish earliest in the season. Expect good action on topwater and shallow-running baits as fish chase baitfish into the shallows.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite during midday but can produce early and late. Water temperature climbs into the 70s and low 80s, pushing bass and pike to deeper structure. Fish the transitions between shallow weed beds and deeper water. Pike remain more active than bass during summer heat.

Fall (September through October) is arguably the best season. Water cools back into the 60s and 50s, and fish move aggressively to feed before winter. Shallow structure produces consistently, and both bass and pike are catchable throughout the day. This is when you can expect the most reliable fishing and the best chance at larger fish.

Winter (November through March) slows significantly. Bass and pike are present but less active. Some anglers fish through the ice when it forms, but open-water fishing is slow. Check current regulations regarding winter fishing seasons and any special rules for pike.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) works well for most Badger Lake fishing. If you expect pike, consider a heavier setup — a 7-foot medium-heavy rod rated for 12- to 20-pound line gives you better control and hookset power. Bring a mix of soft plastics (worms, creature baits, swimbaits), spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and topwater plugs. Wire bite leaders or heavy fluorocarbon (20 to 30 pounds) are essential for pike.

Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in the shallow water and spot weed edges and structure. Bring a net if you plan to keep fish or want to handle larger pike safely. A depth finder is useful but not essential — the lake's shallow character means you can often see structure visually. Sunscreen, water, and snacks are standard for any full day on the water. Check Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before you go. Bass and pike seasons, bag limits, and size restrictions can change year to year. A current Washington fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Regulations and Licensing

Washington State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most sporting goods retailers in Spokane. The cost varies by license type and residency status.

Bass seasons and regulations vary by water body and can change annually. Badger Lake typically has a year-round season for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, but check the current regulations for bag limits and size restrictions. Northern pike regulations also vary — some years pike are catch-and-release only, other years a limited harvest is allowed. The WDFW website lists current rules for Badger Lake specifically, and it is worth checking before you fish.

Nearby Waters and Alternatives

If Badger Lake is crowded or conditions are poor, several other warm-water systems lie within 30 to 45 minutes of Spokane. Medical Lake, about 20 miles west, holds similar bass and pike populations in a slightly larger system. Deer Lake, near Colville about 45 minutes north, offers pike and bass in a deeper, clearer setting. Sprague Lake, south of Spokane, is larger and shallower, with excellent pike habitat. Each has its own character and seasonal patterns, so exploring alternatives can improve your odds on any given day.

The Spokane River itself, flowing through the city, holds smallmouth bass and some pike in slower sections and behind dams. If you want to stay closer to town but need a change of pace from Badger's shallow weed beds, the river offers a different approach and can be productive during spring and fall transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Badger Lake year-round?

Bass and pike are typically available year-round, but winter fishing is slow and less reliable. Check current WDFW regulations, as seasons can vary. Some anglers fish through the ice when it forms, but open-water fishing from November through March is generally not productive.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouth bass typically range 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. Smallmouth bass run slightly smaller, usually 10 to 16 inches. Northern pike have grown larger in recent years; 18- to 28-inch fish are common, and larger pike are possible. Size depends on season and how much pressure the lake receives.

Is a boat required, or can I fish from shore?

Bank access exists but is limited. A boat or kayak opens up significantly more water and lets you reach the deeper structure and weed edges where fish concentrate. If you fish from shore, focus on the areas near the launch and along the eastern shoreline where public access is available.

What is the best time of day to fish Badger Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon through sunset) are most productive year-round. Summer fishing requires focusing on these windows because midday heat pushes fish deep. Fall and spring allow decent fishing throughout the day, though dawn and dusk remain best.

Do I need a wire leader for pike, or will regular line work?

Pike have sharp teeth and will bite through standard monofilament and fluorocarbon. Use a wire bite leader or heavy fluorocarbon (20 to 30 pounds) tied to your main line. A wire leader is more reliable, but heavy fluorocarbon works if you prefer a less visible connection.