Seattle anglers can reach 17 of the waters in our guide in 75 minutes or less by car — 12 lakes, 3 bays and estuaries and 2 reservoirs. 3 of them are salt or brackish water, 14 fresh. Our records list no fewer than 37 species of fish for them.

Elliott Bay is 4 minutes from Seattle

Starting from Seattle, the nearest water is Elliott Bay at 4 min (1.3 mi).

Next by drive time:

Where to start: Lake Washington

Ranked by drive time, depth data, species records and access, the first 3 for Seattle are:

  • Lake Washington: 21,988 acres, 22 fish species on record, max depth 220 ft (surveyed), 65 ramps and 2,386,982 fish stocked.
  • Elliott Bay: 3,796 acres, 6 fish species on record, max depth 610 ft (surveyed), 4 ramps and 478,019 fish stocked.
  • Lake Sammamish: 4,857 acres, 11 fish species on record, max depth 25 ft (surveyed), 11 ramps and 17,769 fish stocked.

What bites near Seattle: Rainbow Trout first

The most widespread fish is Rainbow Trout, recorded in 14 of the 17 waters. Next come Yellow Perch (10), Brown Bullhead (9), Bluegill (9) and Smallmouth Bass (9).

All 5 are on record at Lake Washington, the nearest water for each of them — 6 min (4.3 mi) from the center.

Hood Canal goes down to 611.9 ft

Hood Canal has the greatest depth on our map near here, 611.9 ft (surveyed). Other deep spots are Elliott Bay (610 ft), Puget Sound (244 ft) and Lake Washington (220 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 17 waters.

Stocking records around Seattle

Stocking records name 15 of these waters — the most fish at American Lake (14,068,910 fish), Lake Stevens (7,794,079 fish) and Lake Saint Clair (3,892,153 fish).

23 boat ramps and 1 pier within reach

Public access near Seattle adds up to 23 boat ramps, 1 fishing pier and 4 shore-fishing spots. Nearest to the center for launching: Don Armeni on Elliott Bay, roughly 2.6 mi as the crow flies. For fishing without a boat, the closest pier is Point White Pier on Puget Sound, about 11.5 mi from the center.

Camping within reach of Seattle

You can camp next to the water: 8 campgrounds are within reach of Seattle. Nearest to the city: Manchester State Park Campground (10.6 mi, by Puget Sound), Illahee State Park Campground (12.6 mi, by Puget Sound) and Scenic Beach State Park Campground (24.2 mi, by Hood Canal).