Lake Tapps Smallmouth Fishing: The Great Northwest Goes Bronze

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Less than an hour south of Seattle Washington sits a 2,200 acre reservoir called Lake Tapps that is a piece of smallmouth bass fishing heaven.   Created in 1911, it was used for hydrelectric power until 2004.

 The lake is not entirely private, however; Pierce County maintains a county park at the far reaches of one of the northwestern arms. The 80-acre Lake Tapps North County Park provides waterfront access with swimming area and two boat launches. The City of Bonney Lake offers a public lakefront park with ball fields, boat launch, fishing dock, playgrounds, skateboard park, swimming areas, tennis courts, concessions, restrooms and water fountains. Both parks are day-use only at present and heavily used for boat launching.  Source

Lake Tapps Smallmouth Bass

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Lake Tapps has a well-deserved reputation among Washington fishermen for tiger musky and smallmouth bass. The many islands, coves and shoals provide excellent fish habitat for a number of species, including perch, kokanee, rock bass, mountain whitefish, black crappie, rainbow trout, carp and the aforementioned musky and bass. Lake Tapps has very little weed cover, so efforts are underway to improve fish habitat.  Source

Summertime is when smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Tapps is the hottest. Pleasure boaters and water skiers can get annoying so your best bet is early in the morning or in the evening during the warmer months.

Typical presentation include drop shot, jigs, soft stick baits such as Senkos can all catch smallmouth bass here.

If you have fished Lake Tapps for smallmouth bass, please comment below and upload a photo here. It’s always great to get feedback from local anglers.

To stock up on your gear, be sure to check out the best selling lures at Tackle Warehouse!