types of bait fish in WA state

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Permalink Reply by Mark Byrne on October 10, 2012 at 9:28am

There are no shad in Washington State lakes, there is a river shad that has the same life cycle as salmon, hatched here, life in the Pacific Ocean then back to spawn. The number one food fish for apex predators in Washington lakes is a fish called stickleback.

Important thing to remember is that bass are not native to this part of the US and that in their hard drive part of their brain they have shad on their list of prey species. Use the colors that you think they can see best in the water conditions you have.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Lunde on October 10, 2012 at 9:54am

The forage base of the lakes I fish on the eastern side of the state are perch, bluegill and kokanee. 

Permalink Reply by Ryan Higgins on October 10, 2012 at 9:56am

There have been some diet studies done on the lower Columbia River area on Smallmouth and Walleye.  The Smallies preferred Sculpins for the majority of their fish diet.  They also ate Salmon when their paths crossed at certain times during the Salmon migration.  They also consumed a good amount of crawfish.  I also saw a study on bass in Lake Washington and their effect on Salmon.  They found that 80% of the Largemouth bass diet was Sculpins as well.  They also preyed on Salmon like the Smallies.

Bass are opportunistic feeders.  When the Salmon Smolts are in the proper location in the water column, the same one the Bass occupy, the Bass will prey on them.  The rest of the time the Bass will feed on whatever else is in their water column.  This includes Chubs, Sticklebacks, Sculpins, Daces, Catfish, Suckers, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and of course other bass.

If you're really wanting to match the hatch I recommend the book "Inland Fishes of Washington State".  This book has pictures of all the freshwater fish found in Washington State as well as a large amount of information on their Identification, Distribution, Habitat, Diet, Spawning, and remarks from the researchers.  I've read this book cover to cover multiple times.  It is an awesome resource.

Permalink Reply by David Mast on October 10, 2012 at 10:12am

thanks for the replys everyone, this helps out a lot. i just "really" got into bass fishing this year and had no idea there were no shad in wa state. lol i feel like a retard now, haha

thanks for the info,

And Ryan, where did you find that book at? im assuming online or any local tackle shop?

Permalink Reply by Ryan Higgins on October 10, 2012 at 10:30am

http://www.amazon.com/Inland-Fishes-Washington-2nd-Ed-CL/dp/0295983...

It costs a pretty penny, but its not only a valuable resource, but just a cool book to have.  It's amazing all the minnows and such that live in our waters we never see.  Ever wonder what those little shad looking fish are jumping?  You can narrow it down pretty close with this book.

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on October 10, 2012 at 10:45pm

In addition to the others already mentioned, you also have Pond Smelt, Longfin Smelt, juvenile Northern Pike Minnow, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Sunfish, occassional catfish, rock bass, and of course other small game fish as well including bass and walleye. And then there are amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, insects, and anything else that looks good.

 

ciao,
Marc

Permalink Reply by Nate on October 25, 2012 at 11:24am

Almost every post here is wrong. 100% of Bass and Walleye prey consists of Salmon and Steelhead. Its common knowledge. Look it up.