Bitter Lake

Angling opportunities include stocked Rainbow Trout, abundant Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Brown Bullhead. A city park (Seattle Parks and Recreation) on the east end offers shore fishing and the opportunity to launch car-toppers, but no developed boat ramp.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - limited to the shore at the city park

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: King
Acreage: 15.80 ac.
Elevation: 440 ft.
Center: 47.726624, -122.35235
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: BITTER LK (KING)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
May 7, 2024 Rainbow 1,500 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2023 Rainbow 1,500 3 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2022 Rainbow 1,596 2.1 WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 27, 2021 Rainbow 1,518 2.3 WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 21, 2020 Rainbow 1,512 2.1 WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 30, 2019 Rainbow 1,116 2.4 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 30, 2019 Rainbow 425 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
May 8, 2018 Rainbow 1,500 2.4 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
May 8, 2017 Rainbow 1,500 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2016 Rainbow 1,512 2.4 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Bitter Lake
Photo by WDFW