Kitsap Lake

Washington’s Kitsap Lake is located in Kitsap County just west of Bremerton. It is a quite large lake with 238 surface acres and reaches a maximum depth of about 29 feet. The depth will vary a little between winter and fall. The elevation is at 156 feet. The lake is open to year-round fishing.

Fish species include rainbow and cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, brown bullhead catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish. Most species grow quite large in Kitsap Lake. I have not fished for trout in this lake but other anglers tell of many trout in the 2, 3 and even 4 pound range. Salmon also visit during late fall.

The largemouth bass fishing is very good for big bass. I have caught many fish over three pounds including one that tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 13 ounces and my best fish was a whopping seven pounds, ten ounces. My best success in bass fishing in this lake comes with black jigs in the ¼ and 3/8 ounce sizes. Spinner baits in both black and white are also effective. On windless mornings, during the spring, floating Rapalas will entice exciting surface strikes. Prime bass habitat in this lake includes lots of lily pads, some old logs and wood in the water and lots of private docks and floats.

Public access is provided by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. This access is located in the southwest corner of the lake. It has limited by usually adequate parking space, pit toilets and a well worn concrete block boat launching ramp. However, the county provides a very nice launching area in the southeast corner of the lake. This access has a very good concrete boat launching ramp with a dock, lots of paved parking and modern restrooms.

As with most lakes, there are many ways to get there. Here is one way: From Bremerton, take Highway #3 northwest to Kitsap Way. Exit onto Kitsap Way and travel west, back under Highway #3 about 1.5 miles to N. Lakeway N.W. for only about .4 mile to W. Kitsap Road. Exit left onto W. Kitsap Road for 1.0 mile to "Public Fishing" sign on the left. This the WDFW access. Continue around the south end of the lake to the County park access.