What You'll Find at Moses Lake North Dam

Moses Lake North Dam sits on the eastern edge of Moses Lake in central Washington, where the Cascade Canal feeds into the reservoir. The dam itself is a concrete structure that creates a distinct fishing zone — the water immediately below the spillway holds cooler, oxygenated flow that attracts walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish year-round. The area is less crowded than the main lake body, and the current from the dam makes it productive during periods when the rest of the lake runs slack.

The dam zone works best in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding. Summer heat pushes fish deeper, but early morning and evening sessions still produce. Winter is viable if you're prepared for cold — the dam's flow keeps ice from forming as thickly as it does elsewhere on the lake, and walleye bite steadily through the season.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dam offers walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish in the tailrace and immediate spillway area, with cooler water and current that concentrate fish.
  • Access is from the parking area on the north side of the dam; walk-in only, no boat launch at this location.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons, but the dam zone remains productive through winter because flowing water slows ice formation.
  • Washington fishing license and Moses Lake catch record card are required; check current regulations for species-specific limits before you fish.
  • The spillway and immediate tailrace are the most productive zones; fish the current breaks and deeper holes rather than slack water.

Access and Parking

The North Dam parking area is located on the north side of the dam structure, accessible via Cascade Valley Road. There is no boat launch at North Dam — this is a walk-in, shore-fishing location only. The parking lot is small and fills during peak weekends, especially in spring. Arrive early if you're fishing Friday through Sunday.

From the parking area, a short walk brings you to the dam face and spillway. The concrete apron below the dam is the primary fishing zone. Footing can be slippery when wet, and the current is strong; wear appropriate footwear and stay alert to water level changes. The area is open to foot traffic during daylight hours; check with the Moses Lake Parks and Recreation office if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk and want to confirm gate hours.

Species and Seasonal Patterns

Walleye are the primary target at North Dam. They hold in the deeper tailrace holes and along the current breaks created by the spillway. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons — water temperatures in the 50s to low 60s trigger aggressive feeding. Summer walleye are deeper and more selective; fish low-light periods and use live bait or slow presentations. Winter walleye bite steadily, especially in the deeper holes where the current keeps water oxygenated.

Smallmouth bass are present year-round and respond well to the current. They hold near rocks and structure along the dam face and in the tailrace. Spring and early summer (April through June) are most productive. Use small jigs, crankbaits, or live crawfish. Summer heat pushes them deeper; focus on the deepest parts of the tailrace during midday.

Channel catfish are abundant and often overlooked. They feed throughout the day and night, especially in summer and early fall. Use chicken liver, cut bait, or commercial catfish stink bait. Fish the deeper holes and slack-water pockets along the edges of the main current. Catfish bite best from late afternoon through the night.

Tackle and Techniques for the Spillway

The current at North Dam demands heavier tackle than open-water fishing. Use 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rods with 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line. The current will carry lighter lures downstream quickly, so opt for 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jigs, small crankbaits, or live bait rigs that hold bottom.

For walleye, cast upstream and let the current carry your jig or live bait (shiners, crawfish) into the deeper holes. Work the current breaks — the edges where fast water meets slower water — as fish often position there to intercept food. Vertical jigging directly below the spillway works well when fish are stacked in the tailrace holes.

Smallmouth respond to small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) bounced along the dam face and tailrace rocks. Crankbaits that dive 4 to 8 feet work in the deeper sections. For catfish, use a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup with cut bait or stink bait, and fish the slack-water edges where they can rest without fighting the main current.

Regulations and Licensing

You must carry a valid Washington fishing license to fish at North Dam. A Moses Lake catch record card is also required — this is a separate permit specific to Moses Lake that tracks harvest of certain species. Both are available online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website or at local sporting goods retailers.

Walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish each have daily catch limits that vary by season. Check the current WDFW regulations before you fish, as limits change annually. As of recent seasons, walleye limits are typically 5 per day, smallmouth bass 5 per day, and channel catfish 10 per day, but confirm current rules on the WDFW website. Possession limits are usually double the daily limit.

The dam area is open to public fishing during daylight hours. No night fishing is permitted at the dam structure itself, though some nearby shore areas may allow it — verify with Moses Lake Parks and Recreation or WDFW if you plan an evening session.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March to May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures rise from the 40s to the 60s, and walleye and bass feed aggressively. The spillway flow is often strong due to snowmelt runoff, which concentrates fish. Expect crowds on weekends. Early morning and late afternoon are best.

Summer (June to August) slows the bite during midday but remains viable in early morning and evening. Fish the deeper tailrace holes. Catfish bite well throughout the day. Water can be warm and murky; visibility may be limited. Fewer anglers fish the dam in summer, so you'll have more space.

Fall (September to November) rivals spring for productivity. Cooling water temperatures trigger feeding, and the spillway flow is moderate. October is often excellent. Expect moderate crowds on weekends.

Winter (December to February) is underrated. The flowing water keeps ice from forming as thickly as on the main lake, and walleye bite steadily in the deeper holes. Dress warmly and use caution on wet concrete. Few anglers fish the dam in winter, so solitude is common.

Nearby Amenities and Logistics

Moses Lake city is about 5 miles south of North Dam. Gas, food, and lodging are available in town. The nearest full-service tackle shop is in downtown Moses Lake. Stock up on bait and supplies before heading to the dam, as there are no services at the parking area.

The dam area has no restroom facilities. Bring water and snacks for your session. The parking lot is gravel and can become muddy after rain. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty near the dam structure itself.

If you want to fish the main Moses Lake body, boat launches are available at Cascade Valley Park (south of the dam) and other locations around the lake. North Dam is shore-fishing only, but it offers a different experience than the open water and often produces when the main lake is slow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night at North Dam?

Night fishing is not permitted at the dam structure itself. The area is closed after dark for safety reasons. You can fish the nearby shore areas of Moses Lake during extended hours — check with Moses Lake Parks and Recreation or WDFW for specific times and locations that allow evening or night fishing.

Do I need a boat to fish North Dam?

No. North Dam is a walk-in, shore-fishing location only. There is no boat launch at this site. If you want to fish from a boat on Moses Lake, use one of the public launches elsewhere on the lake, such as Cascade Valley Park.

What's the best bait for walleye at the dam?

Live shiners or crawfish work best, especially in spring and fall. Cast upstream and let the current carry your bait into the deeper holes. If live bait is not available, small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) tipped with a minnow or artificial soft plastic also produce well.

Is the spillway dangerous to fish?

The current is strong and the concrete can be slippery when wet. Wear appropriate footwear with good grip, stay alert to water level changes, and never wade into the main current. The tailrace holes are deep — stay on the concrete apron or designated fishing areas. Use caution, especially during high-water periods in spring.

When is the slowest time to fish North Dam?

Midday in summer (July and August) is typically slowest. Fish are deeper and less active in warm water. Early morning and evening sessions are more productive. Winter midday can also be slow, though walleye bite steadily in the deeper holes throughout the day if you're patient.