Ok,
A recent post has had me chewing on this for a day or so.  If a angler dedicated himself to catching the next state record smallmouth, where would they go?  How would you approach that effort?  I am formulating a plan for next spring that will take me to all the prime waters at all the prime times.  I plan on fishing my usual tournaments, but I am taking this effort seriously.   I have not narrowed down locations precisely, but I am considering the Columbia River system, specifically the Hanford Reach and Bonneville areas,  Lake Chelan, Palmer Lake, and the US side of Osoyos.  If my fellow clubbers want to toss a couple of other locations that they have caught or witnessed large fish being taken that would be a great help as I begin my quest.  I know that this fish is out there, probably right in your hometown.  So the question is, where would you hunt big smallies?

Hey Kirk,

If it was me, and I was really hunting for the record in the spring, I would stick to clear waters like Lake Chelan. In fact, with its proven big-fish record, I'd think it is your best bet.

I would get on the trolling motor and sight fish my butt off and not even blink an eye unless I saw something that looked like it was over 6 pounds. I would then keep note of all the areas where I saw big fish, and stick close to these areas for other times of the year when the fish aren't shallow... assuming I already didn't stick the state record while doing this 

I say, if you're fishing for one fish and you don't know big fish bodies of water in excruciating detail, then why not try to sight-fish clear waters with big fish? I have a lot more confidence in that than trying to drag 50 feet of water in Lake Washington all day.

As far as just naming waters that probably have state records, I think you and Larry have it covered! I might add Lake Whatcom, although I haven't heard much about it lately...

To answer your question, Larry. Lake Chelan doesn't have a fish ladder. Chelan Falls was historically a natural fish barrier, so there weren't any migratory fish... at least they weren't coming back up!

So you guys go ahead and fish for the smallie next spring. I'm going to go look for an 11 pound largemouth in my little livingston!!! 

Chris

I don't doubt for one minute that there is a record in any or all of the above. I also witnessed two fish in the 7-8lb range roaming Chelan last weekend. I have hooked 7+ lbers on lake WA on two occasions that broke off after 4-5 minute fights. Never have been to Palmer so I couldn't say, Hanford ( Those Nuclear Fish) good possibility, Potholes maybe, Whatcom real good possibility.

But after witnessing 6-7" squaw fish on the bottom of my livewell during that last event, it has me stoked to try some swim baits next week while I'm there.

What is the record for a smallie? Isn't it 8 something?

I will give you all the results when I get back.
Russ

Thanks Jose,

I guess I will be looking for a 9lber.
Russ

Deal, Kirk! 

Riffe Lake bites!!!

No ice for Chelan... It might get a little crust around the edges in the dead of winter, but generally it is too big and windy to ice over.

Chris

Don'y you all know that Jeff boyer came close to the state record already in Chelan. He caught an 8lb 3 oz smallie out of there. Is that enogh to stick with Chelan. Especially you Kirk. i mean it would make sense for maybe me to get to know washington better. Personally I would stick to lake union in may and early june, but that's only because I could hit it a ton. Now if i had a choice it would definantly be Chelan. I never even fished it and would still choose it. Good luck on your quest Kirk. I guess I'll just have to settle for the state record largemouth. lol Now what would everyone's top five be for that?