Fishing Lake Tapps

Billfisher · 07-26-2009, 09:43 PM

I'm headed there with my Dad this next weekend, in search of Tigers. Anyone have this lake dialed in, or any intel? How about good restaurants in Federal Way?

fishin4 5 · 07-29-2009, 11:16 AM

Check out www.washingtonfishing.com they have a section devoted to muskies and a number of the guys there fish that lake weekly. As far as restaurants there are many coming and going to the lake. The only one on the lake is at the golf course.

Addicted2Koke · 07-29-2009, 12:37 PM

I am no expert at fishing Tigers but I have gone a few times and have caught a few smaller ones.

You should target areas with cover, logs, etc. Get a crankbait and start casting. Reel in fast. I have wasted a lot of time spotting them and then trying to tempt them to bite by reeling in slow right by their heads. They will follow closely but not likely they will bite unless you reel in fast.

I would suggest fishing for bluegill and luring them in first. If you get the bluegill where you are, chances are the tigers are real close by.

IslandBass · 07-29-2009, 12:45 PM

Federal Way is my neck of the woods. I cannot help you with tapps because I have never fished there nor targetted muskies, but I sure do want to try. I even made these in eager anticipation if ever I get the opportunity.

(note the spinners in the background)

I can help you with restaurants if you tell me what cuisines you're looking to grub on.

Billfisher · 07-29-2009, 09:08 PM

Okay... Nice bucktails, BTW. My Dad and I like steakhouses, and any good cuisine aside is doable.

We're launching at the county boat ramp, and we'll try to dial in the bluegill. That seems like a logical start.

I know how to fish Tigers, but have never been to this lake before. Someone told me it gets pretty choppy in the afternoon due to waterskiiers, jetskis, and other go fast stuff... Is this the case? Do they at least have the decency to bring bikini-clad skippers?

-D

IslandBass · 07-29-2009, 09:57 PM

I have never fished the lake either but I think if folks that fished it told you, they probably aren't pulling your leg.

Once you get to exit 143 off of I-5 (northbound), take it and turn left onto S 320th St. and work your way to the right most lane. Once you cross the overpass you will see a theatre marquee on your right and a Marie Callendar restarant. Take the right (2nd traffic light) and you will see a Black Angus restaurant. Also, Outback steakhouse can be seen if you go to the next traffic light. It is just northwest of the mcdonalds that you will see at the 3rd light.

If you want to try some Hawaiian style grub, take S 320th farther west until it intersects with Hwy 99. Turn left onto 99 and you will see the L and L Hawaiian place. There is also a sushi place behind it.

In the commons mall is a Mongolian Style place. It is decent and will satisfy the hungriest appetite.

Good luck! Look forward to seeing your report.

Dan360 · 07-30-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfisher

Okay... Nice bucktails, BTW. My Dad and I like steakhouses, and any good cuisine aside is doable.

We're launching at the county boat ramp, and we'll try to dial in the bluegill. That seems like a logical start.

I know how to fish Tigers, but have never been to this lake before. Someone told me it gets pretty choppy in the afternoon due to waterskiiers, jetskis, and other go fast stuff... Is this the case? Do they at least have the decency to bring bikini-clad skippers?

-D

There are lots of jetskiers and even a "party cove" where people tie their boats together and....party. There are lots of bikinis. The water can get a bit choppy, but not too bad. Watch out for unseen logs that like to rip props off. This lake gets drained and refilled every year, so there is always something new drifting in it.

As far as fishing tigers there, I've found them to be a nuisance while fishing for smallmouth. Don't overlook docks. Big spinnerbaits get plenty of strikes. I've also used large lipless crankbaits in the firetiger color. Cast those toward the cover and jig them back to the boat. When you lift the rod, do it smartly so the lure rips through the water.

I've also caught several using texas rigged brush hogs.

Billfisher · 07-31-2009, 08:55 PM

Friday report... No muskies today. 1 small smallie near a seriously cool mansion. I was distracted by the house, and by the very large fish cruising the area. Wakes did dominate by about 1400. Had a fab. dinner at Verrazano's, which was a very cool Italian place in Fed Way.

Will be back hard at it at 0600.

IslandBass · 07-31-2009, 09:03 PM

Cool report. That is a good place to eat.

Loof forward to the next one.

Billfisher · 08-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Well... Sad report today. My Dad got pretty ill, and elected to fly home a day early, rather than risk having to battle the 2 directional zoomers on a lake. Didn't fish today, but I am about to enter Cabela's... so all is not lost. I may have to fish locally tommorrow to make up for the lost day.