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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY (S)
The following
sections give a brief description of fishing opportunities
in each county, arranged in alphabetical order. Open seasons
and other regulations are given for convenience only. For
specific regulation information, refer to the Fishing in Washington
sport fishing rules pamphlet. Until the current year’s
pamphlet is available (usually by May 1 at the latest), continue
to use the previous edition, which is valid through April
30.
Also check
with the nearest WDFW regional office, the department's web
site at http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/,
or local newspapers for the latest information on emergency
closures or special openings. WDFW office telephone numbers
are listed on the inside front cover.
Counties
Listed Alphabetically
A-C | D-J
| K-L | M-P
| S | T-
Y
SAN
JUAN COUNTY
Cascade
Lake (171 acres): On Orcas Island, three and a half miles
southeast of East Sound. Last Saturday in April through October
31 open season. Primary species are rainbow, cutthroat, and
kokanee. Moran State Park provides public access and a boat
launch.
Egg Lake (7 acres): This small lake is located 900
feet west of Sportsman’s Lake on the northeast end of
San Juan Island. The season is open year-round. Eggshells
out largemouth bass and rainbow trout, with good fishing in
April for three-quarter pound rainbows, and bass from late
spring to early fall. There is a WDFW access with boat ramp
on the west side.
Hummel Lake (36 acres): At the north end of Lopez Island.
Year-round open season. Anglers here can collect three-quarter
pound rainbow trout during April and May. Largemouth bass,
bluegill and channel catfish are also available. The WDFW
access at the north end of the lake provides a boat ramp with
toilets.
Hunter Bay County Park: Located on Lopez Island, this
park offers a year-round opportunity for taking surf smelt
on the DNR public beach immediately east of the county park
launch ramp.
Mountain Lake (189 acres): On Orcas Island, four and
a half miles southeast of East Sound. Year-round open season.
Mountain is good for kokanee in late May, early June, and
in the fall. Some cutthroat and eastern brook trout are also
available, and triploid rainbows will be stocked this year.
The trout daily limit can include only one fish over 18 inches.
Moran State Park provides public access and a boat launch.
Shellfish and Marine Fish: Good shrimp fishing exists
throughout much of the interior San Juan Islands. To minimize
pot loss from the strong tidal currents, add extra weight
to shrimp pots here. Popular clam beaches are found at Spencer
Spit State Park and at English Camp on Garrison Bay. Crab
fishing is available in Mud Bay and Fisherman Bay (Lopez Island),
Blind Bay (Shaw Island), Dear Harbor (Orcas Island) and Garrison
Bay (San Juan Island). Marine fishing is available at Friday
Harbor Marina docks.
Sportsman’s Lake (66 acres): On San Juan Island,
3-1/2 miles northwest of Friday Harbor. Year-round open season.
Good fishing for largemouth bass during the summer. The WDFW
access has a boat launch.
SKAGIT
COUNTY
Beaver
Lake (73 acres): This Beaver Lake (there are at least
15 in Washington) is 3-1/2 miles south of Sedro Wooley, just
south of Clear Lake and a mile east of Highway SR-9. Year-round
open fishing season. Largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch,
and cutthroat trout are caught. Good for warmwater species
in summer. A WDFW access on the lake’s west side provides
a boat launch and toilet.
Big Lake (545 acres): Five miles southeast of Mount
Vernon, along the west side of Highway SR-9. Year-round open
season. Fair for largemouth bass, with crappie and yellow
perch also available. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish
limit on crappie here. A few cutthroat trout are available
as a result of natural production in the tributaries. WDFW
access area with a boat launch and toilet.
Campbell Lake (410 acres): Four miles south of Anacortes,
just west of Highway SR-20. Year-round open season. Largemouth
bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bullhead catfish are
caught. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit on crappie
here. Triploid rainbow trout will also be stocked this year.
WDFW access with a boat launch and toilet.
Cap Sante Marina, Skyline Marina: Both of these marinas
on Fidalgo Island offer jigging for surf smelt. Success is
best during the winter months. Both offer boat hoists for
access to Puget Sound.
Cavanaugh Lake (844 acres): Ten miles northeast of
Arlington, about a mile north of the Snohomish County line.
Year-round open season. Rainbow, cutthroat and eastern brook
trout, kokanee, and largemouth bass are available. Chumming
is permitted. WDFW access on the southwest shore with a boat
launch and toilet.
Clear Lake (223 acres): This Clear Lake (one of at
least 17 or 18 in the state) is three miles south of Sedro
Woolley. Open season is year-round. Rainbow and cutthroat
trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bullhead catfish
are available. A bonus plant of larger triploid rainbows is
also scheduled for this year. The WDFW access has a boat launch
and toilet.
Erie, Lake (111 acres): This “great” lake
three miles south of Anacortes, just west of Heart Lake Road
and north of Rosario Road, should be excellent for three quarter-pound
rainbow trout on opening day. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 open season. It has a WDFW access with boat launch
and toilet on the west side and a resort at the south end.
Fidalgo Bay and March Point: Year-round surf smelt
opportunities exist east of the Shell Oil pier and north of
the railroad bridge on the east shore of Fidalgo Bay. A resort
offers boat launching.
Heart Lake (61 acres): Two miles south of Anacortes,
along the west side of Heart Lake Road. Last Saturday in April
through October 31 open season. Fishing should be excellent
for one-half-to three- quarter pound rainbows on opening day.
The WDFW access has a boat launch.
LaConner: Located at the southern end of Swinomish
Slough, LaConner offers some of the best-known surf smelt
opportunities in Puget Sound. From October through March jiggers
have success all along the waterfront, but the best jigging
occurs in the northern boat basin. There is an annual smelt
Derby in February; call the LaConner Chamber of Commerce for
more information.
McMurray Lake (160 acres): Nine miles northwest of
Arlington, just east of the SR-9/SR-534 junction. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Fishing should be
excellent for rainbow trout ranging from one-half to three-fourths
of a pound on opening day. Cutthroat are also taken, and yellow
perch and some clack crappie are available. Parking is difficult.
A WDFW access at the south end has a boat launch and toilet,
and a resort is near the north end.
Pass Lake (98 acres): Six miles south of Anacortes,
along the northwest side of Highway SR-20. Year-round open
season. This trophy fly-fishing only, catch-and-release-only
lake has a WDFW access and boat launch, but use of motors
is prohibited. Species available include rainbow, brown and
cutthroat trout. A bonus plant of large triploid rainbows
is also scheduled for this year. Pass is usually excellent
in early spring and late fall for fish averaging 15 inches,
with some up to 28 inches.
Samish River: The Samish has runs of Chinook, chum
and coho salmon, winter steelhead and seas-run cutthroat.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for season, size, catch,
limit, and gear restrictions.
Shannon Lake (2148 acres): This Baker River reservoir
is located just north of Concrete. Open from the last Saturday
in April through October 31. Expect good fishing for kokanee.
Chumming is permitted. Check the regulations pamphlet for
size restrictions. The lake is closed to the taking of all
bull trout/Dolly Varden. Puget Sound Energy provides public
access, with a difficult gravel boat launch.
Shellfish and Marine Fish: Very good crab fishing opportunities
exist throughout Skagit Bay, Fidalgo Bay and Padilla Bay.
East March Point offers fair clam digging opportunities. Good
surf smelt dip net fishing can be found along many Fidalgo
Bay beaches. The beach at Bayview State Park on the east shore
of Padilla Bay has been enhanced with Pacific oysters. Marine
fishing is available from Anacortes municipal pier, Bowman’s
Bay pier at Deception Pass State Park, and at LaConner Marina
docks. Please consult the toll free WDFW shellfish hotline
at 1-866-880-5431 or the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg
for clam and oyster openings, check the Shellfish Hotline
or check the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/beachreg,
or the Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet.
Call the Department of Health’s toll-free Biotoxin Hotline
at 1-800-562-5632 to check on shellfish safety.
Sixteen Lake (41 acres): Two miles east of Conway,
about half a mile north of Highway SR-534. Last Saturday in
April through October 31 open season. Rainbow trout are the
main attraction, with a few cutthroat. Excellent for half-pound
to three-quarter pound rainbows opening day. The WDFW access
has a boat launch and toilets.
Skagit River and tributaries: This large river system
supports runs of Chinook, coho and pink salmon, summer-and
winter-run steelhead, Dolly Varden and sea-run cutthroat.
Check the 2006/2007 Fishing in Washington regulations pamphlet
for revised fishery boundaries. The entire river system, including
the Cascade and Sauk rivers and Fisher Slough, is permanently
closed to wild steelhead retention, and seasonal gear restrictions
are in effect for the Skagit. For more information, check
the latest regulations pamphlet or the department’s
web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov. Check also for
emergency closures. For boat launch information, check the
IAC web site at www.iac.wa.gov/maps.boat.htm.
Vogler Lake (3.5 acres): Access to this small lake
about two-and-a half miles north of Concrete is via Burpee
Hill Road. Catch-and-release and fly-fishing only are the
rules here. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open
season. Vogler is stocked with rainbow trout, and will receive
a small plant of larger triploid rainbows this year.
Whistle Lake (29 acres): There is a walk-in public
access to this lake three miles south of Anacortes. Year-round
open season. Fishing should be fair for largemouth bass, yellow
perch and cutthroat trout.
SKAMANIA
COUNTY
Columbia
River: This section of the Columbia offers good fishing
for largemouth and smallmouth bass and walleye along with
white sturgeon. A few other warmwater species are also caught.
Summer steelhead, spring and fall Chinook and Coho salmon,
and shad are taken above and below Bonneville Dam when seasons
allow. Seasons for spring, summer, and fall Chinook are complicated,
as are those for steelhead and coho. Check the WDFW web site
at http://wdfw.wa.gov
or with the Vancouver WDFW office at (360_ 696-6211 for the
latest information. White sturgeon fishing can be productive
from both bank and boat. Be aware of the change in how to
determine the length for retention of sturgeon. While sturgeon
fishing continues to grow in popularity, fishing seasons on
certain stretches of this river and others where sturgeon
is found are experiencing similar fishing regulation changes
to that of the salmon species. Be sure to check the regulations
pamphlet and the agency website for changes in these seasons
for the coming year. Shad fishing also continues to grow in
popularity. This fun fishery offers the opportunity to catch
1-5 pound fish on ultra light types of fishing tackle in some
areas of the Columbia River. The Hamilton Island area is one
of the top shad-producing spots in the state. Both boat and
bank angling are productive. This season generally opens in
May, but really gets going in early June most years. Look
for this fishery to again be a fun one in 2008. Again, check
regulations pamphlet for more information and restrictions
that may apply to this fishery.
Drano Lake: This wide spot at the mouth of the Little
White Salmon River is a popular fishing area for spring and
fall Chinook, coho, and summer-run steelhead. The spring Chinook
fishery can be very productive but crowded. Check the regulation
pamphlet for details on seasons, daily limits, and other restrictions.
Steelhead fishing generally peaks in August, with fall salmon
picking up in September. All wild steelhead and trout other
than hatchery steelhead must be released. Remember that
wild fish that must be released are not to be taken out of
the water and should be release as quickly as possible to
reduce stress that can increase mortality. A few white sturgeon
and bass are also caught here. Adjacent mainstem Columbia
rules apply for sturgeon. Bank angling is limited, but can
be fairly productive at times. The boat launch (w/ fee) was
renovated in 2004. It has two concrete ramps and parking for
50 boat trailers. Overflow parking is available along Hwy.
14. See http://www.rco.wa.gov/
for details.
Icehouse Lake (2.5 acres): Located along the north
side of Highway SR-14, by the end of Bridge of the Gods. Open
year-round, this small lake receives heavy angling pressure
due to its easy access, but provides excellent fishing from
late fall through early summer. Large excess broodstock rainbows
augment the stocking of several thousand catchable-size rainbow
and cutthroat trout. Daily limit is five trout, with no more
than two over 20 inches. Bluegill and largemouth bass are
also present for additional angling excitement.
Kidney Lake (12 acres): Located one mile north of the
town of North Bonneville, with an open season that runs from
the last Saturday in April through the end of February. Kidney
Lake is stocked with catchable-size and larger rainbow trout
(including some large broodstock), it should be good for the
April opener. There are no developed access areas or boat
ramps, but car-toppers can be launched.
Lewis River, North Fork: This includes all areas above
Eagle Cliff Bridge to the lower falls, including all tributaries
(such as Big Muddy, Pine and Rush Creeks). It is important
to note that this fishing location opens June 1 to catch-and-release
fishing only, with selective gear rules in effect. Including
tributaries, this opens up 136 miles of potential blue-ribbon
trout waters, while protecting the bull trout in the area.
Note: Closed Waters – old Lewis River streambed between
Swift No. 1 Powerhouse and Swift No. 2 Powerhouse..
Lewis River (Swift) Power Canal: This waterway that
bypasses the old Lewis River channel to feed electrical generators
was drained in 2002 when a berm gave way. It has been rebuilt;
see the fishing regulation pamphlet for more information or
check with the WDFW Vancouver office at (360) 696-6211 for
more information.
Little Ash (Ashes) Lake (5 acres): About two miles
west of Stevenson, along the north side of Highway SR-14.
Open year-round, this lake is stocked with several thousand
catchable-size rainbow trout, plus excess broodstock rainbows.
Daily limit is five trout, with no more than two over 20 inches.
A few bass are also present to add to this fisheries option
during the warmer months.
Swift Reservoir (4,589 acres): Twenty-eight miles northeast
of Woodland, on the south side of Forest Road 90. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Approximately 60,000
catchable-size rainbow trout will be stocked here just prior
to the opener. During April and May fish tend to congregate
near the dam and around streams entering the reservoir. By
June, trout should be dispersed throughout the reservoir.
A “sleeper” late summer fishery for large rainbows
(to several pounds) in the upper reservoir has developed in
the last couple of years. Selective gear rules are in effect
in the upper portion of the reservoir; check the regulation
pamphlet for boundaries. A public boat launch at Swift Forest
Camp, managed by PacifiCorp, has two concrete ramps. When
the reservoir is drawn down, the water level drops below the
end of the launch. Call PacifiCorp at (800) 547-1501 for reservoir
level information.
Tunnel Lake (13 acres): Just north of Highway SR-14,
between Drano Lake and Underwood. With a year-round open season,
this small lake is stocked with catchable size and broodstock
rainbow trout for anglers to catch. Daily limit is five trout,
with no more than two over 20 inches. It also has a good population
of yellow perch and a few largemouth bass. There is no boat
ramp, but the west shore of the lake is close enough to the
road that car-top boats can be carried to the water.
Washougal River: See Clark County.
White Salmon River (Big White Salmon): The big draw
here are summer-run steelhead. The river provides a very popular
steelhead fishery in August and early September. It also produces
some spring and fall salmon and a few winter steelhead. Salmon
are no longer released here but some stray hatchery spring
Chinook and coho are caught. All wild spring Chinook and wild
coho must be released. Fall Chinook fishing can be good, with
most caught boaters near the mouth. The river receives a small
plant of winter run steelhead smolts. All wild steelhead must
be released. Check the Fishing in Washington regulation pamphlet
for seasons, open areas, and gear restrictions. Bank angling
can be productive near the mouth, but the area is limited
and often crowded. Bank fishing if often only found between
the Highway SR-14 Bridge and the buoy line. Boat launching
is difficult near the mouth; boats must be carried down the
bank. Better launching facilities can be found at Bingen or
across the Columbia at Hood River, Oregon. From the natural
gas pipeline crossing above Northwestern Reservoir upstream
to Gilmer Creek, the river is open to trout fishing from June
1 through October 31, with selective gear rules in effect.
Wind River: The popular spring Chinook fishery near
the mouth of the Wind is expected to be good this year. .
All non-adipose-clipped Chinook and wild steelhead must be
released. Regulations are complicated; check the regulation
pamphlet for details. A fall salmon and steelhead fishery
occurs near the mouth, even though those runs are not stocked
in the Wind. All wild steelhead and wild coho must be released.
Above Shipherd Falls, an additional catch-and-release fishery
(with selective gear rules) may be open from September 16
through November. Check the WDFW web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov
or with the Vancouver WDFW office at (360) 696-6211 for the
latest information. Both boat and bank angling can be productive
near the mouth; boats can be launched from the county ramp
near the mouth. It has two concrete plank ramps and a loading
float, but the boat ramp can be crowded and parking is difficult.
In addition, a lot of area surrounding the boat ramp and the
mouth of the river has filled in; caution should be used.
The county charges a fee to use the ramp.
SNOHOMISH
COUNTY
Armstrong
Lake (31 acres): Two miles north of Arlington. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Trout plants in this
small lake have been badly hit in the past by cormorant predation.
Plants of half-pound to three-quarter-pound rainbows are now
being made closer to opening day, and fishing has greatly
improved. Expect some carry-overs in the 1-1/2 pound range
this year. A WDFW access on the south shore offers a boat
ramp and toilets.
Ballinger Lake (100 acres): Located on the county line
between Snohomish and King counties, just west of I-5. Year
round open season. Rainbow trout are stocked, and largemouth
bass, yellow perch, black crappie and brown bullhead catfish
add variety to the fishery. Public access is through the city
park in the northeast corner. A boat ramp, parking, toilets
and a fishing pier are available.
Barclay Lake (11 acres): Situated at 2,300 feet elevation
in the northeast shadow of Mt. Baring, Barclay has long been
a favorite family hike in the Skykomish River valley. The
lake is open to fishing year-round, but the trail is generally
open only from mid-April through October. The rainbow trout
population is maintained by periodic fry stocking, as well
as some natural production in the large inlet system. Expect
most fish to be in the 6- to 11-inch range, with a few larger.
This lake is best fished from a raft, but can also be fished
where several camps occur along the north shoreline. This
is a great place to introduce youngsters to mountain lake
fishing!
Blackman’s Lake (60 acres): In the city of Snohomish,
just east of Highway SR-9. Year-round open season. Catchable-size
rainbow trout and cutthroat trout fry are stocked annually.
Largemouth bass and yellow perch are available for year-round
opportunity. Expect fair-to-good trout fishing in the spring
and fall months. There is a boat and bank access on the south
shore city park, with two disabled-accessible fishing piers
on the northeast shore.
Bosworth Lake (95 acres): About two miles south of
Granite Falls. Open season runs from the last Saturday in
April through October 31. A sizeable plant of catchable-size
rainbow trout are stock annually into Bosworth Lake. Cutthroat
trout and largemouth bass add variety. A WDFW access on the
northeast corner offers boat launching with limited parking,
and a toilet. Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.
Cassidy Lake (124 acres): Three miles east of Marysville.
Year-round open season. Stocked rainbow trout, including some
larger triploids, will provide fair-to-good action in the
spring and fall months. Largemouth bass, perch black crappie,
brown bullhead catfish, and pumpkinseed sunfish add additional
opportunity. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit
on crappie here. The WDFW access on the west shore has a gravel
boat launch, gravel parking area and toilet.
Chain Lake (23 acres): Three miles north of Monroe.
Year-round open season. Stocked rainbow trout, plus black
crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish and largemouth bass provide the
fishery. There is a primitive access on the south shore of
this small lake and a gravel boat ramp. Gasoline-powered motors
are not allowed.
Chaplain pond (11 acres): Located 4-1/2 miles north
of Sultan, just below the Everett water treatment plant. Year-round
open season. (NOTE: nearby Chaplain Lake is closed to fishing
at all times.) This sprawling pond system is stocked with
coastal cutthroat trout fry. It must be fished with a float
tube, and is weedy.
Chitwood Lake (6 acres): Four miles east of Granite
Falls. Year-round open season. Naturally reproducing coho
and cutthroat share this marshy lake. Access is by foot or
mountain bike beyond a locked gate a little under two miles
west of the lake.
Crabapple Lake (36 acres): Seven miles northwest of
Marysville. Open season is from the last Saturday in April
through October 31. Fair fishing for stocked rainbow trout,
with pumpkinseed sunfish available. The WDFW access on the
north shore has a toilet.
Crescent Lake (9 acres): This oxbow lake 3-1/2 miles
south of Monroe, on the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area, has a year-round
open season. It offers bank or car-topper access only for
largemouth bass, yellow perch, and sunfish.
Echo Lake (Maltby)(16 acres): About two miles southeast
of Highway SR-522 near Maltby. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 open season. Fishing is fair for stocked rainbow
trout and small pumpkinseed sunfish. This Echo Lake has a
state access on the east side with parking, boat ramp and
toilets.
Echo Lake (25 acres): This Echo Lake is about nine
miles north of Sultan in the headwaters of Miller Creek, in
the Pilchuck River drainage, at 1670 feet elevation. It is
open to fishing year-round. Fishing should be good-to-excellent
for eastern brook trout and rainbow trout. Access is by mountain
bike or foot off of Timber Company or Snohomish PUD road systems.
A raft or float tube is almost mandatory due to brushy shoreline
conditions.
Flowing lake (134 acres): Six miles north of Monroe.
Year round open season. Largemouth bass and stocked rainbow
trout provide most of the action. Cormorant predation can
affect the fishing. . A few rainbow carry-overs to 15 inches
are caught, and some large triploid rainbows will be planted
this year. The WDFW access on the southeast corner, across
from Storm Lake, has a toilet and limited parking. A new dock
provides a stable fishing platform for shore-bound anglers.
The county park on the north shore has a boat launch, paved
parking and space for shore/dock fishing.
Gissburg ponds (15 acres total): About five miles north
of Marysville. Both ponds are open to fishing year-round.
The north pond (North Gissburg) is open only to juveniles
(under 15 years of age). South Gissburg is open to all legal
anglers. Rainbow trout are stocked several times in spring
and early summer, and yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegill,
channel catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish are caught in both
ponds. Both ponds have a two-fish limit on channel catfish.
Larger triploid rainbows will also be stocked this year in
the south pond. These small ponds are an excellent shore fishing
opportunity for kids. Access is through Twin Lakes County
Park.
Goodwin Lake (546 acres): Seven miles northwest of
Marysville. Year-round open season. Rainbow and cutthroat
trout are stocked after May 1 to minimize cormorant predation.
Some carry-over trout to 15 inches are caught. Largemouth
and smallmouth bass, perch, black crappie and pumpkinseed
sunfish are also present. Access through Wenberg State Park
on the east shore leads to a concrete boat ramp and paved
parking. There is limited bank access of the boat ramp.
Hanson Lake (10 acres): A three-mile hike, mountain
bike or horse ride past Chitwood Lake brings you to Hanson
Lake, located 5-1/2 miles southeast of Granite Falls. Year-round
open season. The lake supports cutthroat and eastern brook
that can attain large size.
Howard lake (27 acres): Nine miles northwest of Marysville.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Stocked
“jumbo” rainbow trout averaging three-fourths
of a pound should provide excellent opening-day action. There
is a primitive state access with toilet on the northwest shore.
Jay Lake (5 acres): This small lake is part of the
inlet system to Wallace Lake, in Wallace Lake State Park.
Open to fishing year-round, it is better after the lake has
warmed a bit (mid-May). Good fishing is available for naturally
produced cutthroat trout and eastern brook trout. Access is
by hike or mountain bike, but access routes are bushy, and
may have snow in early spring (elevation is 1900 feet).
Julia Lake (7.5 acres): About five miles of hike or
bike on a gated road is required to reach this lake, which
is a little over four miles southeast of Granite Falls and
just upstream from Smelling Lake, in the Worthy Creek/Pilchuck
River drainage. Year-round open season. Expect fair-to-good
fishing for eight- to 10-inch eastern brook trout and cutthroat
trout. A float tube or raft is recommended.
Kellogg Lake (16 acres): Located along the Kellogg
Lake road about three miles northeast of Sultan. Year-round
open season. Largemouth bass, black crappie and cutthroat
trout provide fishing action. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
supplement the fishing. This lake consists of two basins connected
by a long, snaking waterway, all surrounded by an extensive
peat bog wetland. It is best fished from a raft or float tube.
Ketchum Lake (19 acres): Three miles north of Stanwood.
Year-round open season. Stocked rainbow trout, plus largemouth
bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill and bullhead catfish are
waiting for you to catch them. This small lake has a WDFW
access with a toilet on the south shore.
Ki Lake (97 acres): About eight miles northwest of
Marysville, on the road to Wenberg State Park. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Stocked and carry-over
rainbow trout traditionally provide outstanding fishing on
opening day, and excellent fishing through May for trout ranging
from one-half pound to over a pound. Largemouth bass and yellow
perch add variety. Access is from a county road on the north
end of the lake. The gravel boat ramp with limited parking
favors car-toppers and inflatables. Leave driveways on the
north side of the road clear or you will be ticketed and/or
towed away!
Little Cavanaugh Lake (4-8 acres): A little route finding
on logging roads will lead to this small lake I the Proctor
Creek valley, between Gold Bar and Index. Year-round open
season. It is managed with an annual plant of rainbow trout
fry. The lake varies in size annually, depending on the weather.
Access is by foot, mountain bike or horseback south from gated
Proctor Creek Road at Highway US-2.
Loma Lake (21 acres): About five miles northwest of
Marysville. Year-round open season. Spring fishing should
be good for stocked rainbow trout, with more good fishing
after secondary planting (in the first week of May to avoid
cormorant predation). This lake has a primitive launching
site.
Lost (Devil’s) Lake (13 acres): Find this lost
lake two and a half miles east of Maltby off Highway SR-522,
and you’ll also find fair fishing for native cutthroat
trout planted rainbow trout, and illegally-introduced largemouth
bass. Fishing is open year-round. A WDFW access on the west
shore offers a boat launch, parking and toilet.
Lost Lake (18 acres): This is but one of nine lakes
in Snohomish County that have been “lost” at one
time or another. This one can be found a mile west of Lake
Chaplain, roughly six miles north-northwest of Sultan. Some
route-finding skills are required. Year-round open season.
Expect excellent fly-fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brown
trout taken from a float tube. There is a limited shore access
due to pristine wetland vegetation surrounding the lake, but
a small fishing pier is available.
Martha Lake (Alderwood Manor) (59 acres): Two miles
northeast of Alderwood Manor. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 open season. Stocked rainbow trout are the main
draw; cormorant predation can affect the fishing. Largemouth
bass, yellow perch, and bullhead catfish are available as
well. The WDFW access on the southeast corner has a boat ramp,
parking and toilet. A county park on the lake’s south
end also has parking and toilets, plus play and picnic areas
and two large fishing piers. Disabled accessibility at county
park – Level 1.
Martha Lake (Warm Beach) (58 acres): Located 10- ½
miles northwest of Marysville, this Martha Lake is open to
fishing year-round. Stocked and some carryover rainbow trout
provide good trout fishing in the spring. The lake will also
receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout this
year. Largemouth bass and yellow perch add variety to the
fishery. There is a WDFW access with toilet on the north shore
and a resort on the south shore.
Panther Lake (47 acres): Four miles northeast of Snohomish.
Year round open fishing season. Stocked rainbow trout, with
a few carry-overs plus a small number of triploid rainbows
provide the trout fishery. Largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish,
black crappie and brown bullhead catfish are also available.
Panther has a state access with paved ramp, gravel parking
area and toilet on the west shore. Gasoline motors are prohibited
by local ordinance.
Roesiger Lake (352 acres): About eight miles north
of Monroe. Year-round open season. Catchable-size and “jumbo”
rainbow trout will be stocked several times this season, along
with some larger triploid rainbows. Other species available
include naturally produced kokanee, largemouth bass, black
crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead catfish, and yellow perch.
There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit on crappie here.
Roesiger has a state access with boat ramp, limited parking
and a toilet on the south shore. A county park is located
on the east shore; it’s former fishing pier has been
removed, but bank access is available.
Scriber Lake (3 acres): This small, mixed-species lake
is located in Scriber Lake Park in Lynwood. A small fishing
pier provides access to very limited fishing for largemouth
bass and yellow perch. The lake is open year-round.
Serene Lake (42 acres): Located just west of Highway
SR-99 at Shelby Road in Lynwood. Last Saturday in April through
October 31 open season. Largemouth bass and stocked rainbow
trout provide the fishing action. Serene has a public access
with gravel parking area, toilet and concrete boat ramp at
the west end of the lake. Gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.
Shaw Lake (6 acres): This is the uppermost named lake
in the three-lake series ending with Wallace Lake in Wallace
Lake State Park, near Gold Bar. It is good to excellent for
cutthroat of all sizes, many 13-16 inches. Now that the old
logging grades have grown over, it is a challenge to get to;
expect solitude. Open to fishing year-round, but the 2075-foot
elevation may make access more difficult in early spring.
Shellfish and Marine Fish: Recreational shrimp areas
are found near Edmunds, and in Possession Sound and Port Susan.
Squid fishing is fair-to-good at any of the lighted docks
and piers during late fall and winter. Good crabbing opportunities
are available adjacent to most marine shorelines. Marine fishing
and crabbing are available at Edmunds fishing pier, Everett
marine pier, Kayak Point State Park pier, and Mukilteo pier.
Stewart’s Dock in Everett and docks along the Swinomish
Channel in La Connor are main sites for smelt fishing. Consult
the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/crabreg
or the toll-free WDFW shellfish hotline at 1-886-880-5431
for specific crab season information. Call the Department
of Health’s toll-free Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632
to check on shellfish safety.
Shoecraft Lake (137 acres): Located 7-1/2 miles northwest
of Marysville, west of Lake Goodwin. Year-round open season.
Rainbow trout are stocked, and largemouth bass, perch, crappie
and pumpkinseed sunfish round out the fishery. The WDFW access
on the southwest corner has a boat ramp and toilet.
Silver Lake (102 acres): This Silver Lake (there are
more than a dozen in the state) is located 5-1/2 miles south
of Everett along the Bothell-Everett Highway. Open season
is year-round. Stocked rainbow trout and kokanee co-exist
with largemouth bass and yellow perch. A small number of larger
triploid rainbows will provide additional fishing opportunity
this year. An annual “Fishing Kids” event scheduled
for May 9th this year is designed to introduce
young anglers age 5 through 14 to sport fishing. Contact Everett
Parks at (425) 257-8300 for more information. There is no
developed boat access area, but car-topper access is feasible
for a limited number of vehicles along the southeast corner
of the lake. There is ample shoreline access and a fishing
dock along the highway. Access and rest rooms are also available
in a city park on the west shore.
Skykomish River, North Fork: The North Fork is closed
to fishing from Deer Falls downstream to 1,000 feet below
Bear Creek Falls. Below that point, the river is closed to
all salmon angling, but open to steelhead. No longer open
for Dolly Varden / bull trout, all incidentally-caught fish
must be released immediately. For the area of the NF Skykomish
River above Deer Falls, expect fair number of resident rainbow
and cutthroat trout in the 6-9 inch size class.
Skykomish River, South Fork: Resident rainbow and cutthroat
are found here, plus summer steelhead. Check the regulations
pamphlet for gear restrictions, size and catch limits, and
special area closures. All Dolly Varden/bull trout must be
released. There is a special winter whitefish fishery above
Sunset Falls.
Smelling Lake (7 acres): About four miles southeast
of Granite Falls, a three-plus mile hike or bike ride on a
logging road will sniff out this lake’s outlet. Once
there, you’ll find fair-to-good fishing for naturally
produced cutthroat and brookies in the eight- to 12-inch range.
Open to fishing year-round, but often has snow until late
March or early April, although the elevation is under 1000
feet. This lake has unusual depth for a small lake, surveyed
at 107 feet deep.
Snohomish County shore fishing: There is an expanding
recreational fishery along Snohomish County shorelines casting
for pink salmon (odd years), Coho salmon, and steelhead. Popular
areas include (but are not limited to) Mukilteo and Kayak
Point.
Snohomish River system (includes Skykomish and Snoqualmie
rivers): This river system provides excellent angling
opportunities for summer and winter steelhead, resident and
sea-run cutthroat trout, resident rainbow trout, Dolly Varden
and whitefish. Chinook and pink salmon fishing will likely
be closed this year. Sturgeon are found in the lower reaches.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for season, size, gear
and catch limit restrictions. Check the WDFW web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov
for emergency closures. Also see listing for Snoqualmie River
in King County.
Spada Lake (1,870 acres): This municipal reservoir
eight miles north of Sultan offers dramatic scenery and a
totally wild rainbow and cutthroat trout fishery (plus their
hybrids). Selective gear rules and special size restrictions
are in effect, so be sure to check the regulation pamphlet
and observe county signs at the lake. Electric motors are
allowed. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April
through October 31. All tributaries are closed to fishing.
This fishery is currently being studied to determine how to
increase the abundance of older, larger trout. Brown bullhead
catfish have been found in the lake, but because of the selective
gear rules, there is no effective fishery for them. Three
boat ramps on the east shoreline provide access for car-toppers
and trailered boats, plus some camping sites. Posted regulations
are strictly enforced.
Stevens, Lake (1,021 acres): Located five miles east
of Everett. Year-round open season. Species available include
rainbow trout (best in fall-winter), largemouth and smallmouth
bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead catfish, cutthroat trout
and kokanee. Stevens is well-known for its large kokanee,
especially during May through August, and has a generous kokanee
bag limit. There is a WDFW access in the nearby town of Lake
Stevens with a boat ramp, parking and toilets, plus a county
park access off Davies Road with launch, parking, toilets
and a fishing pier.
Stickney Lake (26 acres): About four miles northeast
of Lynnwood, between I-5 and Highway SR-99. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Largemouth bass,
yellow perch, and black crappie are present, and catchable-size
rainbow trout are stocked. The concrete WDFW boat launch on
the north shore has parking and a toilet.
Stillaguamish River: The “Stilly” provides
excellent fishing for summer and winter steelhead, sea-run
cutthroat trout, and whitefish. Except for chum salmon, all
salmon fishing is closed. Dolly Varden/bull trout fishing
is no longer allowed here. Wild steelhead retention is permanently
closed in the Stillaguamish system, including the North and
South forks and Pilchuck and Canyon creeks. Check the latest
regulations pamphlet for season, size, gear and catch limit
restriction. Check the department’s web site at http://wdfw.wa.gov
for emergency closures. There is a special fly-fishing-only
season on the North Fork; effective May 1, 2006, opening date
for this fishery changes from March 1 to June 1.
Storm Lake (78 acres): About five miles north of Monroe.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Cormorant
predation has hurt the trout fishery here in the past, but
expect fair-to- good fishing this year for stocked catchable-size
and “jumbo” rainbow trout plus a few carry-over
rainbows in the spring and fall months. Some largemouth bass
and small cutthroat trout are present too. Storm has a WDFW
access on the northwest corner with a narrow ramp, limited
parking, and a toilet. Car-toppers and inflatables are most
compatible with the ramp conditions and limited parking. Gasoline-powered
motors are prohibited by local ordinance.
Sunday Lake (34 acres): Five miles east of Stanwood.
Year-round open season. Largemouth bass, perch, black crappie
and pumpkinseed sunfish are caught. There is a primitive access
on the north shore.
Temple Pond (8 acres): This is the largest of several
ponds located in the new Lord Hill Regional Park southeast
of Snohomish. Year-round open season. Stocked with cutthroat
fingerlings, Temple has produced good fishing for these species
in the past. Illegally-introduced largemouth mass have a negative
impact on trout survival.
Thirtysix Lake (5 acres): This peatbog-type lake varies
from two to five acres, and lies in the headwaters of Elwell
Creek about 5-1/2 miles south of Sultan. It is open to fishing
year-round, and has grown large cutthroat in the past.
Tye Lake (40 acres): On the west side of the town of
Monroe. Year-round open season. This manmade lake is stocked
with rainbow trout, including some larger triploids this year.
Plentiful shore access is provided by Tye Lake Park. Other
species present in Tye Lake are largemouth bass, pumpkinseed
sunfish, and brown bullhead. This is an excellent lake for
families to take or introduce children to fishing. A city
park is also present at the lake.
Wagner Lake (20 acres): A couple miles northeast of
Monroe. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.
Stocked rainbow trout along with largemouth bass provide the
fishery. The WDFW access on the southwest shore has a narrow
ramp.
Wallace Lake (55 acres): Hike a combination of trails
and closed (to motorized vehicles) roads via Wallace Falls
State Park to reach this deep lake at about 1,850 feet elevation.
The season is open year-round. Lake trout (mackinaw) are available,
plus naturally produced rainbow trout and eastern brook.
Wallace River: Near-wilderness surroundings are found
along this freestone stream above huge falls in Wallace Falls
State Park. Old logging grades can be hiked to gain access
to native cutthroat trout fishing in about four miles of gin-clear
water. Steelhead and salmon are taken in the lower four miles.
Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons and restrictions.
SPOKANE
COUNTY
Amber
Lake (117 acres): Eleven miles southwest of Cheney. Selective
gear rules are designed to create a quality fishery at this
popular rainbow and cutthroat trout fry-planted lake. Electric
motors are allowed. The trout daily limit from the last Saturday
in April through September 30 is two fish over 14 inches.
Anglers must release all trout with missing adipose fin –
only unmarked trout may be retained as part of the legal limit.
There are additional catch-and-release only seasons from March
1 through the last Friday in April, and from October 1 to
November 30. The WDFW access off of Pine Springs Road, via
Mullinix Road, has a boat launch and toilet.
Badger Lake (244 acres): Ten miles south of Cheney.
To get there, go south on Cheney-Plaza Road (which becomes
Rock Lake Road), right on Williams Lake Road, right on Badger
Lake Road, and right 1½ miles to the lake at the “public
fishing” sign. Last Saturday in April through September
30 open season. This will be one of the best opening-day trout
lakes in the state. Both rainbow and cutthroat trout to 18
inches will be available for harvest. A late-season Mayfly
hatch usually provides great dry fly fishing. The WDFW access
area has a concrete plank ramp and toilet. (See Washington
State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Bear Lake (34 acres): Located in a county park off
Highway US-2, about halfway between Spokane and Newport. This
is a family fishing rules lake: only juveniles or licensed
adults accompanied by a juvenile, plus holders of reduced-fee
disability licenses, are allowed to fish. Open season is year-round,
largemouth bass, perch, and planted rainbow trout, including
a few broodstock rainbows are available. Channel catfish were
stocked in 2004 and should provide an excellent fishery. Access
depends on whether the county park is open.
Chapman Lake (146 acres): Eight miles south of Cheney,
via Cheney-Plaza Road to Chapman Lake Road. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season. Good late-season
action for largemouth and smallmouth bass with a few other
warm water species present too. Chapman also provides good
catches of rainbow trout and kokanee, with a generous kokanee
limit; check the regulations pamphlet for details Chapman
Lake Resort offers boat launching, rentals, and camping.
Clear Lake (375 acres): Two miles south of the town
of Medical Lake. Last Saturday in April through October 31
open season. Spring plants of yearling rainbow, broodstock
rainbows, and brown trout should provide some good action.
Good largemouth bass and black crappie fisheries are available
here as well. An annual “Fishing Kids” derby,
to be held on May 2nd this year, introduces youth
ages 5 to 14 to sport fishing. For more information, contact
Spokane County 4-H at (509) 477-2166. Two resorts and a WDFW
access on the south end provide boating access. (See Washington
State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Downs Lake (423 acres): Seven miles east of Sprague,
with about 29 acres at the outlet (mostly marshy) in Lincoln
County. Access from Sprague is via Williams Lake Road. With
a new fishing season that begins March 1st and
continues through September 31st, Downs warms up
earlier than other Spokane County lakes because it’s
located in the southwest corner of the county. With a mild
late winter, anglers can count on perch, largemouth bass,
crappie and other warm water fish, along with stocked catchable-size
rainbow trout. There is a resort with a small boat launch.
Eloika Lake (660 acres): This lake is seven miles north
of Chattaroy off Highway US-2, with a year-round open season.
Largemouth bass, perch, and crappie in spring and fall are
the best bets. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit
on crappie here. A few 4- to 6-pound bass are caught. Some
brown trout yearling plants are made. Eloika has a resort
with a boat launch and a WDFW access south of Gray’s
Landing.
Fish Lake (47 acres): Two miles northeast of Cheney
on the Cheney-Spokane Highway. Last Saturday in April through
September 30 open season. Fish Lake has been stocked with
brook trout and tiger trout and should provide excellent fishing
this year. The most recent state record Tiger trout exceeding
14 pounds was harvested from this lake in the Spring of 2008.
Access is via county park property. Internal combustion engines
are prohibited.
Fishtrap Lake: Refer to Lincoln County, which has the
majority of this popular and productive lake.
Hog Canyon (aka Hog) Lake (53 acres): Ten miles northeast
of Sprague. Take the Fishtrap Lake exit from I-90. December
1 through March 31 open season. The winter-only season here
should produce nice catches of rainbow trout to 10 or 11 inches.
No more than two trout over 14 inches may be retained as part
of the 5-trout daily limit. Hog Canyon has been stocked with
catchable-size and fry rainbows. There is a WDFW access area.
Horseshoe Lake (68 acres): Ten miles west of the town
of Nine Mile Falls. While a year-round open season is in place
for this shallow lake, it gets annual plants of catchable
rainbow trout to provide some fair fishing early in the season.
Liberty Lake (711 acres): At the City of Liberty Lake
about a mile from the Idaho border. A change in the opening
has occurred starting in 2007-08 fishing season. Liberty Lake
now opens for fishing the first day of March and is open through
October 31st. Although largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch,
and other warm water species dominate here, Catchable-size
and broodstock rainbow and brown trout are planted. This lake
can provide an excellent brown trout fishery. Walleyes and
saugeyes (walleye x sauger hybrids) have also been stocked.
There is a WDFW access and boat launch. (See Washington State
Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Little Spokane River: Most access is on private property,
but there is an access site downstream of the Spokane Hatchery.
Check with Washington State Parks for restrictions. This Spokane
River tributary can provide good catches of brown and rainbow
trout and mountain whitefish angling is popular in the winter.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for seasons, area closures,
and whitefish gear rules.
Long Lake (5,020 acres): About 23 miles northwest of
Spokane, with a year-round open season, this Spokane River
reservoir provides good fishing for largemouth and smallmouth
bass, perch, crappie, and bullhead catfish, plus an occasional
northern pike. Planted Catchable-size brown trout are also
taken, and tench are plentiful. Long Lake has several resorts
plus a DNR camp and boat launch off the Nine Mile Falls Road.
Check the regulations for any special seasons or harvest restrictions.
Medical Lake (149 acres): On the west edge of the City
of the same name, this body of water’s fishing season
has changed; it now begins on March 1st and continues
through October 31st. Selective gear rules apply so
be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for special size
limits. Brown trout, tiger trout and rainbow trout are the
target here with regular plants providing catches in the 15
to 20 inch range. Accesses at the south and north ends of
the lake provides a rough boat launch. This Lake is best accessed
with smaller personal fishing craft.
Medical Lake, West: Please see West Medical Lake.
Newman Lake (1,200 acres): Twelve miles northeast of
Spokane about a mile from the Idaho border, this year-round
open season spot has something for everybody: largemouth bass,
bluegill, crappie, perch, catfish, plus some rainbow, and
eastern brook trout. In addition, Newman has been stocked
with tiger muskies and provides an excellent trophy fishery
for this elusive fish. Be sure to check the new regulations
on Tiger Muskie retention. They must be 50 inches or longer
to be retained A WDFW access on the east shore plus two resorts
provide boating access. (See Washington State Parks website:
http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
North Silver Lake (87 acres): Separated from Silver
Lake by the Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road. Split open season:
from March 1 through September 30, there is a 14-inch minimum,
two fish limit, and all adipose-clipped fish must be released.
The second season, from November 1 through December 30, is
catch-and-release only. Selective gear rules are in effect
during all open seasons. This lake provides an opportunity
to catch few but very large rainbow trout.
Silver Lake (472 acres): You’ll find this year
round season lake just one mile east of the City of Medical
Lake on the south side of Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road. Largemouth
bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish are
also present. There is a 9-inch minimum size, 10-fish limit
on crappie here. Tiger muskies have also been planted, be
sure to check the new regulations on Tiger Muskie retention.
They must be 50 inches or longer to be retained. Boating access
is provided by a WDFW access on the north shore plus a resort.
Spokane River: The river supports wild rainbow trout
from the Idaho border to Nine Mile Falls Dam, and brown trout
have been stocked in the area from Monroe Street to Nine Mile
Falls. The area from Upriver Dam to the Idaho border is open
only to catch-and-release, selective gear rules. Check the
latest regulations pamphlet or with the WDFW Spokane Regional
office for gear, season, and catch limit information for various
sections of the river. Note that in 2006
the closing date for this fishery changed from October 31
to March 15 of the following year and has remained. The
Washington Department of Health (DOH) has issued this fish
consumption advisory for all fish species due to lead and
PCB contamination: from the Idaho border to Upriver Dam: no
consumption, all ages and groups; from Upriver Dam to 9-Mile
Dam: one meal (8-oz. portion) per month, all ages and groups.
For more information, check the DOH website at www.doh.wa.gov/fish
or with the Spokane Regional Health District at (509) 324-1560.
West Medical Lake (235 acres): One mile west of the
town of Medical Lake. The fishing season for this body of
water opens the last Saturday in April and continues through
the 30th of September. West Medical has been stocked
with fry, catchable-size, broodstock and triploid rainbow
trout. This will be one of the best opening-day trout lakes
in the state. A WDFW access on the southwest corner of the
lake provides boat launching and a toilet. An adjacent resort
offers dock fishing, boat moorage and rental, a café,
and additional facilities. (See Washington State Parks website:
http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Williams Lake (319 acres): Twelve miles southwest of
Cheney reached via Mullinix Road. Open season is from the
last Saturday in April through September 30. Williams Lake
will provide excellent fishing for fry-planted rainbow and
cutthroat trout up to 18 inches. This will be one of the best
opening-day trout lakes in the state. Large triploid rainbow
trout will also be planted this year. The Mayfly hatch in
mid-May is usually the peak fishing time. There is a WDFW
access on the northwest shore. The lake also has two full-service
resorts.
STEVENS
COUNTY
Bayley
Lake (17 acres): Ten miles north-northeast of Chewelah
in the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge. Fly-fishing only.
The catch-and-keep season is short: last Saturday in April
through July 4, with a 1-trout, 14-inch minimum size limit.
An additional catch-and-release season runs through October
31. Redband rainbow trout are stocked, and eastern brook trout
may be available from spawning in the inlet creek. The inlet
stream is closed to all fishing. The public access has a boat
launch, but motorized boats are prohibited. Call Little Pend
Oreille National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Colville
at (509) 684-8384 for the current lake level and fishing details.
Black Lake (70 acres): Twelve miles east of Colville
up Gap Creek Road at 3700 feet elevation. This lake opens
the last Saturday in April and runs through October 31st.
Tiger trout(a brook trout x brown trout hybrid) first planted
in fall of 2002 continue to provide an interesting fishery
on this lake. A resort is located on the east shore.
Cedar Lake (51 acres): One mile north of Leadpoint
just four miles inside the US-Canada border. This lake opens
the last Saturday in April and runs through October 31st.
Fry plants of rainbow trout make this lake a good producer,
with some rainbows up to 18 inches. Public access is available.
Coffin Lake (10 acres): Buried in the hills 16 miles
east of Colville in the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife
Refuge, about three miles south of the Little Pend Oreille
chain lakes. Year-round season. This enlargement of the Little
Pend Oreille River offers several trout species plus some
warm water species. Boat access is difficult.
Colville River: Catches of brown trout can be made
here, but access can be difficult. Be sure to get permission
from landowners. Check the latest regulations pamphlet for
seasons. All sturgeon fishing is closed here because the sturgeon
population is not successfully reproducing.
Deep Lake (198 acres): Nine miles southeast of Northport
and almost three miles up Deep Lake Boundary Road from Spirit.
This lake opens the last Saturday in April and runs through
October 31st. Fingerling plants of rainbow and
cutthroat trout can produce nice catches. Public access is
available.
Deer Lake (1,163 acres): Fourteen miles southeast of
Chewelah, a couple miles east of Highway US-395. With a March
1, 2008 opener, Deer Lake’s wide variety of species
includes largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, perch, rainbow
trout, lake trout and kokanee. Cooperative net-pen projects
also provide kokanee fingerlings and catchable rainbows. This
year, around 2500 catchable kokanee and 18,000 fingerling
kokanee will be planted in Deer Lake, providing increased
opportunity for this species for the next couple of years.
No more than two trout over 30 inches may be retained as part
of the 5-trout daily limit. A WDFW access provides boat launching,
while a private resort offers boat launching, camping, and
other amenities.
Elbow
Lake (48 acres): About 9½ miles west of Northport
in Colville National Forest up the Big Sheep Creek drainage
at 2875 feet elevation. Previously known as the Crown Lake.
Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season. Annual
eastern brook trout fry plants provide action.
Gillette Lake (48 acres): Seventeen miles northeast
of Colville, and just east of Highway SR-20, at 3147 feet
elevation. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open
season. This Little Pend Oreille chain lake is stocked with
tiger trout and rainbow trout fry. It has a Forest Service
campground, boat launch, and resort.
Hatch Lake (34 acres): About five miles southeast of
Colville. December 1 through March 31 open season. Rehabilitated
in 1999, yellow perch were subsequently reintroduced and eliminated
the trout fishery. The lake was rehabilitated again last fall
(2008) and will receive catchable and fry rainbow trout plants
spring. Expect good trout fishing this winter with rainbows
10-11 inches. The WDFW access area provides a gravel boat
ramp and toilet.
Heritage Lake (71 acres): Another Little Pend Oreille
chain lake just north of Gillette Lake at about 3150 feet
elevation. This lake opens the last Saturday in April and
runs through October 31st. Tiger troutandrainbow
trout are available from fry plants.
Jump-Off-Joe Lake (105 acres): Eight miles south of
Chewelah just off Highway US 395. This lake opens the last
Saturday in April and runs through October 31st.
Catchable-size rainbow and brown trout plants, and possible
eastern brook trout from prior years’ plants should
provide some action here. Largemouth bass and yellow perch
also do fair despite a goldfish population. A WDFW access
on the east shore has a boat ramp. A resort offers boat launching,
moorage and rentals, camping, RV spaces, and a variety of
other services.
Little Twin Lake (27 acres): Twelve miles east of Colville,
northwest of the Little Pend Oreille chain, in the Colville
National Forest at 3179 feet elevation. This lake opens the
last Saturday in April and runs through October 31st.
This lake has variously been called Spruce Lake, Big Twin
Lake, Upper Twin Lake, and now Little Twin Lake. “Twin”
refers to the fact that it used to be two lakes: Spruce and
Cedar. Cutthroat fry plants are producing good catches.
Loon Lake (1,120 acres): Twenty-eight miles north of
Spokane along the west side of U.S. Highway 395. This lake
opens the last Saturday in April and runs through October
31st. The previous state record lake trout (30
lbs., 4 oz.) came out of here back in the 1960s. Loon is also
known for its kokanee, which are now found in good numbers
in the 11- to 13-inch range and have a generous catch limit.
There are also largemouth and smallmouth bass, brown bullheads,
yellow perch, bluegill, and a few other warm water species.
A WDFW access and two resorts provide boating access and other
services. (See Washington State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Lucky Duck Pond: In the town of Springdale. This small
pond is open to juveniles only (under 15 years of age). This
year-round open season body of water is stocked with catchable
rainbow trout.
McDowell Lake (33 acres): Located about 11 miles southeast
of Colville on the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
at 2300 feet elevation. This lake opens the last Saturday
in April and runs through October 31st. Fly-fishing
only and catch-and-release are the rules here, and motorized
boats are prohibited. McDowell was rehabilitated in the fall
of 2006 to eliminate tench, an undesirable exotic species.
It was restocked in the spring of 2007 with large rainbow,
catchable rainbows, and finally redband rainbow fingerlings.
Large rainbow and an occasional eastern brook trout provide
good angling in the spring and again in the fall when water
temperatures are cool. Public access is walk-in only.
Mudget (Mudgett) Lake (32 acres): Two miles south of
Fruitland and about 400 yards east of Highway SR-25. This
lake opens the last Saturday in April and runs through October
31st. This small lake is stocked with rainbow trout
fry annually. Public access is available.
Pierre Lake (106 acres): Four miles northeast of Orient
in Colville National Forest. This is a year-round open season
lake that has largemouth bass, black crappie, bullhead catfish,
an occasional kokanee, and several kinds of trout are available.
The Forest Service campground has a boat launch. (See Washington
State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Potter’s Pond (4 acres): Also called Potter Lake,
located three miles north of Colville on the Little Pend Oreille
National Wildlife Refuge, this body of water is open the last
Saturday in April through October 31st and is stocked
with catchable-size rainbow trout and fry planted redband
rainbow trout. Potter’s Pond usually grows large trout
from previous rainbow trout plants. However, it nearly went
dry last fall, so it will provide no larger carryover fish
this year. (See Washington State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Rocky Lake (20 acres): Located 3½ miles south
of Colville. The catch-and-keep season is short; from the
last Saturday in April through May 31. An extended catch-and-release,
selective gear rules season runs from June 1 through October
31. This lake receives annual plants of rainbow trout fry.
Overnight use of the DNR campground has been eliminated due
to social problems; the boat launch is still available.
Roosevelt Lake (79,000 acres): This Columbia River
impoundment stretches more than 150 miles from Coulee Dam
into Canada. Fishing season is open year-round, except for
sturgeon, which are closed to fishing all year. Walleye, rainbow
trout, and kokanee are the star attractions. Smallmouth bass
are plentiful. The bass daily limit is 10 fish, no minimum
size, only one over 14 inches, and the walleye daily limit
is eight fish with no minimum size and no more than one over
22 inches. With periodic drawdowns in the reservoir, trout
reproduction is virtually impossible, but cooperative net-pen
rearing projects at numerous locations provide the trout fishery.
The cooperative net-pen project plants approximately 750,000
catchable sized rainbow trout annually into Lake Roosevelt.
Check the latest regulations pamphlet for special trout and
kokanee rules and redefined San Poil and Hawk’s Creek
boundaries. Other catchable fish are burbot, lake whitefish,
and yellow perch. The National Park Service operates 35 recreation
areas along the 660 miles of shoreline. Maps are available
at the dam’s visitor center and WDFW Spokane office.
Water level fluctuations can be a problem for boat launching.
For current water level information, call (800) 824-4916.
Bow-and-arrow fishing for carp is prohibited. The Washington
Department of Health (DOH) has issued this fish consumption
advisory for Lake Roosevelt due to mercury contamination:
pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and children under
six years of age should eat no more than two meals of walleye
(8-ounce portion) a month. For more information, check
the DOH website at www.doh.wa.gov/fish or with
the DOH office of Environmental Health Assessment toll-free
at (877) 485-7316.
Sherry Lake (26 acres): Southernmost of the Little
Pend Oreille chain of lakes just south of Gillette Lake. Elevation
is 3147 feet. This lake opens the last Saturday in April and
runs through October 31st. Fry plants of tiger
trout and rainbow trout should produce good catches this season.
Starvation Lake (28 acres): Almost ten miles southeast
of Colville near the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge at
2370 feet elevation. The catch-and-keep season is short, from
the last Saturday in April through May 31. An extended catch-and-release
only, selective gear rules season runs from June 1 through
the end of October. Angling is expected to be good this year
for fry-planted rainbow trout. This small lake has public
access and a newly expanded campground. (See Washington State
Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
for ADA accessibility information.)
Summit Lake (7 acres): Seven miles northeast of Orient
in Colville National Forest less than three miles from the
U. S.-Canada border. Elevation is about 2540 feet. Last Saturday
in April through October 31 open season with rainbow trout
fry plants, which produce a good fishery for a small lake.
Thomas Lake (163 acres): Seventeen miles northeast
of Colville between Heritage and Gillette Lakes in the Little
Pend Oreille chain at an elevation of 3147 feet. This lake
opens the last Saturday in April and runs through October
31st.. Thomas has a Forest Service campground and
a resort.
Waitts Lake (455 acres): Four miles west of Valley
along Highway US-395. The season runs from the last Saturday
in April through February 28. Planted with rainbow trout catchables,
net-pen reared rainbow, and brown trout fingerlings, plus
some broodstock. The increase of rainbow plants from the net-pen
project has created good carryover potential. Largemouth bass,
yellow perch, and numerous pumpkinseed sunfish are available
as well. Waitts Lake has a newly improved access area which
makes accessing the lake much more convenient.
Williams Lake (38 acres): Fourteen miles north of Colville
this lake has an elevation of 1950 feet. The season is open
December 1 through March 31 open season. This winter-only
lake normally produces rainbow trout in the 10- to 13-inch
range. Rehabilitated last fall to eliminate illegally introduced
yellow perch, this lake will be stocked with rainbow trout
catchables and fry this spring. Expect good trout fishing
this winter.
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