County-by-County [A-B]...

This section gives a brief description of fishing opportunities in each county, arranged in alphabetical order. 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. Also check local newspapers or the nearest WDFW regional office for the latest information on emergency closures.

The wheelchair symbol indicates lakes or streams with enhanced accessibility.

ADAMS COUNTY

Bobcat Creek and Coyote Creek ponds: These small ponds west of Othello support a few bluegill and some fair-sized largemouth bass. Access is walk-in only. March 1 to September 30 open season.

Fourth of July Lake (110 acres): This lake two miles south of the town of Sprague straddles the Adams/Lincoln county line, with 74 acres in Adams County and 36 acres in Lincoln. The special winter season runs December 1 through March 31, and produces nice rainbow trout. Fry-plants, catchables, and some carry-overs running to 20 inches provide the action. Large (13 to 20 inches) rainbows are not uncommon here. Check the regulations pamphlet for special size restrictions. There is an access area with a boat launch, but internal combustion engines are not allowed.

Herman Lake (35 acres) and Lyle Lake (22 acres): Located about five miles north of Othello, these lakes were rehabilitated in fall of 1999. Fingerling rainbow trout will be stocked in 2000, and the fishery will not offer much until 2001. Small-craft boat launches are available on both lakes. Toilet facilities and vehicle parking are available only at Lyle Lake. Both lakes are open to fishing year-round.

Hutchinson Lake (43 acres) and Shiner Lake (34 acres): Both of these lakes located six to seven miles northwest of Othello were rehabilitated in 1998 to remove carp. Limited fishing opportunity will be available in 2000 for largemouth bass and bluegill. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release on larger fish, which are the broodstock for re-populating the lakes. If harvest remains minimal, these lakes should reach full production potential about 2002 or 2003. Open season on both lakes runs from March 1 to September 30.

Sprague Lake (1,840 acres): This large year-round lake, shared by Adams (1,203 acres) and Lincoln (637 acres) counties, offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and perch are the predominant fisheries, and angling for all of these species is good. Rainbow trout and channel catfish are also available, and crappie are increasing in number. There are special regulations on this lake, so be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for all details. WDFW recently obtained a public access site on the southwest end of the lake. Development plans include disabled access when done. Two resorts are available, one at the northeast end, the other on the north shoreline near the west end. A private boat launch with minimal parking fees is located on the southeast side.

ASOTIN COUNTY

Asotin Creek: Most tributaries on this important and productive tributary of the Snake River are closed to protect wild steelhead populations, and trout are no longer stocked. The season is open from June 1 through October 31 in the mainstem portion of the creek, and on a portion of the North Fork, with selective gear rules. Check the regulations pamphlet for details.

Evans Pond, Golf Course Pond, Silcott Pond: These small impoundments off the Snake River near the bottom of Alpowa Grade normally are stocked in spring with rainbow trout, including some of 1-1/2 to 2 pounds each in Evans and Golf Course ponds. All have public access and are open to fishing year-round. They get fished intensively during the early season.

Grand Ronde River: Steelhead are the main attraction here, while smallmouth bass and channel catfish offer good angling near the mouth of the river. Steelhead cannot be retained in the lower 2-1/2 miles, but this area provides exceptional catch-and-release fishing in fall and early winter. Various restrictions are in effect to protect wild trout and salmon, including selective gear rules for part of the year; check the regulations pamphlet. Salmon fishing is closed to protect threatened chinook salmon.

Headgate Pond: This impoundment off Asotin Creek is open only to juveniles and seniors, from the last Saturday in April through October 31. It receives catchable-size rainbow trout.

Snake River: Refer to Garfield County.

BENTON COUNTY

Columbia Park Lagoon (7 acre): This small pond is located near the Kennewick end of the Highway 395 bridge, near the Columbia Park boat ramp. It opened in April of 1998 as the state's first family fishing water, open to juveniles and licensed adults accompanied by a juvenile. This concept is intended to encourage teaching, mentoring and family activities. The lake will be stocked annually with rainbow trout, and has been stocked with smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. It has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Several locally sponsored kid's fishing events are planned for this year.

Columbia River Pools and Sloughs: Various species provide good fishing opportunities. Walleyes are caught throughout McNary and John Day pools, with popular areas below McNary and John Day dams. Check the regulations pamphlet for new walleye rules below Pasco. Boat-launch facilities are at Crow Butte, Paterson, and Plymouth. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing in the river and sloughs at Paterson, and largemouth and smallmouth fishing is good in the Hanford area and near the mouth of the Yakima River. Another good smallmouth area, plus fair crappie, perch, sunfish and brown bullhead action, can be found in the Finley area. Channel catfish are caught throughout McNary Pool, with some 6- to 8-pounders. Sturgeon fishing has been fair throughout this portion of the Columbia. Check the current regulations pamphlet and emergency regulations for spring chinook salmon in the Ringold Hatchery area. Fall chinook return to the Hanford Reach area from September through November, with the best fishing in late September to mid-October. Be sure to check the latest regulations and emergency measures to protect sturgeon and salmon. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is best between McNary Dam and the Wallula area, in October and November. All wild steelhead must be released. Main boat access sites for the Hanford Reach area are at Vernita Bridge in Grant County (rough, no ramp), and Wahluke and Ringold in Franklin County.

Mitchell (3.7 acres), Mound (34.8 acres), Palmer (4.9 acres), Switch (6.7 acres) and Yellepit (36.3 acres) ponds: These ponds are located in railroad fill on the northwest side of McNary Reservoir, about 15 miles southeast of Kennewick. Fishing should be fair-to-good for a variety of warmwater fish, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, plus bullhead and channel catfish.

Yakima River: Fishing for smallmouth bass and channel catfish is good in the lower river. The Richland/Benton City area is popular for these species. Channel catfish in the 8-pound class are not uncommon, but average size is 1 to 2 pounds. A regulation change permits chumming for channel catfish; refer to the regulations pamphlet for details. Smallmouth bass are generally under 1-1/2 pounds, but fish up to 6 pounds are caught. Recent research has confirmed that large smallmouth migrate upriver from the Columbia in April and May. Trophy smallmouth can be caught during this spring migration. Expect a fall chinook and coho salmon season again this year in September and October. The Yakima is open year-round, but closed to trout fishing in April and May. The entire river, including all tributaries and drains, is closed to steelhead fishing.