County-by-County [G]...

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.

GARFIELD COUNTY

Bakers Pond: This small farm pond in the Pataha Creek/Tucannon River drainage is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout, so it's great for young anglers. Reached via Highway 28 and Mountain Road, public access is through the cooperation of local farmers. The pond is open all year, but fishing is best in spring.

Caseys Pond: This little pond off the Snake River gets a small plant of catchable-size (10-12 inch) rainbow trout that provide some early season action only, although the pond is open to fishing all year.

Pataha Creek: This stream is no longer stocked with rainbow trout. The creek is open to juveniles only within the city of Pomeroy, and selective gear rules are in effect upstream from the city limits of Pomeroy. Open season is June 1 through October 31.

Snake River: This is a major year-round fishery that forms the county line for several southeast counties. Hatcheries provide annual steelhead and salmon smolt plants to compensate for dams along its course. Hatchery programs have made some sections of the Snake among the best steelhead rivers in the state. The sloughs and backwaters provide excellent fishing for warmwater species, particularly for channel catfish later in the summer. Smallmouth bass fishing is good throughout most of the river. Some sturgeon fishing is also available. The Snake is closed to the taking of any trout from April 1 through June 15, to protect young steelhead. In addition, all steelhead must be released between June 16 and August 31, and wild steelhead must be released all year. The Snake is closed to all salmon fishing, all year. Boat-launches, campsites and picnic areas are available near some of the dams and along the shorelines. Check with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Walla Walla for more specific information about boating, camping and access.

GRANT COUNTY

Banks Lake (24,900 acres): This is one of the best walleye waters in the region and is popular with anglers statewide. Approximately one million kokanee have been planted in recent years, but have received only light pressure from anglers. A cooperative rainbow trout rearing project between WDFW, an Electric City sportsmen's group and Coulee City Chamber of Commerce offers improved trout fishing, with fish running to five pounds. Largemouth bass fishing should be good to excellent. Plentiful smallmouth bass up to four pounds are available along rocky shoreline areas. Lake whitefish are very abundant. Yellow perch and crappie fishing will be poor-to-fair. Several public access areas are well-developed, including a state park about mid-way up the lake and a city park at Coulee City on the south end. This large lake is open to fishing year-round.

Beda Lake (50 acres): Rehabilitated in 2000, Beda will be restocked with catchable-size rainbow trout sometime in April of 2001. The lake is open to fishing year-round, with selective gear rules in effect. Access is via a short walk.

Billy Clapp Lake (1000 acres): This reservoir about 22 miles north of Moses Lake has steadily produced a good fishery for one- to two-pound rainbow trout for several years. Some 15- to 16-inch kokanee are also caught, along with a few walleye. Access at the southwest end, on the Stratford Wildlife Area, provides a boat launch, dock and toilets. Limited shore access is available at Summer Falls State Park on the north end. The steep shoreline provides very little foot access, so most fishing is done by boat. Year-round open season.

Blue Lake (532 acres): This popular lake north of the city of Soap Lake was rehabilitated in the fall of 1996. Over 200,000 rainbow trout fry should provide an excellent fishery for 10- to 11-inch yearlings. In addition, a fairly good catch of 14- to 16-inch rainbow and brown trout carry-overs is expected. The lake has three resorts and a public access with toilets. Open season is from the last Saturday in April to October 31.

Columbia River: There are some smallmouth bass and walleye opportunities in Wanapum Lake and above. Refer to Benton and Franklin Counties for information on the area below Priest Rapids Dam (Hanford Reach). All steelhead fishing is closed.

Deep Lake (107 acres): This lake in the Sun Lakes State Park north of the city of Soap Lake features kokanee and lake trout for those anglers equipped for this specialized fishery. The rainbow fishery has been fair early in the season for stocked catchable-size trout. This year it has 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. Toilets and a boat launch are available. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through September 30.

Dry Falls Lake (99 acres): This lake should provide good-to-excellent fishing for yearling rainbow trout and large carry-overs. Brown trout make up 5 to 10 percent of the catch. A one-fish limit and selective gear rules are in effect. The lake is accessible with car-topped boats, but there is no actual launch. A toilet is available. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April to November 30.

Evergreen Reservoir (235 acres): Largemouth bass, bluegill and perch are the main attractions, with some walleye taken too, along with other warmwater species. Some tiger muskies, first stocked in 1997, should reach their minimum size of 36 inches this year; daily limit for this sparsely-stocked species is one fish. Open season is year-round. Disabled accessibility - Level 3. WCT, lgs.

Hampton lakes, Upper (53 acres) and Lower (19 acres): Both of these lakes on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge north of Othello should be only fair for rainbow trout. Yearlings have been rather large, running 13 to 14 inches, and carry-overs average 18 inches. Open season runs from March 1 to July 31.

Hatchery Creek: This small creek by the Columbia Basin Hatchery near Moses Lake receives plants of rainbow and brook trout. The hatchery outflow to its confluence with the mainstem is open to juveniles and disability license holders only. Family fishing rules apply to the rest of the creek: only juveniles or licensed adults accompanied by a juvenile are allowed to fish. Year-round open season. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. DP, Blk Tpa, bank fishing.

Lenice Lake (94 acres), Merry Lake (40 acres), and Nunnally Lake (120 acres): These lakes were rehabilitated in spring of 2000 to reduce sunfish populations. Lenice and Nunnally were stocked with catchable-size trout ranging from nine to 16 inches, and should provide good-to-excellent fishing this year. Access to Lenice is on foot (one-half mile walk), with toilets at the parking area. Foot access to Merry is from the Lenice parking area. A new access road and parking area for Nunnally was completed in 1993, about one-half mile east of the original access road. All three lakes are under selective gear rules, with a March 1 to October 31 open season.

Lenore Lake (1,670 acres): Located just north of the town of Soap Lake, Lenore offers trophy fishing for Lahontan cutthroat trout up to 10 pounds, but most fish average two to five pounds. Lenore suffered a serious fish kill in 1998 due to high water temperature, and the fishery is just beginning to recover. Increased stocking rates and time should have the fishery back to normal by 2002-2003. Fishing is catch-and-release only from March 1 through May 31, and should be fair during this period. Selective gear rules apply for the entire open season, which runs to November 30. Anglers should check the regulations pamphlet and also note posted closed areas at the north and south ends. Lenore has four access areas, three with rough boat launches and toilets.

Long Lake: See Soda Lake.

Merry Lake: See Lenice Lake.

Moses Lake (6,800 acres): This is among the best walleye fisheries in the state, especially in April and May. Nice-size yellow perch have also been abundant. A volunteer cooperative net-pen project has greatly improved angling for rainbow trout, many in the two- to three-pound range. Smallmouth bass are plentiful, with some largemouth available too. Moses has a very large, under-utilized population of two- to three-pound lake whitefish. Crappie and bluegill fishing will still be poor, with five-fish catch limits and minimum size regulations. Intensive biological surveys are underway to learn more about the decline of the panfish fishery here, and to develop possible management improvements. Moses Lake has several public boat launches, two with picnic facilities. Disabled accessibility at North access - Level 3. WCT, lgs.

Nunnally Lake: See Lenice Lake.

Park Lake (346 acres): Located north of the city of Soap Lake in Sun Lakes State Park, this popular lake was rehabilitated in the fall of 1996. An excellent fishery is expected for this year. Over 120,000 rainbow and brown trout fry are stocked annually, and should form the basis of a very good fishery on 10- to 11-inch yearlings. A good crop of carry-over rainbows in the 14- to 16-inch range can also be expected. In addition to the state park, there is a resort. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30.

Perch Lake (16 acres): This small lake in Sun Lakes State Park should provide good fishing for rainbows. Because it's small and receives intense pressure, catch rates will drop off markedly after the first few days of the season. Opening day is the last Saturday in April, and the season runs through September 30.

Potholes Reservoir (23,000 acres): Expect very good fishing for rainbow trout as a result of production from a volunteer cooperative net-pen rearing project. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass and walleye will be only fair. Yellow perch, crappie and bluegill populations have declined in recent years. The reservoir is open to fishing year-round, with the best time for warmwater species in mid-summer through fall. The main reservoir and Lind Coulee arm are also popular for fishing through the ice. Crappie and bluegill have a combined daily catch limit of 25 fish. A large private resort, a state park, and several developed public access areas provide all the necessary amenities. Disabled accessibility at Island site and Lind Coulee - Level 3. WCT, lgs. / At Williams Lake site - Level 2. WCT, lgs, steep launch.

Quincy Wildlife Area lakes (located near the town of Quincy off White Trail Road): The small pothole lakes below Quincy and Burke lakes will offer fair rainbow trout fishing this year. Quincy and Burke were rehabilitated in 1999 and should provide a good fishery this spring for nine- to 10-inch rainbows. Dusty will be rehabilitated this spring to remove dace, and no fishing will be available until 2002. Stan Coffin, "H," and part of the Ancient lakes were rehabilitated in the fall of 1992 to remove carp. They were restocked with bass and bluegill fingerlings in 1993 to improve warmwater fishing opportunity in the Quincy area. Angling for these species should pick up this year. There is a slot limit for bass on Ancient, "H" and Stan Coffin. Refer to a separate listing for Evergreen Reservoir. Check the regulations pamphlet for individual lake seasons.

Rocky Ford Creek: This is one of the premier small fly-fishing streams in the Northwest. It is open year-round to catch-and-release, fly-fishing only, and bank angling only (no wading). Anglers can expect rainbow trout over 24 inches. In the lower end of the creek, rainbow populations are low and faced with increasing competition from suckers and carp. Success there will be down this year. The upper mile is on WDFW land and offers the best fishing, followed by the lower two mile stretch that meanders across state land. The middle three miles are on private land and are not accessible. An access area near the headwater springs has toilets. Disabled accessibility - Level 1. WCT, DP, accessible fishing dock.

Seep lakes (located south of the city of Moses Lake and Potholes Reservoir): Most of these waters are open year-round, except the Warden lakes and some of the lakes on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Many of the larger lakes among these waters were rehabilitated during fall 1997 to remove stunted warmwater species populations, mostly pumpkinseed sunfish. Windmill, Canal, Heart, Corral and Blythe lakes receive fry plants, and should provide good fishing opportunity. The Teal lakes were rehabilitated in 1999 and should be very good for nine- to 10-inch rainbow trout this year. Also check out some of the smaller, out-of-the-way lakes in this same area. These are walk-in lakes at distances of one-fourth to 1-1/4 miles from parking. Goldeneye, Heron and Falcon lakes were rehabilitated in fall of 2000, and will not provide any angling until 2002. Check the regulations pamphlet for specific lake seasons. Larger lakes have boat launches, and some of these are equipped with toilets. Please refer to separate descriptions for Upper and Lower Hampton lakes and Warden Lake.

Soda Lake (180 acres) and Long Lake (75 acres): These adjacent lakes should both provide fair fishing for walleye, rainbow trout, bass, and yellow perch. Both are open to fishing year-round. Soda has good whitefish catches in late summer and fall, and several very large rainbow trout (5-8 pounds!) are taken here each year. There are two access areas, one with toilets; rough camping is allowed.

Vic Meyers (Rainbow) Lake (8 acres): Anglers should find a limited number of excellent rainbow and brook trout in this small, popular lake. Like nearby Perch Lake, it receives heavy pressure and fishing will not hold up past the first few days of the season. Open from the last Saturday in April to September 30.

Warden Lake (186 acres): Rehabilitated in 1998, Warden will be good for rainbow and brown trout in the nine- to 10-inch range, with some larger carry-overs. Early-season (March 1 opener) action may be slow if cold water temperatures continue, but angling should really pick up in April and continue good through the July 31 closing date.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY

Aberdeen Lake (63 acres): Fishing should be good for 10- to 11- inch rainbows with occasional larger fish available. This year it has 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. Access is through the city park. Aberdeen Lake (also called Lake Aberdeen) will be crowded on opening day. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April to October 31. Open season may be extended if excess hatchery coho and steelhead become available and are planted in November and December.

Chehalis River: The Chehalis is a popular river system for spring and fall chinook, coho and chum salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. Sea-run cutthroat have been planted into the lower river inter-tidal area. Try fishing this area near the bank on an incoming tide, or near the mouths of streams and sloughs. All wild steelhead must be released. At 28^th Street Landing just west of the port of Grays Harbor dock in Hoquiam, coho returning from a net-pen rearing project provide recreational fishing. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on salmon seasons. Single-point barbless hooks are required for all species from September 1 through November 15 in the river up to Porter, and from October 16 through November 15 above Porter. The river is open year-round, 24 hours a day for sturgeon. Disabled accessibility at South Montesano access ­ Level 3. WCT, DP, steep to river. / At Friend's Landing ­ Level 1. DP, WCT, fishing shelters, boat launch, blk top trails, boat floats, fish pier on river, totally accessible facility. For more information, call Grays Harbor Trout Unlimited, (360) 533-4648.

Chehalis River - potholes: Largemouth bass, perch and trout may be found in these waters. Winter floods mix fish, making for interesting catches. Access is through private property, so be sure to check with the landowner first. Open season is last Saturday in April to October 31.

Chehalis Wildlife Area ponds: This is a series of sloughs and ponds on the Chehalis Wildlife area off Schouweiler Road near Elma. Largemouth bass, crappie and some trout are available thanks to periodic flooding by the nearby Chehalis River. Easy access on gravel walking paths makes this a good place to take small children.

Cloquallum Creek: This small stream best fished from shore has winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat. All wild steelhead must be released. There are access points along the county road. Check the regulations pamphlet for seasons.

County ponds: Many smaller ponds throughout the county were planted in the past with cutthroat trout. The ponds are no longer planted, but there may be some holdovers from previous years.

Duck Lake (450 acres): Located near Ocean Shores, Duck Lake offers fair fishing for stocked rainbow trout, and good fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill, with a slot limit on bass and a 10-fish limit on crappie. It is open to fishing year-around. Parking and boat launches are available, maintained and patrolled by the city.

Failor Lake (65 acres): Public access to this reservoir nine miles north of Hoquiam is now open from Highway 101. Anglers should find good fishing for stocked rainbow trout. Failor 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. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Grays Harbor: Watch for salmon fishing opportunity in Marine Area 2.2. Access points are at Westport, 28^th Street Landing, and the launch at Johns River.

Hoquiam River: Winter steelhead, chinook, chum and coho salmon and sea-run cutthroat are available. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on seasons. A canoe-type craft helps access difficult areas.

Humptulips River: Winter and summer steelhead, sea-run cutthroat, fall chinook, coho and chum salmon make this a popular coastal fishery. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on seasons. Bank and boat access is available with rest rooms. Disabled accessibility - Level 2, WCT, lgs. Note: the entire river, including the west fork, was closed by emergency rule to all fishing from March 1 through May 31, 2001, to protect wild steelhead.

Johns River: Winter steelhead, coho salmon and sea-run cutthroat are available. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the regulations pamphlet for fishing seasons, limits and area boundaries. This stream provides miles of canoe water. Public access with launch is available. Disabled accessibility - Level 2, WCT, lgs.

Klone lakes: These three small lakes are in beautiful surroundings above Wynoochee Reservoir. Ranging in size from two to nine acres, they are planted with trout every three to four years. They require some effort to reach, and although they are open to fishing all year, elevation (all at about 3,200 feet) may keep them closed part of the year.

Mill Creek Pond: This juveniles-only water located in Cosmopolis provides accessible fishing for beginning anglers. It is open to fishing year-round.

Ocean Beaches: Excellent razor clam digging and surf perch fishing opportunities range from Ocean Shores north to Moclips. Crabbing in beach lagoons is popular during the late spring and summer months. Seasons change frequently, so contact the WDFW Region 6 office at Montesano (phone numbers are inside the front cover) for the most current information. There are numerous beach access sites for visitors.

Satsop lakes: These two small lakes at about 2,500 feet elevation provide fishing for small cutthroat and brook trout following an enjoyable walk through large timber. Last Saturday in April through October 31 open season.

Satsop River: Winter steelhead, chinook, coho and chum salmon, plus resident and sea-run cutthroat are available. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on salmon and steelhead seasons. Public access with boat launches are available.

Satsop River, East Fork: From the mouth of Bingham Creek upstream, June 1 to October 31 open season with selective gear rules in effect. Upper areas are ideal canoe water; rubber rafts may puncture on dense brush. There is usually a good return of hatchery-bound coho salmon open for fishing below the Schafer State Park bridge. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on salmon and steelhead seasons.

Streams: Many streams in Grays Harbor County have special size, bag limit, and gear regulations to protect juvenile salmonids from harvest until they mature. Check the regulations pamphlet for specific details. Bait fishing restrictions increase survival of released fish and ultimately improve stream fishing.

Sylvia Lake (32 acres): Good spring, early summer and fall fishing for nine- to 10-inch rainbow trout, with a few larger rainbows and cutthroat available. The first fish stocking will be in mid-March. This popular lake receives additional trout for Free Fishing Weekend in June, and plants in April, May and September. This year it has 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. Excess adult hatchery steelhead may be periodically available. These steelhead count as part of the daily trout limit, and a catch record card is not required to take them. Open season is year-round.

Vance Creek (Elma) ponds: These small ponds have recreational facilities, and are popular with swimmers after waters warm up. They are planted with trout in April and May, and largemouth bass are also present. Adult coho salmon may be planted in ponds #1 and #2 in October - November if excess hatchery returns are available. Landlocked salmon rules apply: a catch record card is not required, and all salmon count as part of the trout daily limit. Pond #1 (the first pond on the north side of the access road) is open only to juveniles, seniors, and holders of disability licenses. Pond #2 is open to all properly licensed anglers. Last Saturday in April through November 30 open season. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, Blk Tpa, dp, level graveled parking.

Westport: A large charter fleet is available for salmon and bottom fish. Coho salmon from a net-pen rearing project provide recreational fishing within the Westport Boat Basin. Other popular activities in this area include surf fishing, crabbing and whale-watching.

Westport Jetty: The south Grays Harbor jetty provides angling access to salmon, crabs, rockfish, lingcod and other bottom fish. To find out more about this type of fishing, please contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife and request a copy of the pamphlet Coastal Washington Jetty and Surf Fishing.

Wishkah River: Winter steelhead, coho salmon, and sea-run cutthroat are available, as is miles of canoe water. All wild steelhead must be released. Special season, size, and bag limit restrictions are in effect; check the current regulations pamphlet for details. The mainstem from the dam at Wishkah rearing ponds downstream to 400 feet below the outlet is closed to all fishing. There is a public access with launch.

Wynoochee Reservoir: Trout and whitefish will provide action for anglers on this Wynoochee River impoundment. Check the regulations pamphlet for special size and catch limits on trout. USFS campground, toilets and boat launch. June 1 through October 31 open season.

Wynoochee River: Winter steelhead, chinook, chum and coho salmon, and resident and sea-run cutthroat are available. All wild steelhead must be released. Check the current regulations pamphlet for information on salmon seasons. Public access with toilets and boat launch.