Eastern Washington lakes open soon for trout fishing

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced nearly two dozen lakes in Eastern Washington will open on Saturday for trout fishing. 

Some lakes east of the Cascades could still be iced over. WDFW does not monitor ice conditions, and officials recommend checking weather conditions and prioritizing safety. 

“If you’re prepared for the conditions, early March can be a great time to fish Eastern Washington’s lakes, ” said Steve Caromile, WDFW’s statewide inland fish program manager, in a press release. “Safety is key. Ice conditions vary and it’s important to check thickness before stepping out. Make sure you have the right gear and plan, and never go alone. Taking precautions can make for both a safe and successful trip.” 

Fishery managers stock millions of trout in lakes each year, according to the department. Spring and fall are prime seasons to catch fish when the water is cooler. In the summer, anglers can find trout deeper in the lakes, or at high mountain lakes.  

Grant County

In Grant County, the Martha and Upper Caliche lakes are popular fishing spots early in the season. WDFW has reported 11- to 13-inch rainbow trout in those areas, according to recent surveys. 

The Quincy Lakes Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area offers walk-in fishing opportunities at Cliff, Crystal, Cup and Upper and Lower Spring lakes. Anglers can find trout ranging from 12 -to 14-inches in these spots. Some fish can reach up to 20 inches.

Columbia County

Bank fishing is only available at Rainbow, Deer and Watson lakes, along the Tucannon River.

Spring and Blue lakes remain open year-round, and will be stocked with trout in the spring. 

Whitman and Walla Walla counties

Pampa Pond in Whitman County opens Saturday for rainbow trout fishing. 

In Walla Walla County, Fish Hook Pond is open year-round. Both places are designated for bank fishing only. 

Spokane area 

In the Spokane area, Liberty, Amber, Downs and Medical lakes will also open on Saturday. 

Amber and Medical lakes are managed under selective gear rules.

Benton, Kittitas and Yakima counties

A number of lakes in Benton, Kittitas and Yakima counties remain open year-round.

Anglers can visit WDFW’s lowland lakes webpage to search for fishing information by lake, county or species. 

Washington anglers must have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at licensed dealers statewide.