SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that more than two dozen lakes in Eastern Washington will open for fishing on March 1.
These lakes offer a variety of fishing opportunities, including stocked rainbow trout and other species like bass, yellow perch and walleye.
Steve Caromile, WDFW statewide inland fish program manager, noted that the mild winter makes early March a great time for fishing. “As the days become longer, these early spring fisheries are a good way to start the season,” he said.
Caromile cautioned anglers about ice safety, especially in northeastern areas. “Some eastside lakes may have some remaining thin ice,” he said. “WDFW doesn’t monitor ice conditions, so use extra caution before venturing out.”
In Grant County, lakes such as Martha and Upper Caliche have been stocked with rainbow trout, with some fish expected to reach 20 inches. Quincy and Burke lakes received more than 21,000 trout fingerlings last year, with some fish now measuring 13 to 15 inches.
Liberty Lake in Spokane County opens on March 1 and has been stocked with 4,000 catchable-size rainbow trout. Trout at Liberty Lake can range from 12 to 16 inches. Amber and Medical lakes also open on March 1 and are expected to fish well this spring.
In Lincoln County, Coffeepot Lake will open on March 1 and is scheduled to receive 5,000 rainbow trout in the spring.
Downs Lake, located on the Lincoln-Spokane County line, will not be accessible to the public this season due to the closure of a privately-owned resort. WDFW is working to restore public access.
Anglers must have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased through the MyWDFW or Fish Washington® mobile apps. Parking at WDFW-managed areas requires displaying the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass.
