OLYMPIA – More than two dozen Eastern Washington lakes opened March 1 for trout fishing, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fisheries managers announced.
“Early spring is a great time to get out fishing on some of our east side lakes,” said Steve Caromile, WDFW statewide fisheries program manager. “It’s been a warmer than normal winter and looks like an early spring. The March 1 opening is a great opportunity to get out of the house with friends and family and spend some time fishing.”
Depending on the severity of late winter weather, some lakes east of the Cascade Crest may still be iced over although warmer weather conditions should provide some trout fishing opportunities. Ice conditions are not monitored by WDFW so before heading out the door, it’s a good idea to stay off the ice if you don’t know it’s safe.
Martha and Upper Caliche lakes near George in Grant County are popular choices on March 1 and expect good fishing for 10- to 14-inch rainbow trout. The north side of Martha Lake is generally ice free with plenty of shoreline space where most of the trout are concentrated.
Recent surveys have found a good number of 12- to 13-inch fingerling rainbow trout along with a fair number of larger carryover fish in Quincy and Burke lakes in Grant County. The water temperature in each lake is approximately 38 degrees. The Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is March 22-23 on Quincy and Burke lakes.
Other Grant County waters with March 1 openings are Dry Falls, Lenice, Lenore, Cascade, North Potholes Reserve, and Nunnally lakes.
Lakes that offer bank fishing just off the Tucannon River in Columbia County are Rainbow, Deer, and Watson. Spring and Blue lakes are open year-round and will be stocked this spring.
Pampa Pond in Whitman County will open March 1 for rainbow trout fishing. Fish Hook Pond in Walla Walla County is open year-round. Both are open for bank fishing only and the lakes warm early providing early spring opportunities.
Within the Quincy Lakes Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, there are several walk-in lakes including Dusty, Cliff, Crystal, and Cup. These lakes not only provide excellent fishing for trout in the 12- to 14-inch range with a few to 20 inches, but also isolation.
The greater Spokane region has several March 1 openings including Liberty, Amber, Downs, and Medical Lakes. Coffeepot Lake in Lincoln County will also open March 1 with select gear rules in effect. In the northeastern section of Washington, Deer Lake in Stevens County will open March 1. A relatively warm winter should keep some parts of the lake ice-free.
Trout fishing information can be found on the WDFW website. Before heading out, check the WDFW fishing regulations webpage for permanent regulations and the emergency rules webpage for rule updates affecting fisheries. Weekly trout reports can be found on the WDFW fish stocking webpage.
Washington anglers must have a valid fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. Anglers who park in WDFW areas with vehicle water access are required to present a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass – issued when you purchase eligible annual fishing licenses – or a Discover Pass. Anglers visiting Washington State Parks or Department of Natural Resources lands require a Discover Pass. Information on parking passes can be found on the WDFW website.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to conserve, protect, and sustain fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
