Spokane Area Hot For Trout

Some of the best trout fishing in Washington this spring will be in the Spokane region.

At least four lakes within 40 miles of Spokane should yield five-fish limits when the lowland lakes season opens April 26.

A fifth lake, Amber, likely will delight fly and spin fishers who are more interested in catch-and-release than taking home a few trout.

Several lakes and reservoirs will be popular with anglers who prefer to spend their time catching walleyes, bass, perch, bluegills and crappies.

Fisheries biologists are predicting that Fishtrap, southwest of Spokane, should be a hot spot for 9- to 14-inch rainbows.

“Fishtrap has the highest average catch rate measured in the region on opening day,” the Fish and Wildlife Department says in its forecast, “and this season could be similar.”

West Medical, Badger and Williams lakes are expected to kick out limits even for novice anglers.

“Winter aeration and lots of moisture have greatly improved the outlook for West Medical,” the forecast says.

Badger and Williams were treated with rotenone in 1995 and replanted with rainbows. Biologists are predicting excellent fishing for this spring.

Amber, a selective fishery lake, holds lots of carryover rainbows and cutthroat, as well as many yearling trout. It’s a favorite with fly fishers.

Prospects for other Spokane area waters:

Liberty, Clear and Silver, fair to good for rainbows, browns, bass and other species; Sprague, good to excellent for walleyes, bass, perch, crappies and bluegills; Eloika, good for bass, perch and crappies; Newman, good for spiny rayed species and some big tiger muskies; Spokane (Long), fair to good for bass, chinook salmon, trout, perch and crappies; Spokane River, fair for trout.

, DataTimes