Success is just around corner

Spokane area anglers looking for fast action on the April 28 lowland trout season opener don’t have to travel far.

Lakes in or near Spokane County routinely are among the top opening day waters in Washington.

Following is a rundown of this season’s prospects.

Badger (240 acres) – Still in its prime with nice cutthroats and rainbows. The lake has a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife boat launch (permit required) but no public docks or resorts.

Chapman (145 acres) – A mixed species lake with trout and kokanee running 9-10 inches. Served by a tiny resort.

Clear (375 acres) – Always produces nice, good-tasting rainbows and brown trout, but it’s a little trickier to fish than other waters. Also good for bass and crappie.

Downs (420 acres) – Although large, the lake is shallow and marshy, reducing the open water into a cozy fishery for stocked rainbows to go with good numbers of bass, perch and crappies.

Fish (45 acres) – No rainbows here, but rather a rare fishery of brook trout and tiger trout. Tigers in particular have shown impressive growth since they were stocked into this lake a few years ago. Numbers have declined slightly, but the fish are up to 18 inches. Lake borders the Cheney-Marshall Road.

Fishtrap (195 acres) – Expect good rainbow fishing in this perennial favorite on the Spokane-Lincoln county line.

Liberty (710 acres) – Although the best fishing is for bass, this lake opens April 28 for trout; a fair fishery for stocked rainbows and browns. Walleyes and saugeyes also have been stocked here.

North Silver (85 acres) – This once-great trout fishery has suffered from low water and milfoil infestations, which have limited the number of trout that can be stocked. Limited access for float tubes that can be carried through the gate.

West Medical (235 acres) – Consistently among the area’s top rainbow trout producers.

Williams (320 acres) – Stocked with rainbows and cutthroats, this lake remains in prime condition as a top trout producer in the region.