FISHING -- There's more room for anglers to roam on Lake Rufus Woods starting today, according to the following release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. An area downstream of Grand Coulee Dam closed after the 9/11 attacks has been reopened.

Action:   Open the closed waters section on Rufus Woods Lake to recreational fishing. 

Effective Date: April 15, 2014 until further notice.

Species affected:   All species   

Location:   From Grand Coulee Dam downstream to the State Route 155 Bridge.  

Reason for action:   Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, this section of Rufus Woods Lake was closed to public access and recreational fishing for security purposes. Public access has recently been restored, and recreational fishing will now be permitted. This same change in fishing rules was also adopted by the Colville Confederated Tribe’s Fish and Wildlife Department.        

Other information:   Fishing rules and license requirements in effect downstream of the SR 155 Bridge apply to the newly opened section. Consult the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet for fishing rules and license requirements in effect on Rufus Woods Lake.