FISHING -- Four area trout fishing lakes open Friday for a winter season that runs through March. Prospects are good at Fourth of July and Hog Canyon lakes west of Spokane.

But anglers can expect varied success at the two lakes that open in Stevens County, according to Bill Baker, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department fisheries biologist, who sampled the lakes this week.

Hatch Lake:  Lots of rainbow trout to be had there by anglers this winter.  Average size was about 12.5 inches.  Largest fish was about 14 inches.

Williams Lake:.  Infested with smallmouth bass and goldfish, so is on the docket for rehabilitation next fall.  Williams Lake will be supported by catchable rainbow trout this winter, which will run around 11-12 inches.