County-by-County [A-B]...

This section gives a brief description of fishing opportunities in each county, arranged in alphabetical order. For specific regulation information, refer to the Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet. Until the current year's pamphlet is available (usually by May 1 at the latest), continue to use the previous edition. Also check local newspapers or the nearest WDFW regional office for the latest information on emergency closures.

The wheelchair symbol indicates lakes or streams with enhanced accessibility.

ADAMS COUNTY

Bobcat Creek and Coyote Creek ponds: These small ponds support a few bluegill and some fair-sized largemouth bass, with a bass slot-limit in effect (see regulations pamphlet). Open season runs from March 1 to September 30.

Fourth of July Lake (110 acres): This lake two miles south of the town of Sprague straddles the Adams/Lincoln County line, with 74 acres in Adams County and 36 acres in Lincoln. The special winter season runs December 1 through March 31, and produces nice rainbow trout. Fry-plants, catchables, and some carry-overs running to 20 inches provide the action. Large (13 to 20 inches) rainbows are not uncommon here. Check the regulations pamphlet for special size restrictions. There is an access area with a boat launch, but internal combustion engines are not allowed.

Herman Lake (35 acres) and Lyle Lake (12 acres): Rainbow trout fingerlings stocked in 2000 should be 10-12 inches this spring, and plentiful in both of these lakes about five miles north of Othello. Both lakes were rehabilitated in 1999, removing most of the carp that had limited trout success. Small-craft boat launches are available on both lakes. Toilet facilities and vehicle parking are available only at Lyle Lake. Both lakes are open to fishing year-round.

Hutchinson Lake (43 acres) and Shiner Lake (34 acres): Both of these lakes were rehabilitated in 1998 to remove carp. The fishery now includes largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish, with a slot limit on bass (see regulations pamphlet). Located six to seven miles northwest of Othello, both lakes are open March 1 to September 30. Internal combustion engines are prohibited on both.

Sprague Lake (1,840 acres): This large lake on the south side of I-90, west of the town of Sprague, is shared by Adams (1,203 acres) and Lincoln (637 acres) counties. Fishing is good for walleye, largemouth bass, perch, and rainbow trout. Bluegill, crappie, and a few smallmouth bass are also available. There is a slot limit on bass, plus other special regulations on this lake, so be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for all details. WDFW has a public access site with boat ramp and toilet on the southwest end of the lake. Development plans include disabled access when done. Two resorts are available, one at the northeast end, the other on the north shoreline near the west end. A private boat launch with minimal parking fees is located on the southeast side. Year-round open fishing season.

ASOTIN COUNTY

Asotin Creek: Most tributaries on this important and productive tributary of the Snake River are closed to protect wild steelhead populations, and trout are no longer stocked. The season is open from June 1 through October 31 in the mainstem portion of the creek, and on a portion of the North Fork, with selective gear rules. Check the regulations pamphlet for details.

Golf Course, Silcott and West Evans ponds: These small impoundments off the Snake River near the bottom of Alpowa Grade (west of Clarkston) normally are stocked in spring with rainbow trout. This year Golf Course and West Evans have been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. These ponds get fished intensively during spring and early summer. All have public access and are open to fishing year-round.

Grande Ronde River: Steelhead are the main attraction here, while smallmouth bass and channel catfish offer good angling near the mouth of the river. Steelhead cannot be retained in the lower 2-1/2 miles, but this area provides exceptional catch-and-release fishing in fall and early winter. Various restrictions are in effect to protect wild trout and salmon, including selective gear rules for part of the year; check the regulations pamphlet. Salmon fishing is closed to protect threatened chinook salmon. All tributaries are closed after August 31.

Headgate Pond: This impoundment off Asotin Creek is stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout. Fishing is good here during spring before the water warms too much. The pond is open only to juveniles, seniors and disability license holders. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Snake River: Refer to Garfield County.

BENTON COUNTY

Columbia Park Lagoon (7 acre): This small pond is located near the Kennewick end of the Highway 395 bridge, near the Columbia Park boat ramp. It opened in April of 1998 as the state's first family fishing water, open to juveniles and licensed adults accompanied by a juvenile. This concept is intended to encourage teaching, mentoring and family activities. It is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and has also been stocked with smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. It has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Several locally sponsored kid's fishing events are planned for this year.

Columbia River Pools and Sloughs: Various species provide good fishing opportunities. Walleyes are caught throughout McNary and John Day pools, with popular areas below McNary and John Day dams. Boat-launch facilities are at Crow Butte, Paterson, and Plymouth. Excellent smallmouth bass fishing in the river and sloughs at Paterson, and largemouth and smallmouth fishing is good in the Hanford area and near the mouth of the Yakima River. Another good smallmouth area, plus fair crappie, perch, sunfish and brown bullhead action, can be found in the Finley area. Channel catfish are caught throughout McNary Pool, with some six- to eight-pounders. Sturgeon fishing has been fair throughout this portion of the Columbia. Check the current regulations pamphlet and emergency regulations for spring chinook salmon in the Ringold Hatchery area. Fall chinook salmon return to the Hanford Reach area from September through November, with the best fishing in late September to mid-October. Be sure to check the latest regulations and emergency measures to protect sturgeon and salmon. Fishing for hatchery steelhead is best between McNary Dam and the Wallula area, in October and November. All wild steelhead must be released. Main boat access sites for the Hanford Reach area are at Vernita Bridge in Grant County (rough, no ramp), and Wahluke and Ringold in Franklin County.

Mitchell (3.7 acres), Mound (34.8 acres), Palmer (4.9 acres), Switch (6.7 acres) and Yellepit (36.3 acres) ponds: These ponds are located in railroad fill on the Northwest side of McNary Reservoir, about 15 miles southeast of Kennewick. Fishing should be fair-to-good for a variety of warmwater fish, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, plus bullhead and channel catfish.

Yakima River: Fishing for smallmouth bass and channel catfish is good in the lower river. The Richland/Benton City area is popular for these species. Channel catfish in the eight-pound class are not uncommon, but average size is one to two pounds. A regulation change permits chumming for channel catfish; refer to the regulations pamphlet for details. Smallmouth bass are generally under 1-1/2 pounds, but fish up to six pounds are caught. Recent research has confirmed that large smallmouth migrate upriver from the Columbia in April and May. Trophy smallmouth can be caught during this spring migration. Expect a fall chinook and coho salmon season again this year in September and October.The Yakima is open year-round, but closed to trout fishing in April and May. The entire river, including all tributaries and drains, is closed to steelhead fishing.