Dalton Lake

2024 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2024 Trout Derby page.

Located about five miles northeast of Ice Harbor Dam, on the north side of the Snake River, this body of water has a year-round open season. This narrow lake is planted in late winter and spring with catchable-size Rainbow Trout and is also planted with larger triploid Rainbow trout in April. Trout fishing is good but short-lived with few trout caught after June 1. Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and bullhead catfish are also present.

Public access including a boat launch is provided by the Army Corps of Engineers and is located at the end of Herman Road, off the Pasco-Kahlotus Road.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - public lands surround this lake

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Franklin
Acreage: 45.10 ac.
Elevation: 443 ft.
Center: 46.297145, -118.800111
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: DALTON LK (FRAN)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 22, 2024	Rainbow	1,375	2.5	TUCANNON HATCHERY
Mar 27, 2024	Rainbow	4,500	2.5	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Mar 27, 2024	Rainbow	75	0.67	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Mar 14, 2024	Rainbow	75	0.67	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Mar 14, 2024	Rainbow	4,500	2.5	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Feb 26, 2024	Rainbow	4,500	2.5	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Feb 26, 2024	Rainbow	75	0.7	LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Apr 27, 2023	Rainbow	85	0.7	TUCANNON HATCHERY
Apr 27, 2023	Rainbow	1,000	2.5	TUCANNON HATCHERY
Apr 27, 2023	Rainbow	15	0.67	TUCANNON HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Channel catfish

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in June and July. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.