Diamond Lake

2023 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2023 Trout Derby page.

Located about seven miles southwest of Newport adjacent to Highway US-2, Diamond Lake is open to fishing year-round. Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, bullheads, Rainbow and Brown trout are available. In an effort to improve the fishery, Diamond has a cooperative net pen project that releases 12,500 Rainbow Trout in addition to the stocked catchable-size Rainbows and Browns. Approximately 200 Rainbow Trout surplus broodstock are annually planted in Diamond Lake.

Diamond Lake has public access and resorts.

See Washington State Parks website for ADA accessibility information.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Limited shoreline access near boat ramp.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Pend Oreille
Acreage: 754.40 ac.
Elevation: 2343 ft.
Center: 48.128095, -117.201151
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: DIAMOND LK (PEND)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 6, 2022	Rainbow	300	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Mar 24, 2021	Rainbow	350	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2020	Rainbow	300	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 26, 2019	Rainbow	200	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 23, 2018	Rainbow	200	0.25	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 7, 2017	Rainbow	300	0.3	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 5, 2016	Rainbow	615	0.57	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Mar 22, 2016	Rainbow	250	0.47	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Jun 16, 2015	Rainbow	600	0.67	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 7, 2015	Rainbow	740	0.67	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL

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.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. 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.

Photos

WDFW