Fish Lake (Spokane County)

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.

Fish Lake is one of this region's most popular brook trout lakes which opens the fourth Saturday in April and runs through the end of September. This lake is managed primarily with brook trout and tiger trout fry.  Despite having undesirable fish species established again, anglers can still expect to find decent populations of brook trout and tiger trout for the taking.  Internal combustion engines are prohibited which makes this lake a nice quiet destination offering decent trout fishing.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Fish Lake has a lot of elbow room for shoreline anglers. Dock fishing may be available in Fish Lake County Park and ample room along the eastern shoreline for shoreline anglers.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Spokane
Acreage: 43.30 ac.
Elevation: 2175 ft.
Center: 47.518953, -117.521433
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: FISH LK (SPOK)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Nov 17, 2023 Eastern Brook Trout 1,287 1.2 FORD HATCHERY
Oct 31, 2022 Eastern Brook Trout 1,227 0.87 FORD HATCHERY
Nov 9, 2021 Eastern Brook Trout 900 1 FORD HATCHERY
Nov 30, 2017 Eastern Brook Trout 1,000 1 FORD HATCHERY
Nov 29, 2016 Eastern Brook Trout 1,300 1 FORD HATCHERY
Nov 9, 2015 Eastern Brook Trout 601 0.5 FORD HATCHERY
Oct 1, 2013 Eastern Brook Trout 1,771 1 FORD HATCHERY
Apr 16, 2013 Rainbow 5,000 2.5 SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2013 Eastern Brook Trout 1,688 0.65 FORD HATCHERY
Nov 21, 2011 Eastern Brook Trout 1,700 1 FORD HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Fish Lake
Photo by WDFW