Loon 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.

Twenty-eight miles north of Spokane along the west side of U.S. Highway 395. This lake opens the 4th Saturday in April and runs through October 31st. The previous state record lake trout (30 lbs., 4 oz.) came out of here back in the 1960s. Loon is also known for its kokanee, which are now found in good numbers in the 11- to 13-inch range and have a generous catch limit. There are also Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Brown Bullheads, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and a few other warm water species. In addition, tiger trout have been planted annually for the past few years.

A WDFW access and two resorts provide boating access and other services. See Washington State Parks website for ADA accessibility information.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline access is limited to area around boat launch. Private resorts offer some dock fishing.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Stevens
Acreage: 1086.40 ac.
Elevation: 2385 ft.
Center: 48.044799, -117.622246
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: LOON LK (STEV)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Mar 28, 2022	Rainbow	100	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Mar 28, 2022	Rainbow	200	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Mar 17, 2021	Rainbow	136	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Mar 17, 2021	Rainbow	164	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Mar 20, 2020	Rainbow	300	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 4, 2019	Rainbow	300	0.33	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2018	Rainbow	300	0.28	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 5, 2017	Rainbow	1,253	0.33	TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 20, 2016	Rainbow	4	2.7	SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2016	Rainbow	10	2.7	SPOKANE 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.

Kokanee

The Kokanee fishery typically lasts from April-October before the adults leave the lake to spawn in tributaries starting in late-October and early-November. Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer in deeper offshore areas near the thermocline. There may be a slight uptick in some waters in the fall as adults return to shallower water and move near shore towards spawning tributaries.

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.

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