On WDFW managed Windmill Ranch Unit, eight miles northwest of Mesa. Good fishing for Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Rainbow Trout. Triploid Rainbow Trout are planted each April and trout up to four pounds have been caught in the fall and spring.
Access to this lake is restricted to the designated parking area and Powerline and Windmill Lakes are walk-in access only (approximately 1.5 mile hike). Trout: daily limit is two.
Parking area is located at the end of Merion Road from Highway 17
Two-pole fishing is allowed
Shoreline access: Good - Shorelines are open to fishing but are fairly steep.
Species you might catch
Lake information
County: Franklin
Acreage: 27.20 ac.
Elevation: 835 ft.
Center: 46.640017, -119.065921
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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.
Bluegill
Bluegill can be caught year-round, but fishing is best in the warm months of Summer. Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking during the spawn in early-Summer. 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 in which to catch Bluegill, but persistent anglers can find them in schools of like-sized fish offshore.
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.
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