Sprague Lake

This large lake is approximately two miles west of the City of Sprague, and bordering the south side of I-90, is shared by Adams (673 acres) and Lincoln (1203 acres) counties. The lake provides good opportunities for large Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill Sunfish, as well as both Brown Bullhead and Channel Catfish.

The regulations have now changed allowing anglers to harvest 5 trout of any size daily.  The lake is open year round, however areas of the lake are closed during certain parts of the year.  Anglers should check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules and season information.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Good for ice fishing

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline fishing is located at the WDFW Access Area and at two resorts on the lake.

Species you might catch

Lake information

Counties: Adams, Lincoln
Acreage: 1760.10 ac.
Elevation: 1882 ft.
Center: 47.259702, -118.065938
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Catchable fish plants

Release Location: SPRAGUE LK (ADAM/LINC)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Mar 24, 2015 Rainbow 6,663 3 FORD HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2014 Rainbow 247 2.5 SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2014 Rainbow 3,452 2.5 SPOKANE HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2014 Rainbow 800 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Mar 16, 2012 Rainbow 2,000 2.39 LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Mar 17, 2011 Rainbow 3,000 2.6 LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Mar 3, 2010 Rainbow 3,037 2.6 LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Apr 7, 2009 Rainbow 2,165 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Mar 16, 2009 Rainbow 3,005 2.4 LYONS FERRY HATCHERY
Oct 16, 2008 Black Crappie 73 1 RINGOLD SPRINGS 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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos

Image
Sprague Lake
Photo by WDFW