More trout to be stocked in Pend Oreille and Stevens county lakes

Anglers fishing in Pend Oreille and Stevens counties will have additional opportunities this spring with the combined efforts of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Seattle City Light (SCL).

A new, long-term recreational fishing program that will increase fish numbers stocked in area lakes kicks off this month. The program, funded by SCL as part of its new operating license for Boundary Dam, will stock approximately 12,000 pounds of trout and kokanee in local lakes annually for the next 40 years.

"This enhanced fish stocking program will provide the additional springtime opportunity that northeast Washington anglers have been asking for," said Bill Baker, WDFW District Fish Biologist of Colville.

The program continues and expands stocking of rainbow trout, tiger trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee in 17 lakes. Most fish will be stocked as spring and fall fry and fingerlings, but catchable-size fish (10-12 inches) will also be stocked.

Lakes to be stocked in 2014 include 11 lakes in Pend Oreille County: Big Meadow, Carls, Crescent, Deception, Frater, Lead King, Ledbetter, Leo, Little Lost, Nile, and Yocum; and six lakes in Stevens County: Cedar, Deep, Gillette, Heritage, Sherry and Thomas.

This new program also includes a monitoring component. Anglers who see WDFW staff on the lake or dockside are encouraged to tell them about catches so the program can be evaluated.

For more information, please contact Bill Baker at (509) 684-2362 (Ext. 23), or Al Solonsky at Seattle City Light at (206) 386-4580.