Resort owners, sports clubs join with Department to boost rainbow fishing opportunities

OLYMPIA -- Rainbow trout fishing in numerous Columbia Basin lakes should be especially good in coming weeks thanks to the efforts of many local resort owners and sports conservation clubs.

The clubs and resort owners have joined with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to stock numerous lakes and ponds throughout the basin. In all, an estimated 30,000 rainbow trout averaging 16- to 18-inches long and weighing 1 1/2 pounds each are expected to be planted beginning this week. The resorts and sports clubs purchased a share of the fish from a private hatchery.

"Anglers should have an excellent chance for some really fine fishing," said WDFW fisheries manager John Kerwin, who is coordinating the project. "This is a marvelous opportunity for anglers of all ages and skill levels to get outdoors and have some fun."

Anglers are reminded that a valid state fishing license can be purchased statewide at any WDFW regional office, major sporting goods store or fishing resort. A current state fishing rules and regulation pamphlet can also be obtained at these locations.

Among the resorts and sport conservation groups participating in the plant are the Tri-Cities - based Fish Connection, the Lake Chelan Sportman's Council, the Tri-State Steelheaders, Sun Cove Resort in Okanogan County and Cove Resort and Cascade Hideaway in Chelan County.

The lakes scheduled to be planted include Columbia Park Pond (Benton County); Fish, Lake Chelan (Chelan County); Horseshoe and Kress (Clark County); Railroad Pond (Franklin County); Corral, Dry Falls, Heart (Grant County); Matoon (Kittitas County); Aeneas, Big Twin, Wannacut and Conconully (Okanogan County); Diamond (Pend Oreille County); Liberty (Spokane County); Bennington (Walla Walla County); and Myron, Mud and Sarge Hubbard Pond (Yakima County).