Casting time: Trout fishing opens Saturday on some local lakes

MOSES LAKE — There may still be piles of snow around the Basin, but one spring milestone is rapidly approaching: the opening of trout season. 

About two dozen lakes in Eastern Washington will open Saturday for trout fishing, according to an announcement from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most other lakes open the fourth Saturday of April, which this year falls on April 26. 

“If you're prepared for the conditions, early March can be a great time to fish Eastern Washington’s lakes,” Steve Caromile, WDFW statewide inland fish program manager, wrote in the announcement. “Safety is key. Ice conditions vary, and it’s important to check thickness before stepping out. Make sure you have the right gear, a plan, and never go alone. Taking precautions can make for both a safe and successful trip.” 

Martha and Upper Caliche lakes near George in Grant County are both popular March 1 destinations, according to the announcement. The lakes offer good fishing for 11- to 13-inch rainbow trout with the opportunity to catch trout up to 20 inches. The north section of Martha Lake is usually ice-free with plenty of shoreline space.  

Recent surveys at Quincy and Burke lakes in Grant County found 12- to 13-inch rainbow trout, plus larger trout measuring over 14 inches, according to the WDFW.  

For people who want to avoid crowded shorelines, Dave Graybill, known professionally as the Fishin’ Magician, recommended some smaller lakes in the Quincy Lakes area. Cup, Cliff, Crystal and Upper and Lower Spring lakes take a little more work to get to, but the payoff may be worth it. 

“Because you have to walk into those lakes, a lot of people just don't go,” Graybill said. “As a result, there's some bigger fish in there.” 

These lakes can provide good fishing for trout in the 12- to 14-inch range, with some fish reaching up to 20 inches, according to the WDFW announcement.   

Dusty, Dry Falls, Lenore, Lenice and Nunnally lakes will also open Saturday, but those lakes have selective gear rules. It’s a good idea to check the WDFW’s fishing rules. A copy can be found online at https://bit.ly/WAFishRules24-25. 

Because opening day is a popular time for people to take children fishing, there will be some folks who don’t fish on a regular basis. As a result, Graybill said, there are some common mistakes to avoid. One is underestimating the weather.  

“Dress warm,” Graybill said.  “One of the things I see out there is people may not be prepared to be standing on the shore of one of these lakes when there's still ice on the water. I think the snow is pretty much gone, but it'll be a chilly one this Saturday.” 

Another rookie mistake Graybill said people make is not bringing along a cooler. Many anglers rely on a stringer or even a forked stick to keep their catch on, but that’s not a good idea, he said. 

“Bacteria grows at 40 degrees,” he said. “To keep your catch in the best condition, have a cooler along. You can put ice in the cooler, or even freezer packs. (Keeping) your catch cool is something that's really key, because you want those (fish) to arrive home in good condition.” 

Of course, once you get out to the lake, you want to catch some fish. Graybill had a few tips for making the most of the season opener. 

For people fishing from shore, in particular, Graybill recommended fishing with marshmallows or Powerbait, using a sliding egg sinker, a barrel swivel and two to three feet of leader. Placing the sinker high on the line will allow the bait to float above the weeds, attracting the fish. 

Most anglers simply take a snelled, or pre-tied, hook out of the package and attach it to the barrel swivel, but Graybill said the leader on those hooks isn’t enough to keep the bait high enough to attract the fish. 

“You want a longer leader,” he said. “You can tie (your leader) onto the loop of a snelled hook, and as long as you've got enough Powerbait or marshmallow on there to float it off the bottom, you're OK.” 

Graybill also suggested that anglers resist the instinct to reel in their lines taut after casting, so if they get a bite they can see it immediately on the rip of the rod. Instead, he said, leave the line slack and keep a close eye on the line itself. 

“You'll see the subtle bite,” he said. “It’ll pick up that bait and swim off it. You can see that on your line and be a little bit patient, and when that line gets tight, then you set the hook. That allows this fish to completely inhale your bait, and you'll get a lot better hookups that way.” 

    Some of the lakes in the Quincy Lakes area take some walking to get to, but anglers will be rewarded with larger fish and smaller crowds. Cliff, Cup, Crystal and the Spring lakes will open for trout fishing Saturday.
  

    While the weather may not be optimal for a long haul out on the lakes just yet, fishing season on some area lakes opens this Saturday. Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family.