SPOKANE – More than two dozen Eastern Washington lakes open March 1 for fishing, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today. In addition to stocked rainbow trout, many of these lakes offer excellent late-winter fishing opportunities for bass, yellow perch, burbot, cutthroat trout, brown trout, crappie, walleye, and bluegill.
“We’ve had a mild winter, and early March can be a great time for lake fishing opportunities,” said Steve Caromile, WDFW statewide inland fish program manager. “As the days become longer, these early spring fisheries are a good way to start the season.”
On ice safety, Caromile notes, “Some eastside lakes may have some remaining thin ice, especially in the northeastern region of the state. WDFW doesn’t monitor ice conditions, so use extra caution before venturing out.”
Learn more about ice safety in the WDFW blog.
In Grant County, WDFW recently stocked rainbow trout in several lakes opening March 1. Martha and Upper Caliche lakes each received rainbow trout fingerlings in March 2025 and an additional plant of catchable-sized trout in October 2025. These fish are expected to average 13 to 14 inches by opening day, with some reaching 20 inches. These lakes will also be stocked with additional catchable trout in March 2026.
WDFW stocked Quincy and Burke lakes with more than 21,000 trout fingerlings in spring 2025 and received an additional 1,500 catchable-size rainbow trout in February. Last year’s fingerling plants are expected to be 10 to 12 inches, with some larger carryover fish in the 13- to 15-inch range.
Additional Grant County lakes opening March 1 include Cliff, Crystal, Cup, Lower Spring, and Upper Spring lakes, each stocked with fingerling rainbow trout in March 2025. These lakes can produce trout in the 12- to 14-inch range, with some fish growing larger. Lenice, Nunnally, Dry Falls, and Dusty lakes are also part of the March1 opening. Lake Lenore is one of six lakes in Washington where anglers can catch Lahontan cutthroat trout.
In Columbia County, the five Tucannon River off-channel lakes — Blue, Deer, Rainbow, Spring, and Watson — open March 1. These lakes are stocked with rainbow trout weighing up to 1.5 pounds. Fish Hook Pond in Walla Walla County is open year-round.
In Spokane County, Liberty Lake opens March 1 and received 4,000 catchable-size rainbow trout and 350 jumbo rainbow trout in 2026. Trout at Liberty Lake can range from 12 to 16 inches. Amber and Medical lakes also open March 1; both lakes are managed under selective gear rules and are expected to fish well this spring.
In Lincoln County, Coffeepot Lake opens March 1 and is scheduled to receive 5,000 put-grow-take rainbow trout in spring 2026.
Downs Lake, located on the Lincoln-Spokane County line, typically opens on March 1, but it is not accessible to the public this season. Access to the lake is limited to a privately-owned resort that is currently closed. No fish were stocked in 2026, and stocking will not resume until public access is available. WDFW is working to restore public access.
In Whitman County, Pampa Pond opens March 1 for rainbow trout fishing.
In South Central Washington, many lakes in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, and Yakima counties are open year-round, and WDFW typically begins stocking catchable trout during the first week of March.
Weekly catchable trout stocking reports are posted on the fish stocking webpage. Anglers also can visit WDFW’s lowland lakes webpage to search by lake, county, or species for fishing information.
Washington anglers must have a valid fishing license, available to purchase on the new MyWDFW or Fish Washington® mobile apps, or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. Before heading out, check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules or download the Fish Washington® app for details on regulations.
Anglers parking at WDFW-managed vehicle water-access areas are required to display the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass provided with an eligible annual fishing license, or a Discover Pass. Anglers visiting Washington State Parks or Department of Natural Resources lands need a Discover Pass. Find information on parking passes at WDFW’s parking webpage.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.