Spokane, Washington

What's biting

• Kokanee Salmon

  Where: Priest Lake, Newman Lake, Liberty Lake; deep water near thermocline in larger reservoirs

  Early fall spawning run underway. Fish deeper (15–25 m / 50–80 ft) with small spoons, jigging, or fly in low-light hours. Check WDFW for current season status and catch limits.

  Caution: Kokanee are landlocked sockeye; verify species identification and local regulations before harvest.

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Newman Lake, Liberty Lake, Sprague Lake; weed beds and structure in shallows

  Still active in early fall; target early morning and dusk with topwater plugs, soft plastics near vegetation, or small crankbaits. Water temperature 16–18°C (61–64°F) favors feeding.

  Caution: Catch-and-release encouraged in many Spokane-area lakes; confirm local regulations.

• Rainbow Trout

  Where: Spokane River, Hangman Creek, Newman Lake, Liberty Lake; cool spring-fed areas and river runs

  Fall cooling triggers increased activity. Nymph or dry-fly fish early morning in moving water; still-water anglers use small spinners or bait near drop-offs. Expect better action as water cools further.

  Caution: Spokane River has catch-and-release sections; check WDFW regulations for your target water.

• Walleye

  Where: Sprague Lake, Newman Lake; deeper structure and channel edges

  Transition to deeper water as days shorten. Fish dawn and dusk with live minnows, jigs tipped with soft plastic, or small crankbaits at 4–8 m (12–25 ft) depth.

  Caution: Walleye seasons and limits vary by water; consult WDFW before fishing.

• Ponderosa Pine Perch (Crappie)

  Where: Newman Lake, Liberty Lake; brush piles and submerged timber in 2–5 m (6–16 ft) water

  Early fall aggregation near structure. Use small jigs, soft plastics, or live minnows. Low-light periods (dawn, dusk, overcast) produce best results.

  Caution: Crappie identification and regulations are lake-specific; verify with WDFW.