At TJ Meenach Bridge, river right, all boaters without Class III+ rapid experience should exit the river. Bass Fishing – Snake River – Grande Ronde River. Other game fish – statewide minimum size and daily limit. Rapids and Riffles: During low flows, multiple shallow riffle areas may be difficult to navigate and users may encounter larger boulder-type substrate as well. While most of the bass seem to be stunted probably due to the fact there is a lack of food in the Upper Spokane River, there are some fish that will go 18". Sparkle minnows and similar flashy … Caution, water fluctuations can expose or hide hazards such as stumps, making launch inoperable. Lake Spokane: Caution, the upper portion of this section consists of shallow, moving water. All other game fish follow statewide minimum size and daily limit. The season is open year-round. Rapids and Riffles: Water Street to TJ Meenach includes a number of Class II rapids. Many anglers utilize the area around the Water Reclamation Facility, especially during fall. Rapids and Riffles: Powerboats navigating upstream toward Little Falls Dam should use caution since they may experience shallow water and submerged rock hazards where the current picks up and water levels fluctuate. Nymphing is the most productive, but you can still find a few heads up feeding on midges and small bwo's late in the day. Boaters, who are inexperienced with strong currents, should wait until spring runoff is complete and/or the gates at Post Falls Dam have closed. This lake provides good fishing for warmwater fish, such as Yellow Perch, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Black Crappie. Where on river? Trout – 8” minimum size, Daily limit 1 fish (only rainbow trout with clipped adipose fin and healed scar may be retained), all-wild trout must be released. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. No watercraft of any kind are allowed below Division St.  Use caution in higher flows since this is the last take-out and you are not far from the falls near Riverfront Park. About the Lake: Lake Roosevelt is Washington’s largest reservoir at over 77,000 acres. Sturgeon – Closed. Rapids and Riffles: The Idaho section of the river (4 miles) includes minor Class I rapids much of the way. Water fluctuations can expose or hide hazards such as stumps. Fly-fishers frequent the area below Upriver Dam. Salmon – landlocked salmon rule apply. Launch Information: The SIRTI access point, located river left near the condominiums at Riverpoint Village, is the last take-out in this section. This great urban fishery is ideal to be introduced to the sport of fly fishing too because of it's varied water and close to home access. From Plese Flats to Nine Mile Dam: This is a calm river section with an easy flowing current. The entire river right shoreline of this reach is part of the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation and users are subject to Spokane Tribal fees and rules. Description and Range. Selective gear rules for all species in this section. For the latest from WDFW, please visit the COVID-19 webpage Lake Spokane (Long Lake) This Spokane River reservoir was created due to the construction of Long Lake Dam. During the past few years, smallmouth bass fishing has increased dramatically. Sturgeon – Closed. Trout – Daily limit 5 fish, up to 2 fish over 20” may be retained. As avid smallmouth bass fishermen, we are all trying to catch the trophy smallmouth bass that live deep inside of the rivers and lakes we fish. The reach between Sullivan Road and Plante’s Ferry is popular with anglers, especially during summer. View full conversation; … JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Launch Information: The launches within this reach provide sufficient access until mid-summer when flows and water levels become too low. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em... and you might as well bring your fly rod too. Drift boats using this section HAVE to take out at Harvard Road since no other trailer retrieve sites are available on the river until below Nine Mile Dam. Since the bass don't seem to be going anywhere soon, some of us at the shop actually have gotten to know the newer fishery a little more on our days off and target the smallies specifically. An ideal position is in a current break (slack water) immediately alongside the swift c… Some great smallmouth action above Sullivan bridge too.....great for the bass; unfortunate for the trout population up there. Species: Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass. That isn’t even including the species that our region is best known for, the salmon, trout and steelhead. Liberty Lake east of Spokane, once renowned for trout fishing, has good smallmouth and largemouth fisheries during late spring and summer. Fish Advisory: Before consuming fish, consult the Washington Department of Health’s Fish Advisory. I believe the decline in the Redband population is a mix of the bass as well as water flows from Lake Coeur d'Alene... but that is a whole different topic. Watercraft users should use extreme caution since this is the last take-out before Nine Mile Dam, which is not far away. It sounds like a fun body of water to fish. Sport fishing here includes rainbow trout, kokanee, walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. From below Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam: River right below Chimakum Creek is the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation, tribal regulations apply. At any rate, they are there and it would take one hell of an effort to eliminate them. While the Columbia celebrates much of its … Fishing: This section is a popular walleye fishing destination, especially in the spring. The average smallmouth is 8-12" with a few in the 13-15". At TJ Meenach Bridge, river right, all boaters without Class III+ rapid experience should exit the river. It is also the perfect river for the fly angler that maybe limited on time and wants to get a "quick fix". I am using spinner, and live in the Spokane area. It is your responsibility to know and obey all regulations and not trespass on private property. My theory is that the bass have spilled over the dam at Post Falls from the prolific smallie fishery above in Lake Coeur d'Alene. The Pacific Northwest might be better known for salmon and steelhead runs but the smallmouth bass fishing is some of the most incredible fishing in the country. As most of you know, smallmouth bass love to eat other fish and it has been thought that the decline in Redbands in the upper river is directly related to the bass. Water Street to TJ Meenach includes a number of Class II rapids. Motors are prohibited in this entire section. With this knowledge, and a bit of time … So everyone evening we walked down to the river and fished. From Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area to Nine Mile Dam: Motors prohibited. Sport fishing here includes rainbow trout, kokanee, walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Sport fishing here includes brown trout, redband trout, and smallmouth bass. Most of these locations have access to public docks and beaches, allowing for easy casting … From Plese Flats to Nine Mile Dam: The take-out near Nine Mile Dam is informal with hardly any parking. Nymphing is best with a stone and hot bead (or hot spot) style dropper nymph. Lake Spokane: Season open year-round. The reality is, is that the smallmouth, however the hell they got into the river, are definitely not going anywhere... so might as well fish for them! Make Sure to check out Part 2 of this Spokane River Smallmouth Series for some tips and gear on catching these urban spiny rays. The top five rivers that could hold your trophy smallmouth bass are New River, Detroit River, St. Lawrence River, Snake River, and … Not big, but lots of fun on 5 or 6wt. Smallmouth Bass – South Branch Potomac River Float Trip. Free Ground Shipping on orders over $75 within the lower 48 US states or in-store same day pickup. 15 in. From Monroe St. to Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area: Motors prohibited. Created by the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, it arguably has the best fishing this state has to offer. If not secret. Statewide rules apply including minimum size and daily limit. There is definitely lots of controversy over the introduction of smallmouth in what is a protected Native Redband Trout Fishery, and rightfully so. Swipe right to see what she used! Most people look down on the fact that there are smallmouth bass on the Upper Spokane River... however, I beg to differ. If you know how to fish rivers … Thanks. Summer months are the best smallmouth bass fishing, especially for 6 to 8 inch fish (great for the kids). 2; Details ; Jan 24, 2017 sarah marsura 0. fort spokane, we were right under the bridge Jan 24, 2017 Brad Stout 0. Spokane River is open through March 15th then will close until the Saturday before Memorial Day. Moving water creates a conveyor belt of food, washing everything downstream to the fish without them having to travel for it. Smallmouth Bass. The … Lake Spokane: Good fishery for black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Sport fishing here includes brown trout, redband trout, and smallmouth bass. Best window in the afternoon, but the not a bad place to spend of couple hours if you have to stay closer to home! From below Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam: The only public access site is Long Lake Dam. Cooper Osborn, a sophomore at GU and Spokane native, expressed that while challenging, fly fishing in the Spokane River is well worth it. 5 pound smallie on 20lb braid, shimano curado reel, great place. Fishing: Not available for motor access, approximately 30-yard walk for those carrying watercraft. Share on facebook. The Upper Spokane River as a Smallmouth Bass Fishery. Launch Information: Drift boats putting in at Corbin Park should be aware that the only take-out is Harvard Road, located 7.5 miles downstream. Anglers should check the WDFW walleye regulations to confirm when the season opens and closes. But the Nine Mile Resort launch can become inoperable during low water conditions. From walleye to sturgeon and pike to bass, we have it all. Launch Information: At TJ Meenach Bridge, anyone who lacks the necessary experience or equipment to navigate advanced whitewater should exit the river to avoid the hazardous rapids that occur downstream from the Water Reclamation Facility. Species: Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass In order to locate smallmouth bass and effectively catch them, you must first understand current and its intricacies. Rapids begin downstream from the Water Reclamation Facility. • • FOLLOW @castwithus FOR DAILY FISHING … Species: Sturgeon – Closed. Details: Smallmouth Bass with a Gary Yamamoto grubs with a jig head, small trout rattletrap, or a double worm drop shot rig with bass attractant. Smallmouth Bass caught by @marie.piermichaud using a Tube This fish was caught in Quebec, Canada at Lake Francis! I guess too, I've heard too many different stories now on how large the population of Redbands really was in the river. The most popular species caught here are Smallmouth bass, Northern pike, and Rainbow trout435 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Regulations: We are are a bass fishing guide service that has 2 premier fisheries that are within 45 minutes of each other that border both Idaho and Washington. Season is open year-round except for sturgeon. Selective gear rules for all species. Regulations: The entire river right shoreline of this reach is part of the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation and users are subject to Spokane Tribal fees and rules. Columbia River, Hanford Reach: April 23, 1966: See all sportfish records. Fishing Conditions Water flow: 490 @ Liberty Lake. Launches: Porcupine Bay and Fort Spokane boat launches are part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and users are subject to National Park Service fees and rules. Watercraft may have difficulty navigating these shallow, riffle areas during low flows. Walleyes stay close to the bottom, and they don’t … This 39.4 mile reach includes Lake Spokane and has something to offer anglers of all kinds. Launch Information: The area below the Monroe St. Dam is popular among fly-fishers. Regulations: Smallmouth bass are known to live in the lower reaches of this river, but there has been talk of the warm-water species inching upstream. The Idaho section of the river is 4 miles long and includes minor Class I rapids much of the way. The average smallmouth is 8-12" with a few in the 13-15". The Spokane is an outstanding caddis river too. This means that the bass will set up in areas that provide an ambush point. Although smallmouth bass are not as popular or widely distributed as their genus mate, their popularity is increasing … From below Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam: Although this is mostly a reservoir environment, operations at Long Lake Dam and Little Falls Dam can create strong currents and drastic, unannounced water level fluctuations. While most of the bass seem to be stunted probably due to the fact there is a lack of food in the Upper Spokane River, there are some fish that will go 18". It seems though that the population of smallies, while fairly prolific, has stabilized somewhat from talks with the Washington Depart of Fish and Wildlife and maybe has even found a balance with the remaining population of Redbands in the upper river. Barker Road to Mirabeau (4.5 miles) is for boaters experienced with class II rapids. Even more fun in the kayak. Appreciate any input From my guess is that the smallmouth have been in the system for well over a decade now. Jan 22, 2017 - Spokane River. A couple riffles exist between Upriver Dam and Greene Street. I'll give you some pointers in PM, but not in a public thread. The best time to fish the Spokane River is when the water level is lower and this is typically the months of July through September. More than likely there are several culprits for them finding refuge in our backyard river. All other game fish – statewide minimum size and daily limits apply. No minimum or maximum size, daily limit 5. For FLW Tour pro Luke Clausen, smallmouth bass were his education into bass fishing. Chinook salmon limit is 2, none under 20 in. Season opens first Saturday in June until March 15. Spokane River, Washington Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions Reported by NW Outfitters. Clausen, from Spokane, Wash., spent the formative years of his fishing career on the famed waters of the Columbia River; which flows south through the state of Washington before turning west and forming much of the Washington / Oregon border. I am 110% all for the protection of the Redbands, heck most of our guide service revolves around them! Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. Rapids and Riffles: Motors are prohibited in this entire section. The season is open year-round. Largemouth like to hunt from dense vegetation and are often found in the adjoining river basins, namely the arm of the Spokane River and the Colville River. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. All watercraft must put-in and take-out at the same access point. Rapids and Riffles: Trout limit is 2 Spokane River and tributaries From Post Falls Dam upstream to Coeur d'Alene Lake Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout Coeur d'Alene Lake (includes Benewah, Chatcolet lakes, Coeur d'Alene River Chain Lakes and all tributaries to Coeur d'Alene Lake) Britten Jay also said fishing was good Sunday for him and friend Chris. Species: Brown Trout, Redband Trout, Smallmouth Bass. Supposedly the Upper Spokane above the falls only had a small population of trout because only the biggest, baddest steelhead could make it over the falls on the right water years. The Spokane River in Washington is an urban fishery. Fishing: The reach between Sullivan Road and Plante’s Ferry is popular with anglers, especially during summer when flows are low. The Spokane river was a 10 minute walk from our vacation home. Physical description. Beyond the river, there are numerous lakes in the Spokane area that house a wide variety of fi sh, from smallmouth bass to the rare tiger musk y. For those that are not familiar with the Upper Spokane River, I define the "Upper 'Kan" as anything above Upriver Dam, in particular, any water from Plante's Ferry Park and upstream to the dam at Post Falls. From below Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam, From Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area to Nine Mile Dam, From Monroe St. to Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area, From Monroe St. Dam to Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area, Fishing Little Falls Dam to Lake Roosevelt Confluence, Washington Department of Health’s Fish Advisory, Fishing Upriver Dam to University District. All of us from the shop have been out on the Spokane River as of late. Other theories include that waterfowl could be the source for transportation of eggs, and good 'ol bucket biology from someone that was selfish and thought smallies would be a great idea if they dumped them in. Salmon – landlocked salmon rules apply. Fishing Report Last Updated: 11 / 25 / 2013 Choose A Different River Here. 2 reviews Get water depth of Little Spokane Riverand insights from other anglers. A respectable Smallmouth Bass caught on Spokane River North Idaho. Regulations: The season is open year-round. Sport fishing here includes rainbow trout, brown trout, and whitefish. All other Trout – Only hatchery-produced trout, marked with a clipped adipose fin can be retained. Sport fishing here includes rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Hello, I am new to fishing in Eastern Washington and wanted to know where to get information about fishing reports and just general information about what type of lures work and such. And since now we don't have any steelhead in the river because some dip-shit didn't put a fish ladder in Grand Coulee it's tough to say since we are only seeing the remnants of what things used to be. Fishing: Fair amount of shoreline access for anglers. The introduction of smallies in the Spokane River was definitely not a planned stocking. Depth and slow currents are a must. Study up on our local fishing regulations, a lot of water around here has weird seasons and the WDFW loves writing tickets. Jon at SB always talks good things about that river. Little Spokane River is a stream in Washington, United States. Articles on this site are out of date since some go back to 2006. Trout – Daily limit 5 fish, up to 2 fish over 20” may be retained. A couple of riffles exist between Upriver Dam and Greene Street. Kokanee (are not included in Trout daily limit) – No minimum size, daily limit 6 (no more than 2 with intact adipose fins.) The Idaho section of the river is 4 miles long and includes minor Class I rapids much of the way. The first two of these are the most important. The entire river right shoreline of this reach is part of the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation and users are subject to Spokane Tribal fees and rules. Not big, but lots of fun on 5 or 6wt. It is not blessed with great numbers of fish but there are certain time windows when fishing improves and there are opportunities at good native rainbows with a few browns and cutthroat mixed in. From Nine Mile Dam to Lake Spokane: This riverine section is a popular trout angling destination. Rainbow Trout with a hook. Growing up in Spokane, Wash., I have been fortunate to live around some excellent fishing. A section of the Spokane River in Kootenai County, Idaho. BWO's, midges, and even a couple skwalas are out but not enough to get fish up yet and cold water temps are probably keeping fish down deep still. Next available parking is approximately a mile away (Centennial Trail parking lot.) From Monroe St. Dam to Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area: Popular area for fly-fishing. The Snake River … The season is open from June 1 to March 15. Plese Flats to Long Lake Dam: Mostly located in Lake Spokane: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam: Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon. Sturgeon – Closed. July 21, 2006 I’d been antsy all week leading … floating power bait about 3ft up from the bottom. We have great opportunities available to us year-round, and we also have the pick of species to target. Caution to ice anglers, water level fluctuations can create extremely hazardous air vacuums below the ice. Regulations and property ownership may have changed since publication. They are abundant enough to keep you entertained and on these hot summer days the bass are always willing to play. From Upper Boundary of Plese Flats Day Use Area to Nine Mile Dam: 8,000-9,000 hatchery triploid trout are stocked annually in this section. Salmon – landlocked salmon rules apply. Other game fish – statewide minimum size and daily limit. All game fish must be caught and released. Sport fishing here includes rainbow trout, brown trout, and whitefish. Drop your line near any creek mouth in the Spokane River or below and you are sure to get a bite. Very few lakes are open year round. Regulations: No motors allowed in this section except for the portion between Plante’s Ferry and Park Road. The Spokane River is our main river we guide during the summer. sarah marsura. Fish Advisory: Before consuming fish, consult the Washington Department of Health’s Fish Advisory. Walleye Fishing There are three secrets to catching walleyes (at least): fish on the bottom; fish slowly; and use night crawlers. Fishing and Seasons: Shoreline access and a 5,000-6,000 trout hatchery make this a popular fly-fishing destination. Walleye – No minimum size, daily limit 16. hit the little spokane, fished for a couple hours hooked into several fish, 3 squas, and a couple rainbows, biggest catch was about a 17 inch rainbow. The Nine Mile Resort and DNR launches, which are located on opposite ends of the lake, are particularly good for powerboats. Finding the right water is key. Species: Brown Trout, Redband Trout, Smallmouth Bass 5,000-6,000 hatchery triploid trout are stocked annually in this section. Visibility: 44 inches. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement. Lake Spokane: The river is shallow at the Riverside State Park (Lake Spokane) launch. Two Rivers Resort on the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia River, as well as many smaller boat launches to the north, give access to the more isolated areas of the lake. Troutcatcher 6 - I will take you up on the Spokane River offer next year in the fall. Since the Spokane river is … Water … Anglers must follow statewide minimum size and daily limits. Regulations: Trout limit is 2. Click to expand... For easy fishing, put a nymph rig on … The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. Spokane River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. We are … Salmon – landlocked salmon rules apply. Find the places where the aquifer comes in and you have found the big browns. From Mirabeau to Upriver Dam, reservoir type conditions exist, except for Coyote Rock, a class II rapid located just below the Plante’s Ferry access site. Smallmouth bass are one of two species of black bass in Washington with the other being the more popular and widely distributed largemouth bass. Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Whitefish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is 6 (both species combined.) Take the Spokane River, its closed in its entirety from the Idaho state line all of the way to 9 mile from March 15 to the Saturday of Memorial day weekend. Even though the bass probably did put a dent in the trout population at one point, I think because of the lack of insect life and small invertebrates keeps the smallies at bay.