Of course, the state record catfish was caught from that very dock, so its definitely worth a cast or two. WDFW Fishing and Stocking ReportsWDFW Fishing RegulationsNational Weather Service forecasts, 10 Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Washington, Washingtons best fly fishing streams for trout. The mouth of the Walla Walla River is a well-known channel cat hot spot. The best fishing is in the lowest stretch of the Walla Walla River, especially in springtime when channel cats from the Columbia River enter the Walla Walla River to spawn. Sprague Lake is one of the largest lakes on our list with 1,760 acres of water to explore. Catfish tend to dominate catches from June through August, after the rush to catch spring stocked trout fizzles out. From the northwest corner of Wyoming the Snake River meanders just over 1,000 miles through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and drains into the Columbia River. These honorable mention lakes are all solid options for anyone looking to hook up with some scrappy channel cats. And while shore access is excellent along the lower Yakima River, there are also a lot of prime catfish spots that can only be reached by boat. The Columbia River is one of the main places in the state where channel cats reproduce naturally, unsupported by stocking. The Yakima River meets the Columbia River at a network of islands, backwaters and sloughs known as the Yakima Delta, and theres some great off-the-beaten-path catfish water here. Brown bullhead are also common in the lake, and cut bait and chicken livers are both popular baits. Steel Dreams Guide Service. The river runs for over a thousand miles, bisecting Hells Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. Modified versions of the catfish techniques can be used on the sturgeon, the real monsters of the Snake. Thus, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks many lakes throughout the state to provide this opportunities for this popular fish, both "dinner-size" and . Anglers can catch large trout averaging 17-21 inches long, but catching even larger fish isn't totally uncommon here. The Washington state record for summer-run steelhead is a giant fish of 35.06lb that angler Gilbert Pierson caught on Snake River in 1973 (back when the Snake was still a highly productive steelhead water). A satellite view from GoogleMaps reveals 233 acres of long skinny channels with numerous inlets, coves, and points. This weedy, shallow lake has lily pads lining the west shore which provides the only surface cover for fish. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks catfish in lakes and ponds all over Washington. The Snake River is a major river in the western United States, flowing through six states: Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Nevada. These are vast reservoirs that offer a lot of prime habitat, including deep holes and ledges where catfish thrive. These dams were built and operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers. Today, thesespecies are either extinct or threatened with extinction, as the most extensive freshwater salmon habitatin the lower 48 states is upstream of the four dams on the lower Snake. Its a good set up for catfish as well, and reduces the chances of lost tackle becoming hazardous to fish and wildlife. The Snake River is the 13 th longest river in the United States . walleye. Like a lot of lakes in the state, channel cats dont seem to reproduce naturally here, but they have been stocked. Washington, and an office in Hood River, Oregon. Climate change is already affecting runoff patterns in theColumbia basin, causing mountain snow to melt earlier in the spring, which leads to lower summertimeflows and higher summer water temperatures. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Myself and a couple buddies went out to the Snake River for a little catfishing. Kozfkay noted the fish are very migratory and move in and out of reservoirs, so you may have to move around to find them. Channel catfish are stocked in this lake and you can expect 2-5 year old fish to be in the 16-24 inch range with fish up to 20 pounds possible. October, November, and December provide the best catches, so be sure to bundle up if your going to plan a night fishing trip. Avoid the northeast corner which is the lakes public swimming area. The tactics and tools of the trade for most catfish anglers are fairly simple. Catfish can live 15-20 years, exceed 30 inches long and weigh over 30 pounds. The smaller fish are more dangerous since they tend to flip around more. Only one of the four dams provides irrigation water, a small amouth that could continue to beaccessed by extending pumps into the free-flowing river. Just 5 miles west of Interstate 5 and the city of Ferndale, this 321 acre lake is part of the Lake Terrell State Game Refuge. Theres good fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and seasonally stocked trout as well. Drive west from Pullman on Highway 194 to Almota and the part of the river immediately downstream from Lower Granite Dam. The Salmon Rivershigh elevation habitat is likely to continue to be productive even in the face of climate change, but only ifimpacts of the four lower Snake dams which heat up and slow down the river and provide refuge forpredator fish that eat young salmon are significantly reduced. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly . The Snake River flows are hovering around 280 cfs. American Rivers is ready to evaluate and even embrace an alternative plan that achieves recovery ofharvestable salmon and steelhead runs, but none has come to light so far, which is why we have foundourselves engaged in long running litigation. Most rivers in WA are likely to contain at least a few catfish. Known as an excellent bass and crappie fishery, and popular for stocked trout, Roses Lake has also been stocked with channel catfish and has yielded some real giants. While on the hunt for channel cats, you also have the opportunity to catch carp, rainbow trout, rock bass, brown trout, brown bullhead, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish. smallmouth bass have lived in the river for 100 years, and there's lots of them. Even if you're not the aquatic type, you can take a hike around the canyon and enjoy the view. Liberty Lake is a well-rounded warm water fishery with bass and panfish as well as catfish. Stink Creek exits Roses Lake 1,000 feet from the boat launch and passes through Dry Lake on its way to Lake Chelan just over the hill. Brown bullheads are the most common. OLYMPIA - Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon on Wednesday approved this year's recreational spring Chinook salmon fishing season for the Columbia River, with seasons expected to look similar to 2022.. Find more fishing reports in Washington. The south end of the lake contains the most undeveloped shoreline with weed lined edges yielding good catches of channel catfish. There are many options for bait, and you might start with a common nightcrawler. Again, the daily limit is 5 so go ahead and catch enough for a fish fry. The entire length of the lake parallels I-90 and is only 2 miles from the City of Sprague. Sun., April 17, 2022. You can find more catfishing tips and information in Big fish, big fun: catfish are the Snake Rivers overlooked bounty., Seasonal Trapping/Hunting Report for Furtakers, General Season Deer and Elk Tags Available, Unclaimed / Leftover Controlled Hunt Tags, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System, Natural Heritage Program Technical Reports, Big fish, big fun: catfish are the Snake Rivers overlooked bounty., Steck Park: Located northwest of Weiser on the Snake River. Oregon-Washington; Utah; Wyoming; Breadcrumb. Plenty of 10-pounders have been caught here. The DFW boat ramp on the north shore is a good option, with limited open shoreline and a fishing platform. There is no size or catch limit for channel catfish in Lake Wallula or any of the tributaries feeding into it. Regulations may change from year to year, so make sure you consult the latest fishing regulations pamphlet for accurate information on the water you intend to fish. The Snake River is an impressive fishery boasting good numbers of smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, big catfish, and huge sturgeon. Dam removal would also eliminate a growing flood risk in the town of Lewiston, Idaho, where sediment ispiling up behind Lower Granite Dam, the uppermost of the four lower Snake River dams. Trolling for steelhead is also productive in the reservoirs, and the fishing is at least as good during the night as in the daylight hours. They're commonly raised commercially and soldin restaurants. Catfish will find your bait pretty quickly if theyre feeding, so if you go 10 or 15 minutes without a bite, move to another spot. That makes it a great place for shore anglers. As you can imagine, there are a lot of places to fly fish on the Snake River. The Columbia River's largest tributary, the Snake River is an excellent catfish river in its own right. The record for blue catfish is 17 pounds, 12 ounces. The City of Snake River is located in the State of Washington. Salmon fishery update for the Snake River. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for . Channel catfish are the target species for most catfish anglers in Washington. Species affected: Steelhead. ^ top . A popular urban fishing lake in King County, Green Lake is certainly the best bet for catfish in the Seattle area. 509-869-9694 steeldream@gmail.com Website | Facebook: View Profile: Pete's Fishing Guide Service. In lowland lakes, channel catfish are not known to spawn and require regular stocking to maintain recreational fisheries. One of the most common fish in the Snake River is the . There are many options for bait, and you might start with a common nightcrawler. Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area. But anglers might want to rethink that because they are a big, fun fish to catch, and there are lots of them. A good basic set up is the sliding sinker rig' that Fish and Game requires for sturgeon anglers. The state record (22.7 pounds) was caught here in 1981, but more recent catches are rarer in this section that farther upstream into . Theres a solid night bite on Roses Lake. The 2.8 mile path that encircles the 250 acre lake is a busy exercise spot for locals and provides excellent shoreline access for anglers. More access is available at the south end of the lake at Liberty Lake Regional Park, which also offers campsites and a swimming beach. Some of the better sturgeon holes are located immediately downstream of Clarkston, but remember this part of the river is catch and release only. Its been stocked heavily with channel catfish, and is also known for bass and panfish. Please, don't post reports in the forum. The parking area is small, with only 6 regular vehicle and 8 boat trailer spots. For the entire list of 45 channel catfish locations, please visit the WDFWs website. Effective date: Sept. 1, 2019, until further notice. So anglers should take note and fish for them in different places. But the DFW has stocked Green Lake numerous times with channel catfish over the years, some of which have grown to truly epic proportions. Snake River Adventures offers a myriad of exciting and fabulous adventures ranging from half day to full day Jet Boat Tours. The most accessible part of the Snake in Washington is the section from Clarkston downstream to Wawawai, where Wawawai River Road parallels the east side of the river for more than 20 miles. Roses Lake has a public access boat launch, dock and large parking area on the southwest side of the lake off Green Avenue. The lower reaches are a slow, often muddy river that supports a large catfish population. Catfish, like carp, release a pheromone that signals danger to other fish. This portion of southeast Washington also offers some of the most solitary and remote fishing in the region. In fact, there are so manythat Fish and Game captures catfish from the Snake River and transplants them into Treasure Valley ponds and elsewhere to provide more fishing opportunity. Situated in Thurston County, St. Clair Lake is one of the most uniquely shaped lakes on this list. Day 2: Is there such thing as a catfish grand slam in freshwater fishing? Adam Hocking. At more than 110 feet deep, this lake is mostly known for its stocked trout and kokanee fishery. In the Columbia-Snake basin, a win-win solution will be one that restores abundant, harvestable wildsalmon, fosters investment in new renewable energy, ensures sufficient water supplies and transportationinfrastructure for farms and communities, and reduces risk of flood damage. Record for blue catfish is 17 pounds, 12 ounces the real monsters of the techniques. The most undeveloped shoreline with weed lined edges yielding good catches of channel catfish skinny channels with numerous,... 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