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Pend Oreille County Washington West Bonner County Idaho

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Bigger trout await anglers on state’s biggest opening day OLYMPIA – Anglers preparing for opening day of the 2012 lowland lakes season on April 28 can expect to reel in trout that are one-third bigger this year.

With opening day fast approaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is releasing 3 million hatchery-reared trout averaging 11-13 inches – two to three inches longer than last year.

Those fish will join millions of other trout that were stocked last year and have grown to catchable size in lakes around the state.

Many of those lakes have also been stocked with triploid and jumbo trout weighing 1½ to 11 pounds apiece.

“We have made some changes in our trout hatchery rearing programs in response to the feedback we heard from anglers who really enjoy catching larger fish,” WDFW Director Phil Anderson said.

“With these fish, our state’s biggest fishing day of the year just got better.”

At least 300,000 anglers typically turn out for the first day of the lowland lakes season, which remains open into the fall.

Although many state waters are open yearround, the April opening marks the start of the state’s most popular fishery.

To participate, anglers must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license

valid through March 31, 2013. Licenses can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov; by telephone at 1-866246-9453; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. For details on license vendor locations, visit the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/.

Freshwater fishing licenses cost $27.50 for resident adults 16 to 69 years old.

Fifteen-year-olds and persons with disabilities can buy a license for $8.25, and seniors 70 and older can buy an annual fishing license for $5.50. Children 14 years of age and younger do not need a fishing license.

“Our license fees are lower this year for youth, seniors and people with disabilities,” Anderson said. “So, whether you fish from the bank, a pram, or a boat, this fishery is tailor made for a great family outing.”

Because of the popularity of trout fishing in Washington, WDFW put a higher priority on its trout-rearing program over the past year, said Chris Donley, the department’s Inland Fish Program Manager.

“For one thing, we invested in more hatchery feed to grow our fish larger,” he said. “We hope anglers see the increase in the quality of our catchable trout on opening day.”

Hatchery crews also spent the past year stocking lakes across the state with more

than 10 million fry and fingerlings, which have grown to eight to 12 inches in length.

Anglers can also look forward to catching other fish stocked for the lowland lakes season: • 102,000 two-year-old “jumbo” and surplus hatchery broodstock trout (1½ to 11 pounds each) • More than 100,000 other fish – black crappie, channel catfish, tiger muskie, walleye • 47,000 triploid (sterile) trout averaging 1½ pounds apiece Fish stocking details, by county and lake, are available in the annual stocking plan on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/plants/statewide/.

“With all of these fish ready and waiting in statewide lakes, everyone has an excellent chance of catching some nice fish,” Donley said. “Come on out and join the fun of opening day.”

Of more than 7,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs in Washington state, nearly 700 have WDFW-managed water-access sites.

These sites include boat launches, docks and shorelines, including areas accessible for people with disabilities. Other state and federal agencies operate hundreds more SEE OPENING ON PAGE 9

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Pend Oreille County fishing prospects NEWPORT – Opening day for freshwater fishing in Washington is Saturday, April 28. Following are the fish conditions in lakes throughout Pend Oreille County. The information is provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Bead Lake (720 acres): Eight miles north of Newport, in Kaniksu National Forest and year- round open fishing season, Bead Lake is not stocked by WDFW, but contains selfreproducing populations of kokanee, lake trout, burbot, plus numerous northern pikeminnows. Fishing at this lake should provide a unique experience. A U.S. Forest Service (USFS) boat launch and parking area at the south end of the lake can accommodate six boats and trailers, but may not be available by April due to snow conditions. Check with the USFS Newport Ranger District office at 509-447-7300 for more information.

Big Meadow Lake (70 acres): About seven miles west of Ione on the Meadow Creek Road. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Annual spring rainbow fry plants normally provide 10- to 16-inch fish. To protect

breeding common loons, it is unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis.

Browns Lake (88 acres): About 8.5 miles northeast of Cusick, in Kaniksu National Forest. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Fly-fishing only, all motors are prohibited. NOTE that Browns Creek, which previously was on the same open season as the lake, is now on a standard stream season (the first Saturday in June through Oct. 31), and is also fly-fishing only. Spring and fall provide the best action for fry-planed cutthroat trout running about 8 to 9 inches, with winter carry-over at 10 inches or better. Check the current regulations pamphlet for catch and size limits. To find this highelevation lake (3,450 feet), cross the Pend Oreille River at Usk, head north for five miles on LeClerc Creek Road, then northeast on Browns Creek Road, FR-1921 and FR-128 to the south shore of the lake.

There you’ll find a USFS campground and boat launch. (See Washington State Parks web site: http://www.parks.wa.gov/ ada-rec for ADA accessibility information.)

Carl’s (Carl) Lake (20 acres):

SR-31 about a mile south of the Canadian border. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through Oct. 31. This lake receives annual plantings of rainbow trout fry, and should provide 10- to 12-inch fish by the opener.

Davis Lake (146 acres): Located 51⁄ 2 miles south of Usk, along the west side of Highway SR- 211. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. This lake receives plantings of rainbow trout catchables. Early and late season fishing for sunfish, largemouth bass, kokanee, rainbow trout, and eastern brook trout can be good here. Public access with boat launch can be found on the north end of the lake. (See Washington State Parks web site: http://www.parks.wa.gov/adarec for ADA accessibility information.)

About two miles as the crow flies southwest of Tiger, at 3,150 feet elevation in Kaniksu National Forest. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. This lake was also formerly called Browns Lake, and is still identified as such on some maps. Rainbow trout fry and catchable plants at this rich lake produce yearlings 9 to 11 inches and carry-overs up to 14 inches. Winterkill conditions can limit the success of this fishery. Access can be rough (which contributes to the good fishing!), since it is four miles from the community of Tiger on the Tiger-Colville Road, and south on an unimproved road.

Cook’s Lake (11 acres): Only about three miles northwest of Bead Lake, in Kaniksu National Forest at 3,075 feet elevation. Year-round open season. Catchable-size rainbow trout will be planted again this year, plus a few broodstock rainbows. To get there, find Forest Road 5015 off of Boswell Road. A USFS campground is located at this Lake.

Diamond Lake (755 acres): About seven miles southwest of Newport, adjacent to Highway US- 2. Open fishing season is the last Saturday in April through Oct. 31. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads, rainbow, and brown trout are available. In an effort to improve the fishery, Diamond has a cooperative net pen project that releases

Crescent Lake (22 acres): Nine miles north of Metaline Falls, adjacent to the west side of Highway

SEE PROSPECTS ON PAGE 8

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2012 FISHING GUIDE- 3

Pike removed in Pend Oreille River netting program State, tribe aim to remove 87 percent of the pike population

BY JANELLE ATYEO OF THE MINE

USK – This spring, 150-foot nets have been set up along the Pend Oreille River and backwater sloughs in an effort to reduce the numbers of non-native northern pike.

Working with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is aiming to reduce the pike population by 87 percent, killing about 5,700 fish.

It’s a plan so unpopular with local anglers that the gill nets have been subject to overnight vandalism, which is against the law.

Some anglers are unhappy to see the state taking away what they say is a profitable fishery for Pend Oreille County.

Sixteen nets were put out March 19, starting in the Riverbend area. Crews worked their way south, eventually ending up at Ashenfelter Bay just outside of Newport toward the end of April.

Spawning for pike peaks in the third or fourth week of April, and the goal is

to catch them before they reproduce.

Over the last seven years the pike population has increased from about 400 fish to 10,000, and the voracious predators have taken a bite out of the native fish population.

Biologists are following up the netting program with their annual spring index survey to learn about how many pike are still out there.

Depending on the catch rates during that survey, the state and the tribe will decide if the population has been reduced enough or if they’ll do another round of gill netting. If more than two pike are found per net in the spring survey, gill netting will resume through June.

In the first round of netting, the catch averaged about 10 pike per net, said Jason Connor, fisheries project manager for the Kalispel Natural Resources Department.

It’s a little less than they were hoping to get, but cold weather early on and fluctuations of the river level were factors in the results.

Most of the pike they’ve pulled in were smaller than 20 inches, averaging 3 or 4 pounds.

Connor said they’ve had the pike

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processed at a commercial fertilizer plant. WDFW and the tribe are sharing the cost of having them transported.

Last year, pike caught in the study were donated to the Newport Food Bank.

High mercury levels were a concern, however.

It was mostly pike that ended up in the nets, but about a quarter of the catch is a mix of other fish species.

When the water level is high, the pike congregate in the sloughs and backwaters where it’s several degrees warmer than the river.

The nets were set in the afternoon and pulled the following morning. Depending on the catch, they either re-set them in the same spot or move them to a new location.

Earlier this year, the state fish and wildlife commission removed pike from the list of sport fish, meaning the state will officially no longer promote the pike fishery.

The commission also added a twopole endorsement for the Pend Oreille River. There is no minimum size for the pike that are caught and no daily limit.

Pike tournaments planned for summer USK – The Kalispel Tribe will host two pike derbies this year, one in late June – June 29, 30 and July 1 – and one in early August – Aug. 3, 4 and 5 – during the powwow weekend. Jason Conner, fisheries project manager for the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, said they hope to have $10,000 or more in cash or prizes up for grabs, and they’re seeking donations currently.

The derbies will be free to enter.

Conner said they’re trying to make it a

family friendly community event. It will be open to any legal method of fishing – from a boat or from the shore – and prizes will be given for the biggest and smallest and a number of other categories. Conner hopes to find a sponsor for a special tagged fish category.

Information and rules will be at www.kalispeltribe.com.

The Boundary Reservoir Northern Pike Contest is May 5-6 at the Western Star Bar and Grill in Metaline. Call 509-446-2105 or 206-386-4580.

Boat inspections aim to stop invasive weeds, mussels

BY JANELLE ATYEO OF THE MINER

OLDTOWN – Making sure your boat is clear of weeds and hangers-on like mussels and snails can help prevent a major infestation in local waters.

Boaters traveling into the state of Idaho are asked to stop at roadside inspection stations where workers will perform a walkaround inspection and ask questions about where the boat has been launched recently.

The station on Highway 2 at Oldtown is set to open May 25 at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend.

The stations, operated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week through the summer.

If you are traveling a route where a boat inspection station is located and you are transporting a vessel (all watercraft, boats, jet skis, rafts, and non-motorized crafts) you must stop. The inspection takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on which state you’re traveling from. Vessels from states with infested waters get a more thorough examination. Idaho, Washington and Oregon do not have mussel infestations at this time. Boats that have a lot of dirt and slime below the waterline or boats that have standing water on board are also considered high risk. They’ll get a detailed inspection of all parts of the boat, includ-

ing compartmented, bilge, trailer and any equipment such as ropes and anchors.

If the inspectors find any biological material on the boat or equipment, they’ll perform a roadside hot wash.

The inspectors are looking for fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil as well as zebra or quagga mussels. Asian clams were found in Lake Pend Oreille recently. Those also travel by boat, often in the live wells.

To report any potential invasive species call Idaho’s hotline at 1-877-336-8676.

New this year, volunteers will be running a boat inspection station at Diamond Lake.

The Diamond Lake Improvement Association’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters program will be running in time for the fishing season opener. Those launching at the state’s public boat launch off of Highway 2 will be asked to undergo a voluntary boat inspection.

“The whole purpose is education, No. 1,” DLIA president Geri Guinn said.

DLIA’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters program will also have volunteers handing out pamphlets on invasive species. Guinn said they’ll invite the boat owners to walk around the craft with the inspectors. If they happen to find weeds, the volunteers will have a pressure washer on hand to wash the boats. “We’re not expecting to find mussels, but we will be looking,” Guinn said.

“We do expect to see some weeds that need to be removed.”

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The volunteer boat washers wouldn’t have authority to require boaters to stop for a wash or inspection, but since it is against state law to transport noxious weeds, they could call on the sheriff to respond. The Pend Oreille County sheriff has said he will work closely with DLIA’s program.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which operates the launch, has granted Clean Boats, Clean Waters temporary use of the upper parking lot on the highway. Original plans were to install a warm water wash station and drainage there, but with the state’s plans to upgrade the launch this summer, state officials

wanted to be sure there was plenty of parking available incase use of the launch increases.

With the temporary wash station, the volunteers will use a corner of the lot to store the pressure washer on a trailer.

They’ll also have a lake host – John Hernandez – living in an RV on site 24/7. On busy weekends, several volunteers wearing Clean Boats, Clean Waters shirts and hats will assist the lake host.

Volunteers received training on how to spot invasive weeds and species from WDFW’s aquatic invasive species biologist Mike Wilkinson April 20.

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2012 FISHING GUIDE- 5

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PROSPECTS | FROM PAGE 3

12,500 rainbow trout in addition to the stocked catchable-size rainbows and browns. This year, around 700 larger triploid and a few broodstock rainbows will be added to improve the fishery. Diamond Lake has public access and resorts.

Fan Lake (73 acres): About eight miles northeast of Deer Park, two and a half miles west of Highway SR-195, and less than a mile north of the Spokane County line. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Internal combustion engines are not allowed.

Annual plants of rainbow trout catchables should provide only fair fishing, with too many competing species in the lake. Public access is available.

Frater Lake (11 acres): About 6.5 miles southwest of Ione on the north side of Highway SR-20 in Colville National Forest. Elevation is 3200 feet. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Rehabilitated in the fall of 2008 to eliminate illegally introduced tench and pumpkinseed sunfish, this lake was planted with cutthroat fry the following spring to provide fishing opportunity. Cutthroat fishing should be good this year. Northernmost of the Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes, it’s the only lake in the chain without a perennial surface-water link to the others. There

is no boat launch, but car-toppers can be launched from shore.

Halfmoon Lake (14 acres): This small alpine lake is in the Kaniksu National Forest, 71⁄ 2 miles northeast of Usk at 3,250 feet elevation. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season.

Halfmoon is planted with cutthroat trout fry, but eastern brook trout are present and they negatively affect the cutthroat.

Harvey Creek: As the primary inlet to Sullivan Lake, this little waterway produces a run of cutthroat trout. Some portions are closed; check for details in the regulations pamphlet. Selective gear rules are in effect for the portion of the creek open to fishing.

Horseshoe Lake (128 acres): About four miles north of the Spokane County line, one mile east of Stevens County, and eight and a half miles northwest of the town of Elk. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Catchablesize rainbow trout will be planted this year.

Crappie, largemouth bass, perch, sunfish, catfish, kokanee, and lake trout are all available here, with a generous kokanee limit. Check the Fishing in Washington pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/) for regulations. Chumming is not permitted.

The WDFW access area has a gravel boat ramp and toilet.

Ledbetter Lake (23 acres):

Muskegon Lake (8 acres):

Also called Loon Lake and Leadbetter Lake. In Colville National Forest, about four miles north of Metaline Falls at 2628 feet elevation. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Eastern brook trout fry plants provide the action here.

Sixteen miles southeast of Metaline Falls in Kaniksu National Forest and about four hundred yards from the Idaho border.

Elevation is 3441 feet. Also known locally as Moss Keg Lake. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Selective gear rules are in effect, and the daily limit is two trout. Cutthroat trout fry plants make for good carry-overs in this small lake.

Leo Lake (39 acres): Seven miles southwest of Ione and several yards southeast of Highway SR-29 at 3165 feet elevation. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Tiger and rainbow trout are available from fry plants.

Numerous small crappie are also available.

There is a Forest Service campground and launch on the north end.

Lost Creek: A tributary of the Pend Oreille River south of Tiger, access is by foot only. This waterway produces a few eastern brook and rainbow trout. A series of beaver ponds provide good holes.

Marshall Lake (189 acres): Located 61⁄ 2 miles northwest of Newport, across the Pend Oreille River. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. This beautiful lake receives annual plants of cutthroat trout fry.

Mystic Lake (17 acres): About six miles east of Usk, and a mile north of Bead Lake in Kaniksu National Forest. Elevation is 2967 feet. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Cutthroat trout fry plants grow slowly in the low-nutrient water here, with 8- to 9-inch yearlings and 11-inch carry-overs. The Forest Service campground gets lots of use.

Nile Lake (23 acres): Located 61⁄ 2 miles southwest of Ione, about 300 yards east of Highway SR-20 in the Colville National Forest at 3,190 feet elevation. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Wild eastern brook trout here reach 8 inches as yearlings with a few attaining 14 inches. Fry-planted rainbow trout are also available. Competing SEE PROSPECTS ON PAGE 9

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Fishing equipment available or bring your own.

Reservations (800) 337-4537 8 - 2012 FISHING GUIDE

“The Pend Oreille River has been the location of numerous Inland Empire Bass Club tournaments and also hosts our very popular, Annual Invitational Tournament. Not only does the Pend Oreille offer some of the best bass fishing to be found in Washington, it is also a showcase for beautiful panoramas and numerous and varied wildlife.

The bass population is healthy and vigorous, and each slough presents its own unique environment for those who like variety.”

Pend Oreille

Public Utility District Providing Responsible Stewardship of our Natural Resources

PROSPECTS | Sacheen Lake (282 acres):

FROM PAGE 8

pumpkinseed sunfish cause problems with trout growth and availability. Small boats can be launched from shore.

No-Name Lake (18 acres): Six miles east of Usk in Kaniksu National Forest just west of Bead Lake at 2801 feet elevation. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Cutthroat trout fry plants produce 8-inch yearlings and 11inch carry-overs here. A Forest Service campground is available.

Pend Oreille River: Year-round open season. This river has good numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Box Canyon is better for largemouth, Boundary for smallmouth. Northern pike can also be caught in Box Canyon.

In addition, other species such as crappie, perch, and a few brown trout are found throughout the river. Small sunfish and tench are numerous in Box Canyon. Access is available at several points. Both a WDFW license and Kalispel tribal license are required to fish Calispel Slough. All other sloughs within the boundaries of the Kalispel Reservation are closed. See the Fishing in Washington pamphlet for information on liberalized eastern brook trout limits on the following streams and their tributaries: Calispel Creek, Cedar Creek, Indian Creek, LeClerc Creek, Mill Creek, Ruby Creek, Slate Creek, Sullivan Creek, and Tacoma Creek.

Liberalized brook trout limits are designed to enhance bull trout recovery efforts in the Pend Oreille watershed.

Petit Lake (11 acres): Located on the northwest side of Diamond Peak, up LeClerc Creek Road from Ruby, in Kaniksu National Forest. Elevation is 3911 feet. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. Fry planted cutthroat trout are the attraction at this small lake.

Eleven miles southwest of Newport along Highway SR-211. Last Saturday in April through Oct. 31 open season. Hefty plants of catchable-size rainbow trout are scheduled here, plus tiger trout fry and eastern brook trout. Sacheen has public access on the northeast shore.

Skookum lakes: Located six and seven miles northwest of Usk, respectively, in Kaniksu National Forest. South Skookum is at 3529 feet elevation; North Skookum at 3577 feet.

Both lakes are open last Saturday in April through Oct. 31. Rainbow trout fry plants provide some nice catches in these twin lakes.

Carry-overs run 10 to 11 inches.

Eastern brook trout are numerous in North Skookum.

South Skookum has a Forest Service campground and boat ramp, while North Skookum has a state campground and resort. On South Skookum Lake, to protect breeding common loons, it is unlawful to use lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis.

Kokanee will likely average 9-10 inches this year and occasional rainbow, tiger trout, and cutthroat are also available. Burbot are popular and winter ice fishing for them provides a temporary cure for cabin fever. The adjacent Forest Service campground has boat access. Remember to check the Fishing in Washington Regulations pamphlet prior to fishing.

Yocum (Yokum) Lake (42 acres): Six miles north of Ruby, across the Pend Oreille River, and up LeClerc Creek Road.

This lake lies partly within the Colville Na-

tional Forest. The lake season starts the last Saturday in April and runs through Oct. 31. Cutthroat trout fry plants produce nice catches. Road access to the south end of the lake is not available until after May 30 due to road protection efforts by Simpson Lumber Company. It will open June 1 depending on moisture and road conditions but may be closed at any time due to road damage caused by vehicles, and closes on Nov. 1, in any case. A Forest Service road to the north end of the lake provides an alternative route, but it is not suitable for trailers. An unimproved campground is available.

Sullivan Lake (1,291 acres): Located approximately four miles southeast of Metaline Falls in Colville National Forest. This lake has a yearround open season.

OPENING | FROM PAGE 2

such facilities.

Water access site locations can be found on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ lands/water_access/.

“With our biggest fishing crowds out on this opener, it’s especially important for everyone to be patient and safe at boat launches and docks,” Donley said. “Everyone in boats, and all children on shore, should use personal flotation devices.”

Anglers parking at WDFW water-access sites are required

to display on their vehicle the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass that is provided free with every annual fishing license purchased. The passes are transferable between two vehicles.

Anglers who use Washington State Parks or Department of Natural Resource areas need the $30 annual or $10 daily Discover Pass.

WDFW’s annual “Fishing In Washington” sport fishing rules pamphlet is available at license dealers, WDFW offices and at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

2012 FISHING GUIDE- 9

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Comments

LAKES EAST SIDE OF RIVER Boundary

No Fish

No

No

No

No

No public access or services.

Crescent 2 21 Shore Rainbow No No No No

Launch small boats from shore. Day use only, three picnic sites. 446-7500

Mill Pond 3 63 Shore

Cutthroat, Rainbow, Yes No No No Brown, Kokanee

Forest Service fee campground, 10 sites; water, toilets, small craft, 5 hp. limit. Electric motors only. 446-7500

Sullivan Lake Group 4 1,290 Yes Kokanee Yes No No No East Sullivan Campground* A - Yes Large Browns - Yes No No No

State Record West Sullivan Campground* B - No Some Rainbow, Cutthroat Yes No No No

Noisy Creek Campground* C - Yes Burbot (Ling) Yes No No No Nosiy Creek Group Campground - Reservable group campround - limit 50 people

Reservable group campground. Limit 40 people.

Forest Service fee campground, vehicles up to 40 feet, 38 sites, water, toilets, launch, nice dock, air strip, hosts, day use fee, season pass available. 446-7500 Forest Service fee campground, 10 sites; limited to smaller RVs, water, toilets, air strip, hosts, picnic shelter.

Day use fee required, season pass available, 446-7500 Forest Service fee campground, 19 sites; water, toilets, day use fee, launch, hosts. Season pass available, 446-7500.

Bunchgrass 5 18 No Cutthroat, Eastern Brook Yes No No No

Walk-in, rough and rocky road, pickup or Jeep only, good fishing, camping. Fishing opens June 1. 446-7500

Yocum

No

Forest Service unimproved camp site. Electric motors only.

Petit 7 10 Shore Cutthroat, Rainbow No No No No

No fee Forest Service campground, motorboats prohibited.

Fragile area. WA license. 208-443-2512

Browns 8 84 Yes Cutthroat, Rainbow - Yes No No No

Forest Service fee campground, 18 sites. Day use fee; season pass available, boat ramp, one of the state’s better “fly fishing only” lakes. Motors prohibited. Trail, toilets, no water. 447-7300

North Skookum 9 38

Yes Eastern Brook, Rainbow Yes No No No Public & Private

Privately leased “rustic” campground, 32 sites; boat launch, water, modern restrooms, showers, boat rentals.

South Skookum 10 33 Yes Eastern Brook, Rainbow Yes No No No

Forest Service fee campground, 25 sites, water, day use fee, season pass available toilet, boat ramp, trail.

Two fishing docks, one is handicap accessible. 447-7300

Mystic Cooks Lake No Name

6

47

No

12

17

No

-

-

-

13

18

No

Cutthroat, Rainbow

Cutthroat, Rainbow - Cutthroat, Rainbow

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Undeveloped campsites, toilet. 447-7300

-

-

-

-

Undeveloped campsites, toilet. 447-7300

Yes

No

No

No

Bead* 14 722 Yes Mackinaw, Kokanee, Ling No No No No Golden Age/Access Passport holders Free “NO CHARGE” Also Interagency Senior and Access and annual passes

Marshall 15 194

Halfmoon

No camping. Day use only. Toilet. 447-7300 Open April 15th - Oct. 31, weather permitting. 7 days per week. Toilet, garbage, hosts, camping NOT allowed at launch. No swimming or picnicking either. Walk-in permitted from Nov. 1 - April 14, $5.00 fee per day or season pass available at Forest Service (Ranger District) office.

Yes Cutthroat Yes Some No Yes Public access with boat launch, resort, 50 campsites, cabins Gravel Few Rainbows Snacks small store, bait and tackle. Also 25 sites, tent and RV, boat 200 ft. w rentals, water and electricity, some food and bait, 447-4158

34

13

Shore

Cutthroat

No

No

No

No

No camping; day use only. 447-7300

16

-

Shore

Eastern Brook

No

No

No

No

About 5 miles N. of Metaline on Boundary Road.

LAKES WEST SIDE OF RIVER Ledbetter

Big Meadow 17 2 Shore Rainbow stocking Yes No No No

Forest Service undeveloped campground. No water, no charge. 738-7700

Little Brown’s (Carl’s)

Rough road for 1-1/2 miles; 4-wheel drive only. 446-7500

18

20

No

Nile 19 28 Shore

Frater 20 11

Rainbow

No

No

No

No

Eastern Brook, Rainbow, No No No No Perch

Shore Cutthroat No No No No (walk-in)

Small boats. 446-7500 Undeveloped campsites Small boats, day use only - no overnight camping.

738-7700

Leo 21 39 Yes Cutthroat, some Rainbow, Yes No No No

Eastern Brook

Forest Service developed campground, 8 sites, water, boat launch. Day use fee. Possibly iced over opening day.

738-7700

Heritage

-

22

71

No

Cutthroat

No

No

No

No

Thomas 23 168 No Cutthroat No No No No

Forest Service campground. 16 campsites with fee, water, toilets, 738-7700

•Trout: Cutthroat, Rainbow, Brown ••Other: Perch, Crappie, Whitefish, Catfish *Open Year Round Washington Fishing Licenses are sold at: Pend Oreille Valley Sportsman in Oldtown.

10 - 2012 FISHING GUIDE

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Gillette 24 48 No Rainbow, Cutthroat, Perch, Yes Yes Yes Yes

Dock Sunfish, Bass, Trout

Cafe, full bar, groceries, fuel, cabins, camping, boat rental, RV, tent sites. 509-684-5657. Lake Gillette Campground, a Forest Service campground on the southwest end of the lake with a boat ramp and a day use fee. Season pass available. 738-7700

Sherry

25

26

No

Coffin*

26

10

-

Parker

27

22

No

Power Lake*

28

55

Shore

Davis 29 146 Yes

Sacheen

30

282

Yes

Cutthroat, Tiger, Rainbow

No

No

No

No

-

Cutthroat

No

No

No

No

-

Eastern Brook, Rainbow

No

No

No

No

Primitive, walk-in. 447-7300

Rainbow

Yes

No

No

No

Undeveloped campsites, public access, picnic shelter.

Large Mouth Bass, Rainbow, No No No No Kokanee, Sunfish, Eastern Brook Eastern Brook, Rainbow, Tiger

Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

Wash. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) access with boat launch, restrooms. 509-892-1001 WDFW access with boat launch. 509-892-1001

Diamond 31 755 Yes

Brown trout, Rainbow, Bass, Yes rest. Yes Yes Yellow Perch, Bullhead (both) stores

WDFW access with boat launch, resorts, private camp grounds, stores, restaurants. 509-892-1001.

Horseshoe 32 128 Yes

Kokanee, Lake Trout, Bass, Yes Yes No Yes Gravel boat launch, scenic falls, restrooms. 509-892-1001 Perch, Rainbow, Sunfish, Crappie

Fan 33 73 Yes Rainbow, Spiny Rays No No No No

WDFW access with boat launch, motors prohibited. Lends itself to fly fishing. 509-892-1001

Vanes Lake

4 miles E. Furport

35

No

E. Brook, Cutthroat

No

No

No

No

PEND OREILLE RIVER - NORTH* Boundary Dam Reservoir 36 N/A Concrete Deck •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No Camping, restrooms, drinking water, docks, campfire spots. 446-3083

Metaline City Park 37 N/A Gravel •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes Yes Yes No

Picnic area, restrooms, drinking water. Private camp grounds nearby. 446-4641

Box Canyon Dam 38 N/A “Campbell Pond”

Gravel & •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No Concrete

Swimming area, viewpoint, services available within 5 mi. of the dam.Picnic Area. Camping available at Campbell Park 446-3137

Ione City Park 39 N/A Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass No No No No

Picnic shelter, drinking fountain, boat launch, services available in Ione. 442-3611

RiverView Motel 40 N/A Next door • Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No

to Ione Pk.

12-unit motel, coin-op laundry, small dock, satellite TV, microwave and refrigerator, wireless internet, coffee Motel: 442-2990

The Ione Motel & RV Park 41 N/A Next door •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No

at Ione Pk.

11 rooms with cable TV, phone, microwave, fridge; 18 RV sites, showers, public laundry, dock, tent area. 442-3213

Edgewater 42 N/A Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass, Yes No No No

Yellow Perch, Walleye

Forest Service fee campground, 20 sites; water, toilets, host, picnic area, boat launch. Day use fee, season pass available. 446-7500

Blueslide Resort (fee) 43 N/A Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes Yes No No

Pike, Sunfish both

Cabins, RV, tent sites, heated pool, propane, country store, hot showers, live bait. laundromat, and playgound 445-1327

MID RIVER Old Ruby Ferry Road (W)

44

N/A

Gravel

•Trout, ••Other, Bass

No

No

No

No

Rustic.

Old Ruby Ferry Road (E)

45

N/A

Gravel

•Trout, ••Other, Bass

No

No

No

No

Rustic.

Panhandle 47 10 Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No

13 sites; boat launch, water, toilets, hosts. Forest Service fee camp ground. Day use fee. Season pass available.

447-7300

Usk General Store 48 N/A Gravel •Trout, ••Other, Bass, Pike Yes Yes Yes Yes Store, gas, picnicking,

propane. 445-1294 NEWPORT AREA Pioneer Park 49 N/A Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass Yes No No No

Forest Service fee campground- 17 sites; picnicking, picnic shelter, water, toilets, hosts, boat launch. Day use fee. Season pass available. 447-7300

Oldtown Rotary Park 50 N/A Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass No No No No Launch is in Idaho; River enters Wash. state downstream; (Below Albeni Dam, ID) visitors center. Restrooms available during summer on

weekends. The docks will be in early summer and out in the

fall, subject to water level conditions. 437-3833 Gregg’s Addition Sandy Shores

51

N/A

Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass

No

No

No

No

Limited parking.

-

N/A

Concrete •Trout, ••Other, Bass

No

No

No

No

Limited parking.

2012 FISHING GUIDE- 11

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Hook a Home Cooked Meal

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

6 am - 10 pm • Restaurant 6 am - Midnight • Lounge

Hand Battered Cod & Chips

Prime Rib Dinner

Friday & Saturday

Cross Roads Cafe

421341 Hwy 20, Usk 509-445-1515

OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER

We have something for everyone

“Your Hometown Difference”

Washington & Idaho Fishing & Hunting Licenses Sold Here!

Fishing Gear

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Stove Headquarters

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Any Sporting Goods Purchase of $20.00 or more with coupon.

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Just East of the Oldtown Bridge (208) 437-5669

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