The 2018 Washington official lowland lakes trout opener is this Saturday. To prepare for the opener, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish hatchery crews have been stocking more than 12 million trout and kokanee in lakes statewide since last fall.
Even the lakes that have remained open for winter trout fishing will be stocked heavily in advance of the opener.
Fish stocked by WDFW include some 2.1 million catchable trout, nearly 125,000 larger trout averaging about one pound apiece, and millions of smaller trout that were stocked last year and have grown to catchable size.
Fish stocking details, by county and lake, are available in the annual stocking plan on WDFW’s website.
WDFW Region 5 fisheries biologist Matt Gardner says that even though many lakes do remain open year round, the spring opener is still a lot of fun.
“It’s pretty popular with the public,” said Gardner. “They definitely look forward to it. The lakes are heavily planted, and the derby generates a lot of excitement.”
Green tag equals prize
Gardner is referring to the 2018 Trout Fishing Derby. The department has stocked 1000 green-tagged trout in 100 lakes statewide. Any angler catching a tagged trout can turn in that tag for a prize.
Over 120 businesses participate and there is over $38,000 in prizes.
The derby runs through Oct. 31. More information can be found on the WDFW 2018 Trout Fishing Derby webpage.
The list of Southwest Washington lakes stocked in advance of the opener includes Klineline Pond, Battle Ground Lake, Lacamas Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Kress Lake.
Trout will also be stocked in Columbia River Gorge lakes including: Horsethief Lake, Rowland Lake, Spearfish Lake, Icehouse Lake, and Maryhill Lake.
While there are many ways of catching the trout, most anglers will be fishing Berkley Powerbait on the bottom.
Stacie Kelsey of the WDFW Inland Fishes Program suggests that anglers bring a variety of bait. She explains that the trout sometimes stop biting Powerbait, and when that happens it’s a good idea to switch to something else. She suggested worms or biscuit dough rolled into small balls.
“The trout go crazy for that biscuit dough,” adds Kelsey.
Unfortunately, the popular triploid rainbows will not be part of the mix this season. “There just wasn’t the budget for them this year,” said Kelsey.
Mineral Lake
Gardner saidthe Mineral Lake fishery gets some attention every year. “It’s very popular,” he said.
The lake is in central Washington near Elbe, a two-hour drive northeast of Vancouver.
Kelsey also notes that Mineral is a favorite of many trout anglers.
“Mineral Lake is super popular,” she said. “Vancouver area folks go up there a lot. It’s closed during the winter and stocked with fingerling trout in the fall. The fish grow super well in there and are catchable size by spring.”
“It’s a beautiful Lake surrounded by mountains. It’s not an urban fishery at all,” she adds.
A spokesperson at the Mineral Lake Resort reported that most anglers are still fishing with Power eggs, worms, or marshmallows. Boat anglers often troll with wooly buggers, or cowbells with worms. There is a large fee-fishing dock at the resort where many anglers fish.
The lake offers rainbow and brown trout, and there are plenty of large, hold-over trout up to 5 pounds and larger.
The resort rents 12- and 14-foot boats, as well as pontoon boats. They also offer cabins and RV camping. For more information call the Mineral Lake Resort: 360-492-5367.
Rowland Lake
Rowland Lake is another really popular fishery for local anglers. Located between the towns of Bingen and Lyle, the lake is located along State Highway 14 and is surrounded by the rugged scenery of the Columbia River Gorge.
Fishing icon Buzz Ramsey of Yakima Bait loves to fish Rowland Lake and generally can be found there every opening day.
“Opening day is often the best trout fishing of the year,” said Ramsey.
Ramsey will be using his drift boat to troll plugs like the Flatfish or the new trout-sized Maglip 2.0 and will also cast Berkley trout worms for the fish.
“This year the weather forecast is not so good,” Ramsey said, reporting that the wind is supposed to be brisk. “It’s a good idea to go early before the wind starts to blow.”
If the wind is too harsh he suggests boat anglers anchor and still fish, or get out of the wind by fishing in the lee at the north and west ends of the lake.
Bank fishermen are generally fishing power bait on the bottom, although a few fishermen toss spinners.
He has been seeing more people fish their Powerbait with l’il Corkies. The idea is to rig your line with a slip-weight and a 20 to 30 inch leader. Along with the corky, fish a small amount of Powerbait. The corky and bait will float up off the bottom where it is easier for the trout to find it.
The best bank fishing seems to be along the northern shore on both sides of the boat launch.
Anglers will need a Discover Pass and a WDFW parking pass at Rowland Lake. Gas powered motors are prohibited.
To participate in the opener, Washington anglers must have an annual freshwater or combination fishing license valid through March 31, 2019.
