Drought conditions prompt Spokane River Fishing Closures

State fishery managers have closed or restricted fishing on more than 30 rivers throughout Washington. Drought conditions resulting in reduced flows and increased water temperatures is the culprit. The Spokane River is no exception.

Fishing from 2 pm to midnight is closed from the Idaho State Line to Plese Flats (5 miles upstream of Nine Mile Dam). In addition, there are closures on Spokane River Tributaries (which includes Latah Creek and the Little Spokane) as well. Click here to view closure updates from WDFW.

It appears native red band trout are seeking refuge in cold water areas where the aquifer discharges into the Spokane River. Said Sean Visintainer, owner of Silver Bow Fly Shop and leading provider of guided Spokane River angling trips, “The redband trout are still active in the recharge areas and the fishing has been good. The trout are fighting very strong, being released quickly and do not appear to be stressed.”

A redband spawning habitat study at Starr Road, which is just a bit upstream from Harvard Road, supports what Sean’s eyeballs are observing. The study is being conducted by EWU grad student Taylor McCroskey and funded by Trout Unlimited.

Using day and night snorkel surveys as well as minnow traps, McCroskey identified only two adult and 5 juvenile redband trout at this location. Since Starr Road has been identified by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as one of the major spawning beds in the upper most Spokane River and the location of a habitat enhancement project being put in this year. McCroskey’s research supports speculation that fish moved downstream early to seek cold water refuge.