Sorting seasons

Idaho and Washington have numerous fishing seasons geared to different waters and fisheries — too many to even summarize here. Always check current regulations for specific waters before going fishing. However, here are some opening dates to note:

Washington

March 1: With some notable local exceptions such as Amber and Coffeepot lakes, this opener is primarily for catch-and-release lakes or for trout lakes in the Columbia Basin where warmer temperatures might allow early fishing before the stifling heat of summer.

April 1: Primarily for lakes with some sort of special regulations, including Dry Falls Lake.

April 29: (last Saturday in April): THE opening day for most anglers heading out to some of the state’s most productive lowland lakes stocked with hatchery trout.

June 1: General stream fishing opener. However, many rivers, including portions of the Spokane River and Crab Creek, can be fished year-round.

Dec. 1: Specially managed winter fishing lakes such as Fourth of July and Hog Canyon.

Year-round: Unless specifically mentioned in the Washington fishing regulations pamphlet, all other streams and lakes are open to fishing year-round.

Idaho

May 27 (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend): Rivers and streams general opener.

Dec. 1: Winter stream opener for catch-and-release trout and whitefish and brook trout harvest.

Year-round: Unless specifically mentioned in the Idaho fishing regulations pamphlet, all other lakes are open to fishing year-round.