Cedar Lake is a shallow, weedy reservoir best for bass and panfish in spring and early summer

Cedar Lake sits about 30 miles south of Spokane near the town of Reardan and runs roughly 400 acres when full. The lake is shallow throughout — most of it runs 15 to 25 feet deep, with the deepest holes around 35 feet — which means it warms fast in spring and turns over hard in late summer. That shallow character makes it excellent for largemouth bass and bluegill from April through June, but the same shallowness that makes spring fishing good makes August fishing difficult. The water gets weedy, oxygen levels drop in the deeper basins, and fish move to whatever deep water exists or simply become less active.

The lake has a public boat launch on the north shore and a day-use area with parking. There is no overnight camping at the lake itself, though Reardan is close enough for a motel stay if you want to fish multiple days. The surrounding country is dry ponderosa pine and sagebrush — typical of the Inland Northwest — so expect sun exposure and bring water and sunscreen.

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar Lake fishes best from April through early June when water temperatures are rising and bass are shallow and aggressive.
  • The lake is shallow and weedy, so focus on the edges of weed beds, fallen timber, and any structure you can see rather than deep-water techniques.
  • Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and bite readily on small spinners, soft plastics, and live crickets throughout the open season.
  • A small boat or float tube is useful but not required — the north shore has accessible structure and the lake is small enough to fish effectively from shore.

Spring bass fishing: April through May

Bass move shallow in April as the water warms from the low 50s toward the mid-60s. Fish the north and west shores where the sun hits first and the water warms fastest. Look for any change in bottom — transitions from sand to rock, the edges of weed beds before they fully develop, and any fallen timber or brush. Bass in shallow lakes like this one relate hard to cover, so if you see a deadfall or a patch of cattails, cast to it.

Throw small crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range, soft plastic worms in dark colors, or spinnerbaits with small blades. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, but the shallow water and high sun angle mean fish can feed throughout the day if they are there. If you are fishing from shore, the north shore near the boat launch has the most accessible structure and the shallowest approach to deeper water.

Panfish and bluegill: April through July

Bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish are the most reliable fish in Cedar Lake and bite consistently from spring through early summer. They spawn in May and June in the shallows, and during that window they are aggressive and easy to locate. Fish any shallow bay or the edges of weed beds in 3 to 8 feet of water. Small spinners — size 0 or 1 — in silver or gold work well, as do 2-inch soft plastics in natural colors like tan or white.

Live bait is effective too: crickets, small minnows, or waxworms all produce. A simple bobber rig with a small hook and a cricket will catch panfish all day if you can find the right depth. Panfish fishing holds up longer into summer than bass fishing does, so if you visit in July, focus on panfish rather than chasing bass in the heat.

Summer conditions and why fishing slows

By late July, Cedar Lake becomes difficult. The shallow water heats into the high 70s and low 80s, weeds choke the shallows, and oxygen levels drop in the deeper basins where fish retreat. Bass become less active and harder to locate. Panfish bite still happens, but it is concentrated in early morning and late evening when the water is coolest.

If you visit in August or September, fish the deepest holes you can find — usually near the dam or in the center of the lake — and focus on early morning. Alternatively, consider visiting a different lake in the Spokane area that holds cooler water or has better depth structure. Cedar Lake is a spring and early-summer destination, not a year-round one.

Tackle and technique for shallow water

Bring light to medium spinning gear — a 6-foot rod with 6- to 8-pound test line is ideal for both bass and panfish. Heavy tackle is unnecessary and will reduce your bite rate in shallow, clear water. Avoid deep-diving crankbaits; instead, throw shallow runners or topwater plugs that work the top 3 feet of water where most of the structure and fish are.

Weed growth means you will occasionally get snagged. Bring extra lures and do not be afraid to pull hard on a snag — sometimes you can break free, and the alternative is losing tackle. A weed guard on your hooks helps, and soft plastics are more forgiving than hard baits when you are fishing through vegetation.

Access and regulations

The public boat launch is on the north shore and has a small parking area. A Washington State fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Bass have a year-round season with a daily limit of five fish (check current regulations with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, as rules can change). Panfish have no closed season and typically have a generous daily limit — usually 25 bluegill per day, though verify before you fish.

The lake is open to the public, but respect private property around the shoreline. Stick to the public access area and the water itself. There is no fuel or food at the lake, so bring what you need from Reardan or Spokane.

When to visit and what to bring

Plan your trip for April, May, or early June for the best fishing. The weather is mild, the fish are active, and the lake is not yet choked with weeds. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water — the Inland Northwest sun is intense even in spring. If you are fishing from shore, wear polarized sunglasses so you can see fish in the shallow water. A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish for dinner.

If you have a small boat or float tube, bring it — Cedar Lake is small enough that you can cover a lot of water, and a boat lets you reach deeper structure and the dam area. If you do not have a boat, do not skip the lake; the north shore is productive and accessible, and panfish will keep you busy all morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Cedar Lake year-round?

Yes, the lake is open year-round, but fishing quality drops sharply after July. Spring and early summer are when the lake fishes best. Winter fishing is possible but slow, and the shallow water means ice-out can be unpredictable.

Do I need a boat to fish Cedar Lake?

No. The north shore near the public access has good structure and is productive from shore. A boat or float tube extends your range and lets you reach deeper water and the dam, but many anglers catch fish without one.

What is the best bait for panfish at Cedar Lake?

Live crickets and small minnows work well. Artificial lures like small spinners and soft plastics also produce. Panfish are not picky, so bring a variety and see what the fish prefer on the day you visit.

Is Cedar Lake stocked with fish?

Cedar Lake has a natural population of bass and panfish. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife does not regularly stock it, so the fishery depends on natural reproduction and the lake's ability to support those populations.

What should I do if the lake is too weedy to fish?

Weed growth is heaviest in July and August. If you arrive and the lake is choked, fish the edges of the weed beds rather than through them, or visit a different lake in the Spokane area. Early morning often clears the surface enough to fish effectively.