The Spokane River runs clear and cold from the Idaho border to the Columbia, holding smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout across its 111-mile length through eastern Washington

The Spokane River is a working fishery that changes character as it flows west. The upper river near the Idaho border holds rainbow and cutthroat trout in pocket water and deeper pools. The middle section around Spokane itself is warmer and slower, dominated by smallmouth bass and walleye. The lower river below the city dams transitions toward the Columbia and holds larger walleye, some pike, and occasional sturgeon. Most anglers fish one section repeatedly rather than the whole river, because access, current, and target species shift dramatically over those 111 miles.

Water temperature and flow matter more here than on many western rivers. The Spokane is dam-controlled from Spokane Falls downstream, which means flow can change without warning and water levels can swing several feet in a day. The upper river above the city runs colder and faster, especially in spring runoff. Summer brings lower flows and warmer water, which pushes trout deeper and makes bass more active in shallows. Fall is often the most stable season for consistent fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • The upper Spokane near the Idaho border holds trout in pocket water and requires wading; the middle river around the city is slower and warmer with smallmouth and walleye; the lower river below the dams is deeper and slower.
  • Water releases from dams can change flow and water level without warning, so check current conditions before you go and be ready to move if the river rises.
  • Trout fishing is best in spring and fall when water is cooler; smallmouth and walleye are most active in summer and early fall.
  • Most public access points are city parks or state wildlife areas, and several require parking fees or have limited hours.
  • A Washington fishing license and the appropriate catch record card (trout or warm-water species) are required; check current regulations for slot limits on walleye and bass.

Upper River: Trout Water Above the City

The Spokane above downtown Spokane is a classic small-to-medium trout stream. It flows through a mix of public land and private property, with pocket water, riffles, and deeper pools. Rainbow trout dominate, with cutthroat in some sections and occasional brook trout in tributary streams. The water is cold enough year-round to support trout, but summer heat can slow fishing by mid-July.

Access to the upper river is scattered. The most reliable public spots are around Hangman Valley Road east of the city, where pullouts and informal access points dot the highway. Holmberg Community Park near the town of Mead offers parking and a short walk to the river. The Spokane River Centennial Trail, a paved path that runs much of the river's length, provides walking access in some sections, though you cannot fish directly from the trail in most places.

Wading is the standard method here. The river is generally wadeable in summer and fall, though spring runoff can push flows high enough to make crossing dangerous. Bring a wading staff and watch for slick rocks. Fly fishing works well with small nymphs and dry flies in summer; spin anglers do well with small spinners and spoons. The upper river is not a high-volume fishery — you will often have long stretches to yourself, but that also means fewer fish per mile than some other regional streams.

Middle River: Smallmouth and Walleye Around Spokane

The Spokane through and below the city is warmer, slower, and deeper than the upper river. Smallmouth bass are the dominant species here, along with walleye that move into the shallows at dawn and dusk. The current slows behind the series of dams, creating long pools and slack water where bass hold around structure. This section is more forgiving for anglers who do not want to wade — you can fish from shore or from a boat in many places.

Holmberg Park, Gonzaga Park, and the Riverfront Park area in downtown Spokane all offer public access. Holmberg is the most productive for bass and has a boat launch. Gonzaga Park is smaller but less crowded. The Centennial Trail runs through much of this section and offers shore access, though the best fishing is usually in the deeper pools away from the trail. Several private marinas rent small boats and canoes if you want to reach the middle-river pools.

Smallmouth respond to topwater lures early and late in the day, especially in summer. Crankbaits and soft plastics work throughout the day in deeper water. Walleye are most active at dusk and dawn; live shiners or shad under a slip bobber, or jigging with minnow-head jigs, will take fish. The middle river fishes well from June through October, with September and early October often producing the largest fish as water cools slightly.

Lower River: Walleye and Larger Fish Below the Dams

Below the last Spokane River dam, the river widens and deepens as it approaches the Columbia. This section holds larger walleye, some northern pike, and occasional sturgeon. The current is slow and the water is deeper — this is not a wading section. A boat is almost essential here, though some shore access exists at boat launches and parks.

The Nine Mile Dam area and the stretch between Nine Mile and the Columbia are the main lower-river fisheries. Access is limited; the best public launch is at the Nine Mile Recreation Area, which has a fee. The river here is wider and slower, with deeper holes and channel breaks where walleye hold. Pike are present but not abundant; they are most common in the backwater areas and side channels.

Walleye fishing in the lower river is best at night or in low-light conditions. Jigs tipped with live minnows, dragged slowly along the bottom, are the standard method. Some anglers troll crankbaits in the deeper sections. Pike, if you encounter them, will take larger lures and live bait. The lower river is less crowded than the middle section and can produce larger individual fish, but it requires more planning and equipment.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring runoff, typically March through May, pushes the Spokane high and fast. Trout fishing can be good in the upper river if you can find slower water along the banks, but the middle and lower sections become difficult. Water is cold and visibility is poor. Many anglers skip the Spokane during peak runoff and fish smaller tributaries or wait for flows to drop.

Summer, June through August, brings lower flows and warmer water. The upper river becomes marginal for trout by mid-July as water temperatures climb. The middle river around Spokane is at its best for smallmouth and walleye. Early morning and evening are critical — midday fishing is slow. Water releases from dams can cool the river temporarily, so watch for changes in flow and adjust your location accordingly.

Fall, September through November, is the most consistent season. Water cools, flows stabilize, and fish are active throughout the day. Trout return to the upper river as water temperature drops. Smallmouth and walleye in the middle section are feeding heavily before winter. This is the best time to fish the entire river if you have only one trip planned.

Winter fishing is possible but limited. The upper river can freeze in places, and access becomes difficult. The middle and lower sections remain open and can fish, but water is cold and fish are less active. Some walleye fishing happens in the lower river on mild days, but most anglers focus on other waters during winter.

Access Points and Parking

Public access to the Spokane River is fragmented but available at several points. Holmberg Community Park near Mead is the most versatile — it has parking, a boat launch, and shore access for both trout and warm-water fishing. Gonzaga Park in Spokane offers free parking and shore access but is smaller and more crowded on weekends. The Riverfront Park area in downtown Spokane has multiple access points but limited parking and is more urban.

The Nine Mile Recreation Area serves the lower river and has a boat launch and parking, but charges a day-use fee. Several informal pullouts along Hangman Valley Road provide access to the upper river, though parking is limited and some are on private land — ask before you park. The Spokane River Centennial Trail provides walking access along much of the river, but fishing access from the trail itself is restricted in many sections.

Check current conditions before you go. The Spokane River is dam-controlled, and water levels can change rapidly. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a real-time flow gauge for the Spokane River near Spokane, which you can check online. High flows make wading dangerous and can push fish into slack water where they are harder to find.

Regulations and Licensing

A Washington fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You will also need a catch record card — either the trout card or the warm-water species card, depending on what you plan to fish. Both are included with your license or available separately at sporting goods stores and online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Trout regulations on the Spokane vary by section. The upper river typically allows two trout per day with a 12-inch minimum. Some sections have special rules — check the current regulations before you fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of five fish, though some sections have slot limits that protect mid-sized fish. Pike, if you catch them, are usually unrestricted and you can keep as many as you want.

Regulations change annually, and some sections have special closures or restrictions. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website has a searchable regulation guide by water body and species. It is your responsibility to know the current rules for the section you plan to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Spokane River year-round?

Yes, but conditions vary dramatically by season. Trout fishing is best spring through fall. Smallmouth and walleye fish year-round but are most active spring through fall. Winter fishing is possible in the lower river but is slow and requires cold-weather gear.

Do I need a boat to fish the Spokane?

No. The upper river is waded. The middle river around Spokane has good shore access at parks. A boat helps on the lower river and lets you reach deeper pools in the middle section, but it is not required to catch fish.

What happens if the dam releases water while I am fishing?

Water level can rise several feet in minutes. If you are wading, move to shore immediately. Check the real-time flow gauge before you go and be ready to leave if flows increase. The middle and lower river are less affected by sudden releases than the upper river.

Is the Spokane River safe to wade?

The upper river is generally wadeable in summer and fall, but rocks are slick and current can be strong. Wear a wading staff and felt-soled boots. Spring runoff makes wading dangerous. The middle river is slower and safer to wade in designated areas, but most fishing there is from shore or boat.

Where should I start if I have never fished the Spokane?

Start at Holmberg Community Park near Mead. It has parking, a boat launch, and access to both trout and warm-water sections. The park is less crowded than downtown Spokane and gives you a sense of the river's character without the urban complexity.