What West Medical Lake Offers

West Medical Lake sits about 25 miles southwest of Spokane and holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill in water that ranges from shallow bays to depths over 60 feet. The lake spans roughly 700 acres and draws both locals and visitors because the fish are willing and the access is straightforward — no long hikes, no private land to cross. The water stays cool enough through summer that bass remain active all day, unlike some desert reservoirs where you lose the bite by mid-morning.

The lake's character changes with the season. Spring brings spawning bass to the shallows and crappie to the brush. Summer means deeper structure and early-morning or evening topwater. Fall can be the most consistent month — bass move to transition zones between deep and shallow water, and you can catch them predictably from mid-morning through afternoon. Winter slows everything down, but the lake does not freeze solid most years, and a few anglers work the deeper holes for bass and crappie through February.

Key Takeaways

  • West Medical Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill within 25 miles of Spokane, with public boat launch access and no reservation required.
  • Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing; summer requires early morning or evening; winter is slow but possible on warmer days.
  • The lake has shallow bays suitable for wading or small boats and deep structure (60+ feet) that holds bass year-round.
  • Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics and topwater in shallow water; smallmouth prefer crankbaits and jigs on rocky points and drop-offs.

Launch Points and Where to Fish

The main public boat launch is on the north shore, operated by Spokane County Parks. It has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small day-use fee — bring cash or check, as the attendant does not always have card readers. The launch can get crowded on summer weekends, especially Saturday mornings, so an early start saves frustration.

Once on the water, the north and east shores hold shallow bays with emergent vegetation and fallen timber — prime largemouth habitat. Work these areas with a 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a crawfish imitation or a 4-inch soft plastic worm in brown or green. The west side drops off faster and holds smallmouth on rocky points; throw a 1/4-ounce crankbait or a 3/16-ounce jig in shad patterns. The southern end has a mix: shallow flats near the shore and a deeper channel in the middle that holds both species during summer.

Tackle and Technique for Each Species

Largemouth bass at West Medical respond best to soft plastics and topwater lures. A 6.5-foot medium-power spinning rod with 10-pound braided line works for most situations. Cast a 4-inch worm or creature bait around vegetation, fallen trees, and dock pilings. In early morning or evening, throw a topwater popper or walking bait over the same cover — the strikes are aggressive and visible. Retrieve slowly; these bass are not always in a hurry.

Smallmouth prefer crankbaits and jigs on harder structure. Use a 6.5-foot medium-power rod with 8-pound fluorocarbon line for better sensitivity on rocky bottom. A 1/4-ounce crankbait in shad or crawfish patterns works well on points and drop-offs. If the bite slows, switch to a 3/16-ounce jig with a small crawfish trailer and work it vertically or with short hops along the bottom. Crappie and bluegill take small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) or live minnows under a bobber in brush and around docks.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (March through May) brings spawning bass to water 2 to 6 feet deep. Fish the shallow bays early and late in the day; midday, move to slightly deeper transition zones. Crappie spawn in April and May and school in brush piles and around docks — this is the easiest time to catch them in numbers.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper during the day. Fish early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) in shallow water. During midday, move to the deeper channel on the south end or work rocky points on the west shore where smallmouth hold in cooler water. Bluegill bite all day in shallow bays if you use small jigs or live minnows.

Fall (September through November) is the most consistent season. Bass move to transition zones — the edges between shallow flats and deeper water — and stay there most of the day. Fish the 8- to 15-foot depth range with soft plastics and crankbaits. The bite remains strong from mid-morning through late afternoon.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. On days above 40 degrees, work the deepest holes (50+ feet) with small jigs or live minnows. Bass and crappie move to these depths and stay there; you will catch fewer fish, but the ones you do catch are often larger.

What to Bring and Local Regulations

Washington State requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at most sporting goods stores in Spokane. The lake has a daily catch limit of five bass (combined largemouth and smallmouth) with a 12-inch minimum length. Crappie and bluegill have no daily limit, but check current regulations before you go — rules change occasionally.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water even in spring and fall; the sun reflects off the water and the wind can come up quickly. A depth finder is not essential but saves time finding structure. If you wade, wear a personal flotation device — the lake bottom is uneven and deeper than it looks in places. Bring a net for landing bass; it saves time and reduces injury to the fish.

When the Bite Slows Down

If you are not catching fish after an hour, move. West Medical is small enough that you can cover new water quickly. If the shallow bays are dead, run to the deeper channel. If crankbaits are not working, switch to soft plastics. If the west shore is quiet, try the north bays. The fish are there; you are just not in the right place or throwing the right lure.

Pressure from weekend anglers can slow the bite by midday, especially in summer. If you fish Saturday or Sunday afternoon, expect fewer strikes than you would on a weekday morning. Plan accordingly — arrive early or fish a weekday if your schedule allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish West Medical Lake without a boat?

Yes. The north shore has a small beach area where you can wade and cast to shallow water. You will catch bluegill and crappie easily; largemouth bass are possible but less predictable from shore. A kayak or canoe opens up more water and is worth considering if you do not have a motorboat.

What is the water temperature in summer?

Surface temperature reaches the mid-70s by July and August. The thermocline (the layer where temperature drops sharply) sits around 25 to 30 feet deep. Bass move below it during the day to find cooler water, which is why deep structure and early-morning fishing are important in summer.

Are there any hazards I should know about?

The lake has submerged stumps and logs, especially in the shallow bays. Run at idle speed in water shallower than 8 feet. The west shore has rocky points that can damage a prop if you are not paying attention. Stay clear of the dam on the south end — there is a no-wake zone and the current can be strong.

Do I need a fish finder to catch bass here?

No, but one helps. The lake is small enough that you can locate structure by looking at the shoreline and casting to likely spots. A depth finder speeds up the process and lets you find the deeper holes in the middle of the lake where bass hide in summer.

What is the best month to fish West Medical?

Fall (September and October) offers the most consistent bite and comfortable weather. Spring (April and May) is excellent for crappie and spawning bass. Summer requires early mornings or evenings but can produce large fish. Winter is slow and best left to experienced anglers with patience.