im trying to find  out when the lakes in spokane open for fishing or where i can find out were to look on the internet for it. what lakes are good to fish in for bass. i have a boat so getting out in the lake is not a problem.

can anyone help me with this.im new to fishing and me and my wife really want to start fishing.

Here is the list of washington tournament waters where permits have been issued and their dates

www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/contests/2009contests.htm

.....if they have tourneys...they have Bass!! also hit the W.D.F.W. logo and it will have thelink to all the lakes and their seasons, closures, species etc.

Hope it helps!!!

Bear lake (34 acres)

Located in a county park off Highway 2 about half-way between Spokane and Newport, this lake offers largemouth bass, perch, and planted rainbow trout. Bear Lake changes from juveniles-only to family fishing rules on May 1, 2000: Only juveniles or licensed adults accompanied by a juvenile are allowed to fish. Check with the regional office in Spokane for details. Access depends on whether or not the county park is open. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October.

Chapman Lake (146 acres)

This lake has a late closure so you can take advantage of good action on its largemouth and smallmouth bass then. Chapman also provides good catches of rainbow trout and kokanee, with a generous kokanee limit; check the regulations pamphlet for details. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Clear Lake (375 acres)

This spring's plants of yearling rainbow and brown trout, along with fall fry plants of both, should provide good action. This lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. A good largemouth bass fishery is available here as well. Located two miles south of the town of Medical Lake, Clear Lake has resorts and a public access on the south end. Low water conditions can make launching trailered boats very difficult. Small car-top boats, rafts and canoes are recommended. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through October 31.

Liberty Lake (711 acres)

Although largemouth bass, perch and other warmwater species dominate here, yearling and broodstock rainbow trout and yearling brown trout are planted. This lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Walleyes have been planted and may be of legal size by now. Liberty is just 15 miles east of Spokane at the town of Liberty Lake. Public access is available. Disabled accessibility ­ level surfaces, can fish from bank at access. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30.

Long Lake (5020 acres)

This is actually a reservoir on the Spokane River, created by a hydroelectric dam 23 miles northwest of town. It provides good largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and bullhead fishing, plus an occasional northern pike. Planted catchable-size brown trout are also taken, and smallmouth bass have been stocked. Long Lake is open year-round and has several resorts, plus a DNR camp and boat launch off the Nine Mile Falls road.

Newman Lake (1200 acres)

This lake 14 miles east of Spokane on Highway 290 has something for everybody: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch, catfish, plus some rainbow, brown and eastern brook trout. The lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. In addition, Newman has been stocked with tiger muskies, with a one-fish, 36-inch minimum size limit; please check your regulations pamphlet for details. There is public access on the east shore, and resorts. Year-round open season. Disabled accessibility ­ Level 1. 3 WCTs, Blk Tpa, level, good WC accessibility.

I would recommend long lake. If you would want to travel a little bit I would definitely hit up pot holes.

thanks for the info guys. i  have seen people fishing on boats at liberty lake for a couple of weeks now and was wandering how that is if it doesnt open till late april

check out washingtonlakes.com it has some useful info on area lakes and also fishing reports.

Bassmaster just had a short article about some great bass fishing over there at Lk. Coeur de Alene.  Drop shot for the smallies.