Attractions
Sprague Lake
Address: Sprague Lake Rd, Ritzville, WA 99169 .This large lake is approximately two miles west of the City of Sprague, and bordering the south side of I-90, is shared by Adams (673 acres) and Lincoln (1203 acres) counties. The lake provides good opportunities for large Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill Sunfish, as well as both Brown Bullhead and Channel Catfish.
The regulations have now changed allowing anglers to harvest 5 trout of any size daily. The lake is open year round, however areas of the lake are closed during certain parts of the year.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/sprague-lake#photos
Columbia Plateau State Park Trail
Address: 21529 W Pine Springs Rd, Cheney, WA 99004 .Looking for an active road trip adventure? Get out your mountain or hybrid bike, pack your hiking boots and plan to visit a little-known Washington treasure.
The 3,876-acre, 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is one of the state's hidden riches; explorers who find it are rewarded with big eastern Washington skies, rolling landscapes and unforgettable journeys.
Start from the Fish Lake trailhead at the trail's northern end. Pass through 4.75 miles of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, home to deer, elk, moose, small mammals and 200 species of birds. (The best times to visit are early morning and evening.) Between March and May, and September and November, you'll be treated to spring and fall bird migrations; you may even see a trumpeter swan. The 23-mile improved trail provides rest and swim stops at Cheney and Amber Lake and ends at Martin Road. Most hikers arrange for an overnight stay or a car shuttle. The first 3.75 miles is an asphalt trail; the remaining 19.25 miles are crushed gravel.
The southern end of the trail overlays the former Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad opened in 1908. The trail follows the Snake River from the impressive Ice Harbor Dam to the Snake River Junction 15 miles north. This section made of crushed gravel welcomes walkers, bikers and equestrians. The trail has several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers access points.
The trail's nearly 100-mile midsection remains undeveloped and goes for long stretches without resources such as food supplies, potable water and first aid. It is only recommended for expert long-distance hikers who undertake careful planning.
Columbia Plateau is part of State Parks' commitment to long-distance recreation trails, and long-range plans include developing trail through Devil's Canyon to Benge, with segments along the Palouse River and a connection to Sacajawea State Park.
Once you've covered the two ends of the trail, why not check out Washington's state waterfall and its dramatic surroundings at Palouse Falls State Park. Plan a picnic overlooking the falls before starting the last leg of travel – the drive home.
Fishtrap Recreation Area
Address: Unnamed Road, Sprague, WA 99032 .The Fishtrap Area offers 9,000 acres of beautiful landscapes and an old farmstead, with habitats ranging from forest to shrub-steppe, grassland, and wetlands. Fishtrap is home to two scenic fishing lakes and numerous species of birds and other wildlife.
The historic Folsom Farm Recreation Site demonstrates how the landscape was converted into small farms, ranches, and communities beginning in the late 1800’s.
Enjoy the chance to explore, view and study nature, picnic, backpack, horseback ride, mountain bike, or hunt throughout the entire Fishtrap area. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is popular at Fishtrap Lake, and during the winter season at Hog Canyon Lake.Know Before You Go:
- Fishtrap Recreation Area is open year-round has no developed campsites.
- The South Loop Trailhead parking lot has substantial space for vehicle and RV parking/camping. Additional minimal space is available at the Folsom Farm, and Hog Lake Loop Trailhead parking lots. See the Fishtrap Area map. vehicle and RV parking/camping is limited to existing parking areas and camping pull-outs.
- Dispersed (tent) camping is allowed. Please practice the seven Leave No Trace principles when recreating on Public Lands.
- Check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing regulations for fishing seasons at Hog Canyon Lake and Fishtrap Lake. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (a paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)
Point of Interest:
You may want to check out the popular +8-mile non-motorized Fishtrap Loop Trail system, a partnership project between the BLM and area non-motorized trail user groups. Besides prolific wildflowers in springtime, year-round trail features include scenic vistas of Fishtrap Lake, and even a few Channeled Scablands geologic kolk craters or ponds to explore. As shown on the Fishtrap Area map, this trail system features a north loop and a south loop, each with its own trailhead parking lot. The loops provide options for various distance treks, horseback rides, or mountain bike rides. E-bikes are prohibited on all trails at Fishtrap.
Fish Trap Lake
Address: 29920 W Scroggie Rd, Sprague, WA 99032 .Fishtrap Lake was rehabilitated in the fall of 2017 due to an infestation of undesirable fish species. This restored Rainbow Trout fishery is fishing well, and will continue to perform well as WDFW stocks the lake with trout fry, and carry-overs enhance the trout size structure.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/fishtrap-lake
Mary Queen of Heaven Roman Catholic Church
Address: 200 W Alder St, Sprague, WA 99032 .Mary Queen of Heaven Roman Catholic Church is a historic church at N. First and B Street in Sprague, Washington.
It was built in a Gothic Revival style and was added to the National Register in 1990.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Queen_of_Heaven_Roman_Catholic_Church
Badger Lake
Address: 33821 S, Aztec Ln, Cheney, WA 99004 .Badger Lake is one of the most popular lowland trout lakes in the region. WDFW annually stocks both Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout fry which drive the fishery. WDFW also stocks a modest number of Kokanee each year.
When kept clean of nuisance fish species, this lake is one of the best opening day trout lakes in the state. Badger Lake is a great family fishing destination, whether you enjoy the lake from a boat or try your luck bank fishing from the WDFW access area.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/badger-lake
Williams Lake
Address: W Williams Lake Rd, Cheney, WA 99004 .Williams Lake is a popular lowland trout lake. WDFW will be stocking the lake annually with Rainbow and Cutthroat trout fry which will drive the fishery from this point forward. Modest numbers of Tiger Trout are also stocked annually. Williams is a great family fishing water, and current improvements to the WDFW access site will make launching a boat a lot easier. This lake typically fishes well all spring long and again in September.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/williams-lake-spokane
Downs Lake
Address: Washington 99004 .The fishing season for this lake begins March 1st and continues through September 30th, Downs warms up earlier than other Spokane County lakes because it's located in the southwest corner of the county and has an average depth of less than 12 feet. With a mild winter, anglers can count on early fishing opportunity for yellow perch, largemouth bass, black crappie and other warmwater fish, along with stocked catchable-size rainbow trout. There is a resort with a small boat launch.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/downs-lake
Fourth of July Lake
Address: Washington 99017 .This lake opens to fishing the first Friday following Thanksgiving, giving anglers an alternative to the Black Friday shopping day.
This lake is in top form and is one of the areas top producing winter-only lakes for trout fishing. The lake is annually stocked with put-grow-and-take, and fry plant Rainbow Trout, and along with the decent carry-over rate, rainbows in excess of 20 inches are not uncommon and provide plenty of action. Fourth of July Lake is a popular destination for fly anglers.
The regulations have now changed allowing anglers to harvest 5 trout of any size daily throughout the open season. Anglers should check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules and season information.
Anglers should be aware of periodic low water conditions which makes launching a challenge. Internal combustion engines are not allowed on this lake which allows for a nice peaceful outing. Although this is a winter-only lake, anglers can often find open water conditions during the months of December and March.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/fourth-of-july-lake
