Washington · Fishing
Fishing in Cheney, Washington
Cheney sits in the middle of Washington's channeled scablands, a landscape pocked with small lakes that were carved out by prehistoric floods and have been quietly producing fish ever since.
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Cheney sits in the middle of Washington's channeled scablands, a landscape pocked with small lakes that were carved out by prehistoric floods and have been quietly producing fish ever since. Within a short drive of town you'll find more than a dozen fishable lakes, including Amber Lake, Williams Lake, Fish Lake, Mason Lake, and smaller waters like Kepple Lake, Cossalman Lake, and Feustal Lake. The pattern here is consistent: these are mostly shallow, productive warmwater and trout lakes that respond well to simple setups and don't require a boat to fish effectively, though a float tube or small craft opens up a lot more water. Thirty Acre Lake and Queen Lucas Lake are worth the trip for anglers who like less pressure, while Down's Lake and McDowell Lake tend to draw more local regulars. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks several of these lakes seasonally, so timing your visit around stocking schedules — which WDFW publishes on its website — can make a real difference. Spring and early summer are generally the most productive windows before water temperatures climb, and fall brings a second strong bite on most of these waters. If you're new to fishing the Cheney area, starting on a well-known lake like Fish Lake or Williams Lake gives you a reasonable baseline before you start exploring the smaller, less-documented spots.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch at the lakes around Cheney?
The lakes in the Cheney area are primarily stocked with rainbow trout, and several also hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. Amber Lake and Williams Lake are among the more popular trout destinations locally. Check the WDFW stocking report for the specific lake you're targeting before you go, since not every lake receives the same treatment each season.
Do I need a boat to fish these lakes, or can I fish from shore?
Most of these lakes have at least some fishable shoreline, and smaller waters like Kepple Lake, Cossalman Lake, and Feustal Lake are compact enough that shore fishing covers a good portion of the productive water. A float tube or kayak will give you access to deeper structure and weed edges that shore anglers can't reach, especially on larger lakes like Williams Lake or Fish Lake. A motorized boat is rarely necessary.
When is the best time of year to fish around Cheney?
Late March through June is the strongest window for trout, coinciding with WDFW stocking and cooler water temperatures. Bass and panfish fishing picks up from late May through summer. Fall, roughly September through October, brings another solid trout bite as water cools back down. Midsummer can be slow on trout in shallower lakes once surface temperatures rise.
What time of day fishes best on these lakes?
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive times, particularly for trout. On warmer days from June onward, midday fishing on most of these shallow scabland lakes slows considerably as fish move deeper or become lethargic. If you're fishing for bass or bluegill in summer, midday can still produce in shaded or weedy areas.
What fishing license and gear do I need?
You'll need a valid Washington State fishing license, available through the WDFW website or at local sporting goods retailers. A basic trout setup — light spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb monofilament, and a selection of PowerBait, small spinners, or worms — covers most situations on these lakes. Check the WDFW regulations pamphlet for any lake-specific rules on gear type, size limits, or daily catch limits before heading out, as these can vary by water body.
