Washington · Fishing
Fishing in Connell, Washington
Connell sits in the middle of the Columbia Basin, and the fishing around town reflects that setting: a handful of irrigation-fed reservoirs and lakes that hold warmwater species and stocked trout depending on the time of year.
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Connell sits in the middle of the Columbia Basin, and the fishing around town reflects that setting: a handful of irrigation-fed reservoirs and lakes that hold warmwater species and stocked trout depending on the time of year. Scooteney Reservoir is the biggest draw in the area and gets consistent pressure for bass and walleye, while Snakebite Reservoir, Chance Lake, and T Lake offer quieter alternatives that can fish well when Scooteney is crowded or when you just want to cover water without a lot of company. These are flatland lakes, not mountain scenery, but that also means easy vehicle access, no serious elevation gain to deal with, and the kind of early-morning calm that makes a few hours on the water genuinely worthwhile. Most of the fishing here is approachable for beginners and families, though Scooteney in particular rewards anglers who put in time learning its structure. Washington fishing regulations apply across all four waters, so checking the current WDFW rules before you go is a necessary step, not an optional one.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at these lakes near Connell?
Scooteney Reservoir is known for walleye and largemouth bass, and it also receives rainbow trout plants from WDFW. The smaller waters like Chance Lake and T Lake are primarily stocked trout fisheries. Snakebite Reservoir holds similar warmwater and trout potential, though it sees lighter fishing pressure than Scooteney.
When is the best time of year to fish around Connell?
Spring and early summer are productive across all four lakes, particularly for trout shortly after stocking and for bass moving into shallower water. Walleye at Scooteney tend to bite well in spring and again in fall when water temperatures drop. Summer midday heat can slow surface activity, so early morning and evening sessions are worth prioritizing from June through August.
What gear should I bring for a day on Scooteney Reservoir or the smaller lakes?
A medium spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these waters. For trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and worms are reliable. For walleye at Scooteney, jigs and crankbaits worked along the bottom produce results. If you plan to target bass, bring a few soft plastics and a topwater option for early morning.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
Shore fishing is viable at all four locations, and Chance Lake and T Lake are small enough that bank access covers most of the fishable water. Scooteney Reservoir is large enough that a boat or kayak opens up significantly more structure, but shore anglers do catch fish there, especially near the boat ramp areas and any visible points.
What licenses and regulations do I need before fishing here?
You need a valid Washington State fishing license, and depending on the species and water, a combination license or endorsement may be required. WDFW publishes annual regulation pamphlets that cover size limits, bag limits, and any special rules for specific waters. Always check the current WDFW regulations at wdfw.wa.gov before your trip since rules can change year to year.
