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Washington · Fishing
Newport, Washington sits in the northeast corner of the state where Pend Oreille County's forests and lakes draw anglers looking for quiet water and straightforward lake fishing.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Newport, Washington sits in the northeast corner of the state where Pend Oreille County's forests and lakes draw anglers looking for quiet water and straightforward lake fishing. The three lakes covered on this page — Lake of the Woods, Homestead Lake, and Trout Lake — are all lake fisheries, meaning you're working still or slow-moving water rather than chasing current. That shapes everything from your gear choices to the time of day you'll want to be on the water. This is not a destination built around trophy hunting or technical fly fishing; it's the kind of fishing where a modest spinning setup, a cooler, and an early start will serve you better than specialized gear. The area is accessible enough for families and newer anglers, but experienced fishers who know how to read lake structure and adjust to seasonal patterns will consistently do better. Washington State fishing licenses are required for anyone 15 and older, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sets the rules for each specific water body, so checking the current WDFW regulations for Pend Oreille County before you go is a necessary step, not an optional one.
All three listed fisheries — Lake of the Woods, Homestead Lake, and Trout Lake — are lake fishing destinations. You're casting or trolling still water rather than fishing rivers or streams, so plan your tackle accordingly.
Yes. Washington State requires a valid fishing license for anyone 15 years of age or older. Licenses are available through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at local sporting goods and hardware stores in Newport. Check the current WDFW regulations for Pend Oreille County before your trip, as individual lakes can have specific rules around gear type, bag limits, or seasonal closures.
Pioneer Park
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Albeni Cove
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Homestead Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Osprey
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Colville River
~1h 12m drive
Easy
Beauty Creek Campground
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Priest River
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Trout Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Priest Lake Area
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Coeur d'Alene Lake: Higgens Point
~1h 13m drive
Easy
Riley Creek
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Lake of the Woods
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and late evening are consistently the most productive windows for lake fishing. Fish tend to move into shallower water to feed during low-light periods, especially in warmer months when midday surface temperatures push them deeper.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most lake fishing situations well. Bring a mix of small spinners, PowerBait or similar dough baits, and a few small jigs. A basic tackle box, a net, and a cooler with ice will cover most trips without overcomplicating things.
Lake fishing is generally more forgiving for beginners than river or stream fishing because you're not managing current or wading. Still water gives newer anglers more time to focus on technique. That said, check access points for each lake ahead of time, as parking, bank access, and boat launch availability can vary.
