Sullivan Lake

WDFW is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Kalispel Tribe Natural Resources Department on an initiative to potentially introduce bull trout to Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek. Learn more on the Sullivan Lake bull trout page.

Located approximately four miles southeast of Metaline Falls in Colville National Forest, this lake has a year-round open season. Kokanee average 8-9" and occasional Brown, Rainbow, tiger, and Westslope Cutthroat trout are also available. Trout must be 14" long to keep, with a daily limit of 2. Burbot are popular, and winter ice fishing for them provides a temporary cure for cabin fever.

The adjacent Forest Service campground has boat access. Remember to check the Fishing in Washington Regulations pamphlet prior to fishing.

See Washington State Parks website for ADA accessibility information.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline access is limited.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Pend Oreille
Acreage: 1283.00 ac.
Elevation: 2592 ft.
Center: 48.810529, -117.295213
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Fishing resources

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Westslope cutthroat trout

See chart for details.

Kokanee

The Kokanee fishery typically lasts from April-October before the adults leave the lake to spawn in tributaries starting in late-October and early-November. Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer in deeper offshore areas near the thermocline. There may be a slight uptick in some waters in the fall as adults return to shallower water and move near shore towards spawning tributaries.