Notice: WDFW has proposed to conduct a chemical treatment (under permit) in West Medical Lake (in its entirety) to eradicate invasive Goldfish during the week of October 14-18. The pesticide and active ingredients to be used are powdered rotenone (EPA Reg.#89459-32) at 5.0-9.0% active ingredient and liquid rotenone (Prenfish EPA Reg.#89459-85 or CFT Legumine EPA Reg.#655-899) at 5.0% active ingredient. Bright Dyes Yellow/Green Xanthene Dye will also be applied. The targeted total concentration of rotenone product in the water is less than or equal to 4.0 parts per million.
This lake is an opening day trout managed water which opens each year on the fourth Saturday in April. If the treatment is approved and conducted, the lake will remain void of fish over the winter and will be stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout (including brood, catchables) next spring prior to the Lowland Lake Trout Opening Day (April 26, 2025). Fry will be stocked later that spring.
When kept clean of other species, this lake is one of the best producing opening day trout lakes in the state. This lake grows fish rapidly and it is not uncommon to see Rainbow and Brown Trout to 20+ inches. Even though this lake is open to all types of angling, it can be an especially productive lake for flyfishing because of the consistent insect hatches it has in April and May.
It should be noted that while access to West Medical Lake remains available through a WDFW-managed site on the south end of the lake, walk-in shoreline access on the north end, through private property, is no longer legal. The "unofficial" access on the north end was abused by litterers and continues to be posted with "No Trespassing" signs that should be respected.
Two-pole fishing is allowed
Shoreline access: Good - This lake has excellent shoreline fishing access. There is a lot of room close by the WDFW access. Walk-in shoreline access on the north end, through private property, is no longer legal.
Species you might catch
Lake information
County: Spokane
Acreage: 205.80 ac.
Elevation: 2427 ft.
Center: 47.57066, -117.707884
Open in Google Maps
Catchable fish plants
Stock Date | Species | Number Released | Number of Fish Per Pound | Facility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 15, 2024 | Rainbow | 250 | 0.4 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Mar 11, 2024 | Rainbow | 5,002 | 2.5 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Nov 28, 2023 | Brown Trout | 205 | 0.5 | FORD HATCHERY |
Mar 24, 2023 | Rainbow | 250 | 0.33 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Mar 22, 2023 | Rainbow | 5,255 | 2.5 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Oct 28, 2022 | Brown Trout | 200 | 0.5 | FORD HATCHERY |
Mar 28, 2022 | Rainbow | 250 | 0.33 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Mar 15, 2022 | Rainbow | 5,001 | 2.5 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |
Oct 13, 2021 | Brown Trout | 200 | 0.3 | FORD HATCHERY |
Mar 16, 2021 | Rainbow | 450 | 0.33 | SPOKANE HATCHERY |