Fishing has always been a popular draw to Eastern Washington’s Caliche Lakes. And while I have spent countless days exploring as many Columbia Basin lakes as I could, some of my fondest fishing memories have been at Upper Caliche. Here you will find easy access to good trout fishing.
Caliche Lakes Fishing Access
Caliche Lakes are surrounded by public land, so fishing access is abundant. Upper Caliche Lake is the most popular in the lake chain, as it is the one that gets stocked with Rainbow Trout. Also, the only boat ramp is located on the upper lake. The parking lot to the upper lake may be gated, and if the gate is closed, walk-in access is allowed. But mind the fishing regulations! WDFW even allows camping here!
Where is Caliche Lakes?
The Caliche Lakes are located 4 miles south of George, Washington in Grant County. You can access the lakes from South Frontage Road Northwest off Interstate 90.
- WDFW Lowland Lakes – Upper Caliche Lake
- WDFW Water Access Sites – Caliche Lakes
- Washington State Fishing Regulations
Caliche Lakes Fishing
Caliche Lakes are managed for trout fishing. Rainbow Trout are stocked in Upper Caliche Lake prior to the March 1 Eastside Trout Opener. As of the writing of this post, it looked like the Upper Lake was the only one in the Caliche chain that wasn’t opened year round. I have found that the Caliche Lakes fishes really well in March and April.
Upper Caliche Lake
Most people that fish Upper Caliche do so from a small non-motorized boat or from shore near the parking lot. If you are fishing from the shore, you can walk all the way around the lake if you like. Your typical trout set-ups work well here, such as a bottom rig with Powerbait, or casting a Roostertail Spinner. I usually take my pontoon boat and troll with my fly rod. My preferred fly is a black leech or wooley bugger pattern. I have done well still fishing with chironomid patterns as well
Lower Caliche Lake
The Upper Lake’s outlet stream trickles into Lower Caliche. And I believe that most of the trout in the lower lake were, in fact, originally planted in the upper lake. I have rarely seen anybody fish the lower lake, but can tell you from personal experience that it holds some nice Rainbows.
All of the Columbia Basin lakes offer the best fishing in the spring, although trout are available throughout the summer as well. Early mornings and late evenings offer the best time to fish during the scorching Eastern Washington summer.