Fishing season opens April 22

PASCO — The lowland lakes fishing season opens Saturday, April 22, and along with it, the annual trout derby begins.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks trout in lakes throughout the year. Some of those catchable trout are tagged.

"Opening day is the result of a huge annual effort to provide fishing at lakes throughout the state, for people of all ages and backgrounds," agency Inland Fish Manager Steve Caromile said. "Our fish and hatchery staff work tirelessly throughout the year to offer accessible fishing in diverse settings across Washington, and the trout derby means you might even win a prize while doing it."

This year, the annual statewide trout derby boasts more than 800 prizes worth more than $40,000, which anglers can claim by catching tagged trout.

More than 100 lakes will feature prize fish in 2023. The derby runs through Oct. 31.

More than 16 million trout and kokanee were planted statewide in the past year. Opening-day lakes are often stocked shortly before the start of their six-month season.

None of the lakes in Franklin County have been stocked this season. And in Benton County, only the pond in Columbia Park received fish.

The Naches Hatchery provided 2,316 trout for the park's pond.