Washington lake guide
Quail Lake — Adams County Fishing
Quail Lake is a hike-in, fly-fishing-only rainbow-trout water inside Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. WDFW reports strong recent fishing for trout commonly 14 inches and larger; carry light gear for the half-mile approach and expect shoreline vegetation to limit some casts.
LocationAdams County, Washington
Primary targetsRainbow Trout
Best seasonSpring to early summer
Lake size11.6 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Elevation961 feet
Summer cautionHeat
Lake depth map
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Contour line20 ft Visible depth label
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology. Historical survey data may not reflect current water levels or underwater hazards. Informational only; not for navigation.
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What makes Quail Lake — Adams County distinctive
At roughly 11.6 acres, Quail Lake — Adams County is a compact fishery where shoreline structure can dominate the lake.
Quail Lake — Adams County is documented in Adams County County with a dedicated FishyNW fishing and access profile.
Measured & official data
Water Science
Loading available public monitoring and fishery science…
Pass 3 · depth + water column
Seasonal Fish Habitat
Surface · 0 ft
How to read this data
Temperature, dissolved oxygen, clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, pH, and conductivity are observations from public monitoring records and may be historical. Thermocline depth is shown only when FishyNW can derive a strong vertical temperature gradient from a measured profile. It is not treated as a permanent lake characteristic.
Trophic indication uses the Carlson Trophic State Index only when FishyNW can normalize a measured chlorophyll-a, Secchi, or total-phosphorus value. It is a derived ecological indicator, not an agency impairment determination.
Seasonal Fish Habitat is shown only when verified bathymetry overlaps a same-day, same-station temperature and dissolved-oxygen profile. It is a historical screening snapshot, not a live prediction of where fish are located.
For lake trout, FishyNW uses the broader USGS-tested screening combination of water at or below 15°C (59°F) and dissolved oxygen at or above 4 mg/L. For other coldwater species, FishyNW does not invent a preferred-temperature threshold; it shows only the observed thermocline-to-oxygenated-depth refuge when the evidence supports it.
Harmful-algae status is never inferred from missing data. Always check the linked state source for current advisories before contact recreation.
Open matched Water Quality Portal recordsOfficial depth chart
Official static bathymetry
Interactive contours available
Quail Lake — Adams County official depth chart
Open the official depth publication to inspect the lake chart. This static survey complements interactive contours when available and should not be used as a navigation chart.
Fishery record
Documented fish species
These species come from the lake record. Open a species guide for identification, seasonal behavior, and practical tactics without confusing general species guidance with a lake-specific survey result.
Stocking information
Quail Lake — Adams County Fish Stocking
Recent stocking information summarized from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dates and quantities can change. Always verify current fishing rules with the official agency before fishing.
Official stocking history
Five-year summary · 2022–2026
View agency record Fish stocked6,000
Stocking events5
Years stocked5
Species stocked1
Species in this period: Rainbow
Most recent stockings
| Date | Species | Quantity | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2026 | Rainbow | 1,200 | 110 fish/lb (~0.01 lb each) | COLUMBIA BASIN HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
| May 2, 2025 | Rainbow | 1,200 | 98 fish/lb (~0.01 lb each) | COLUMBIA BASIN HATCHERY · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Plants |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Last checked: Aug 26, 2026 5:28pm
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
6
verified signals
Research & surveys
Agency-backed record
Use the evidence
Turn records into a fishing plan
- Compare survey evidence with the seasonal guide.
- Use the map to connect depth, access, and structure.
- Confirm current rules and access before your trip.
Trip conditions
Current conditions
Loading the local forecast. Check access and official notices before leaving.
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Four day outlook
Tools
Today's Lure Pick
Open Tools for species-specific lure guidance.
Angler interpretation
How the fishery changes through the seasons
This is the practical layer: use it alongside the documented species, depth, stocking, survey, access, and regulation record above. The current season opens first.
Spring
trout- Start here
- Cooler water, recent stocking, fish moving shallow, and protected shorelines or inlets that warm first.
- Watch for
- Cold fronts, changing water levels, muddy inflow, and early-season ramp conditions.
Summer
listed species- Start here
- Fish early or late, then adjust toward deeper water, shade, vegetation, or comfortable temperature zones.
- Watch for
- Heat, weeds, algae, heat, and heavier boat traffic.
Fall
trout- Start here
- Cooling water, shoreline structure, points, weed edges, and simple presentations that let you cover water.
- Watch for
- Wind on open water, rapidly changing weather, and shorter daylight windows.
Winter
trout- Start here
- Legal open-water or ice access, stable depth zones, and conservative cold-weather trip plans.
- Watch for
- Ice safety where relevant, ramps, road conditions, cold-water exposure, and current rules.
Know before you go
Rules and restrictions
Quail Lake is fly-fishing-only. Access is hike-in through the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, where USFWS vehicle and public-use rules also apply.
Getting on the water
Access and launches
Quail Lake is inside the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and requires about a half-mile hike. Most shoreline is publicly reachable, although vegetation can make casting difficult. There is no boat ramp.
Sorry, there are no mapped boat ramps for this lake yet. Check the access information below for other ways to reach the water.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
MarDon Tackle & Grocery
Local resort tackle and bait shopOthello, Washington · Independent Potholes Reservoir tackle and bait stop located at MarDon Resort.
Local-business listings can change. FishyNW does not rank shops by payment or sponsorship. Verify current hours and inventory before driving.
Keep exploring
Nearby waters
Herman Lake — Adams County
about 0.4 miles away
Herman Lake is a small mixed fishery north of Othello with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, broad shoreline access,…
Lyle Lake — Adams County about 0.7 miles awayLyle Lake is a compact Seep Lakes warmwater destination with a WDFW hand launch, camping, and practical access…
Hutchinson Lake about 4.0 miles awayHutchinson Lake is the more accessible half of the Hutchinson–Shiner warmwater pair, with a ramp, dock, shoreline access,…
Lower Goose Lake about 4.7 miles awayLower Goose Lake south of Potholes Reservoir is a warmwater-focused Grant County lake with Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Channel…
After the trip
Log what happened on the water
Use CatchSignal for catch reports, trip history, photos, and community activity. Keep your fishing history while controlling how much location detail you share.
Sources & feedback
Verified resources
Official links for this lake
Open the source that matches what you are planning.
Community feedback
See something that needs an update?
Send the correction and, when possible, the source. FishyNW reviews submissions before changing the guide.