Washington lake guide
West Medical Lake Fishing
West Medical Lake is a 205.8-acre Spokane County trout lake known for fast-growing rainbow and brown trout and productive spring insect hatches. WDFW manages a south-end access area; the trout fishery is supported through hatchery stocking, while north-end access through private land is not legal.
LocationSpokane County, Washington
Primary targetsRainbow Trout
Best seasonSpring to early summer
Lake size205.8 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Average depth22 feet
Max depth35 feet
Elevation2,427 feet
Public launches1
Summer cautionWarm water
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 West Medical Lake distinctive
West Medical Lake is documented in Spokane 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 recordsFishery 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.
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
7
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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WindLoading
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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
- Warm water, 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.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Nine Mile Feed & Hardware
Locally owned bait, tackle and outdoor-supply storeNine Mile Falls, Washington · Independent community store carrying bait, tackle, fishing and hunting licenses, ice, and local outdoor supplies. Not an Ace/True Value chain location.
Silver Bow Fly Shop
Independent fly shopSpokane Valley, Washington · Independent Spokane-area fly shop with local reports, gear, education, and guided trips.
Elephant Boys Fishing & Camping Store
Local fishing and camping storeSpokane Valley, Washington · Local tackle, rods, reels, live bait, ice, and fishing-trip supplies.
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
Medical Lake
about 1.0 miles away
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Clear Lake about 3.1 miles awayClear Lake is a Spokane County lake with stocked trout and warmwater fishing opportunities.
Silver Lake — Spokane County about 3.1 miles awaySilver Lake is a 418.1-acre Spokane County warmwater lake known for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, and a…
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
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Send the correction and, when possible, the source. FishyNW reviews submissions before changing the guide.