Here are some places to check out nearer to town that require only feet or a small boat.

Tumtum and Lake Spokane

Randy Osborne, district fisheries biologist for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, recommends Lake Spokane for both fishing from the shoreline and small boats like kayaks or canoes. WDFW and Avista have been stocking the reservoir northwest of Riverside State Park with 155,000 triploid rainbow trout. Triploid fish are hatchery raised and cannot crossbreed with wild trout.

“May is a magical month,” says Osborne. “The water is cool enough that trout are really active, but some parts of the reservoir (Lake Spokane) have warmed up enough that crappie and perch are in the shallows and more available.”

For bank anglers, Osborne recommends fishing the turnouts downstream of Tumtum, right off Highway 291. Also recommended is the boat launch along the peninsula where the Little Spokane river runs into Long Lake. It is accessible via Highway 291 and N. Shoemaker Ln. As far as regulations go, this spot is considered part of Long Lake.

Another access is Willow Bay Resort. While they do charge for launch and dock fishing, it is centrally located near Tumtum, about halfway down the reservoir.

Liberty Lake, Wash.

Osborne says Liberty Lake has seen some good fishing over the last couple of years. Boats can launch at the WDFW access site, and fishing is allowed off the pier. The season opens each year on March 1 and WDFW works hard to get the lake stocked by that date. However, late this summer WDFW may be redeveloping that site and there could be closures while they redo the pier.

Fernan Lake, Idaho

Fernan Lake has two boat ramps and most of the northern shoreline is publicly accessible, making this a great spot to get your feet wet near Coeur d’ Alene. Fernan Park and the lake’s western boat launch are right off I-90.

Post Falls Park Pond, Idaho

Andy Dux with Idaho Fish and Game also recommends the pond at Falls Park in Post Falls, east of Avista and the Post Falls Dam. This pond is heavily stocked with rainbow trout, easily accessible from town, is open all year, and provides great opportunities for family fishing.

Sandpoint, Idaho Area: Pend Oreille, Round, Cocolalla, and Shepherd Lakes

Urban fishing near the town of Sandpoint is limited without a good boat, but good shoreline fishing can be had at Sandpoint City Beach. However, there are some great options within 15 minutes of downtown at Round Lake State Park, Cocolalla Lake, and Shepherd Lake, all of which are just south of Sagle, Idaho, and proximate to Highway 95.

Round Lake has good shoreline fishing and is good for small boats. Cocolalla Lake is great for small boats, canoes, and kayaks but does not have much access for shoreline fishing. Shepherd Lake is ideal for small boats, with some nice shoreline access on the west side of the lake.

Remember any boat or watercraft (even kayaks, canoes, and drift boats) need an Invasive Species Sticker in Idaho. Purchase one online or at a licensed vendor.

Crystal Atamian is a trail runner and organic gardener whose son is teaching her to love fishing. She has written about huckleberry picking, solar installation, and several destination hikes for Out There.

Read more fishing stories in the OTO archives.

The post Fishing Close to Home in Spokane & North Idaho appeared first on Out There Venture.

Located in Riverside State Park outside of Nine Mile Falls, McLellan is an ever-developing crag of granite. Whether it’s climbing, swimming, or both, McLellan waits with open arms. There are two parking options upon arrival: the upper and lower lot. Although some people have had problems with car break ins, this issue can easily be avoided by leaving nothing in a vehicle as incentive, and bringing a Discover Pass ensures a ticket-free day. Parking in the lower lot will put the Pack Rat Cave on the left, an overhanging collection of a couple 5.10’s, 5.11’s, and a 5.13 thrown in for fun.

Most of the bouldering is located closer to the upper lot, farther away from the water. Following the road/jeep trail out of the parking lot will lead to Long Lake and The Cove (Hummel’s Cove), a favorite swimming spot and the best place for cliff jumping at McLellan, for those looking for an extra dose of summer fun.

The mosquitos in the area have a reputation for being relentless, and if the bug repellent you pack along for the day just isn’t cutting it, then Long Lake isn’t far away. Checkout Snake Slab on the way to the water, which even has some options for trad climbers, and if the handful of easy-going routes here below 5.10 still aren’t cutting it, then a cool dip is just a few minutes away.

On the other side of Spokane, barely into Idaho, lies Q’emiln Park. Just off of Exit 5 in Post Falls, it’s easy to find: simply look for the beach and the climbing will follow. Once inside the parking lot (a small fee is required), look for the Q’emiln Park Trail System sign and head west to easily approach the numerous walls of the area. The great thing about climbing at Post Falls is the abundance of moderate climbs. There’s something special about being able to hop on 5.9s and 5.10s over and over again, without having to pack gear around to different walls.

Post Wall is closest to the river, while Death Fall Wall and Lower Ledge Wall take second and third. Post Wall has everything from 5.7 – 5.10.c, and is an ideal spot for those looking to set up top rope systems.

Death Fall Wall has a little more to offer from its overhanging nature, and anyone looking for a solid 5.11 will be content here. For the sun-loving climber there’s Lower Ledge Wall. Baked by warm rays all day, anyone who spends time climbing the 5.7’s – 5.11’s at this crag will be ready for a cool dip.

When the heat finally becomes too much, and fingertips burn from crimping on sharp granite, Q’emiln Park’s beach is the perfect stop. Soft sand and cool water aside, the park has picnic tables, three covered pavilions, and plenty of grass to lounge around on. Once the faint powder of chalk has been washed away from dirty hands by the Spokane River, why not sling a hammock between two trees? Slowly nodding off with every heavy blink, the weight of tired muscles will lift away. There is almost nothing better.

[Feature photo “Sarah Moeser climbing in the Pack Rat Cave at McLellan” by Jon Jonckers.]

Read more climbing stories in the OTO archives.

The post Best Summertime Crags for Swimming & Climbing appeared first on Out There Venture.