Noah Ullah & Jill Larsen | Spokane Valley Living
Where can you fish near Spokane Valley in November? Seven open waters and the rules to know, from Spokane Best Home Living

Where Can You Fish Near Spokane Valley in November? 7 Open Waters and the Rules to Know

By Noah Ullah · Spokane Best Home Living, powered by Epique Realty · November 8, 2026

Quick answer: Yes, you can still fish near Spokane Valley in November. The closest option is the Spokane River right through the Valley (Barker Road, Sullivan Park, Mirabeau and Plante's Ferry). It's open through March 15 under selective gear rules, and the state health advisory says to release what you catch on this stretch. For lakes, Newman Lake and Silver Lake are open year-round. Medical Lake and Amber Lake stay open through November 30. Kids can fish Bear Lake, which is reserved for young anglers and a few other groups. Liberty Lake closed on October 31. Hog Canyon Lake opens the day after Thanksgiving. Anglers 16 and older need a Washington fishing license, and sunset is around 4:20 p.m. this week.

Hi, I'm Noah. Once the leaves drop, a lot of neighbors assume fishing season is over until spring. It isn't. Quite a few waters within a short drive of most Spokane Valley neighborhoods stay open into winter. You just need to know which ones are open, what gear is allowed, and which "favorite" lakes are closed until March. I checked the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) rules and local reports so you don't have to. Here's what's open, plus what's happening around the Valley this week.

1. Spokane River (Valley stretch): the closest cast

From Nine Mile Dam upstream to the Idaho line, the Spokane River is open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through March 15 under selective gear rules. You must release all fish except hatchery rainbow trout (daily limit 2) (WAC 220-312-050). Selective gear means artificial flies or lures with single-point barbless hooks only, and no bait (WAC 220-300-160).

  • Where to get on the water: The Spokane Conservation District lists restored access points at Barker Road and at Sullivan Park, which has two foot and small-boat access points on the north bank. The Spokane River Water Trail says the reach between Sullivan Road and Plante's Ferry is popular with anglers. Mirabeau and Plante's Ferry are also common wading spots (House of Fly).
  • What's working now: In the Spokesman-Review's Nov. 5 fishing report, Silver Bow Fly Shop calls the Spokane River a top choice for late fall. It mentions blue-winged olive hatches in the early afternoon, nymphing with stonefly and perdigon patterns, and sculpin-style streamers. House of Fly's Nov. 5 report listed flows at 2,140 CFS and called the river "very wade angler friendly."
  • Catch and release here. The Washington State Department of Health advises not eating fish from Upriver Dam to the Idaho border, which is the stretch that runs through the Valley (DOH Spokane River advisory).
  • Wade carefully. Local guides describe the Spokane as big, deep and slippery, and they recommend a wading staff. Some access parking requires a Discover Pass, so check the signs where you park.

2. Newman Lake: year-round, with a public fishing dock

WDFW describes Newman Lake as a year-round lake about 12 miles northeast of Spokane, roughly a mile from the Idaho border. It holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch and tiger muskie. There's a fishing dock at the WDFW access, and you can fish from shore at the McKenzie Conservation Area on the north end. WDFW notes that perch and crappie move offshore as the water cools, so the bite slows in late fall. Go for a peaceful hour, not a big haul.

3. Medical Lake: last call for big brown trout (closes Nov 30)

Medical Lake is open March 1 through November 30 under selective gear rules, and all motors are prohibited. The trout limit is 2, each at least 14 inches (WAC). WDFW says the late closing date "can make for an excellent opportunity to fish brown trout in the late fall." Shore anglers can use the trail system around the lake, but check land ownership before you step onto a shoreline.

4. Amber Lake: trophy rules through November

Amber Lake is also open through November 30. It's selective gear only, with no internal-combustion motors, and the trout limit is 1 fish of at least 18 inches (WAC 220-312-050). WDFW's 2026 stocking plan lists rainbow and cutthroat trout there.

5. Silver Lake: year-round warmwater fishing near Medical Lake

WDFW says Silver Lake, just outside the town of Medical Lake, is open year-round. It holds bass, bluegill, crappie, perch and tiger muskie. Shore access is limited to the WDFW access area, which has a fishing dock, and two resorts. The crappie limit is 10 fish of at least 9 inches.

6. Eloika Lake: year-round in north county

WDFW's 2026 stocking plan lists Eloika Lake as a year-round brown trout water. The state's crappie rule there is 10 fish of at least 9 inches (WAC).

7. Bear Lake: a fishing lake just for kids

Bear Lake is part of Bear Lake County Park off US-2. Under juvenile fishing rules, only kids, senior anglers, and anglers with a disability who carry a designated harvester companion card may fish there. WDFW's page defines juveniles as under age 15. The lake has rainbow trout, perch, largemouth bass and channel catfish, and most of the shoreline is open to fishing. It's a low-pressure place for a first catch.

Closed now, opening soon

  • Closed until spring: Liberty Lake (closed Oct 31), plus Clear, Williams, Badger and West Medical lakes. Fish Lake and Downs Lake closed Sept 30 (WAC 220-312-050).
  • Black Friday option: Hog Canyon Lake opens the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2026) and stays open through March 31. WDFW calls it "an alternative to the Black Friday shopping day," and anglers may keep 5 trout of any size per day.

November angler checklist

  • License: WDFW says anglers 16 and older need a fishing license. You can buy one online or through the MyWDFW or Fish Washington apps (WDFW licenses).
  • Check the rules for each water. Seasons and gear rules differ from lake to lake, and emergency changes happen. The Fish Washington app keeps them current.
  • Beat the dark. Spokane Valley's sunset is 4:20 p.m. on Nov 8 and about 4:13 p.m. by Nov 14 (sunrise-sunset.org).
  • Dress for cold water. Wear layers, wear good wading boots, and tell someone where you're going.

Want the river (or a lake) closer to home?

Plenty of Spokane Valley neighborhoods are only minutes from the river access points above. If being near the water is on your wish list, Jill and I would love to help you weigh the options. You can browse current listings or read our free guide 6 Things to Check Before Buying a Home. Thinking of trading up to be closer to the water? Start with a free home value estimate.

This Week in Spokane Valley (Nov 8–14, 2026)

Most of these are in the Valley or a short drive away, and everyone in the county is welcome.

Community, city & Veterans Day

  • Sun, Nov 8, 10 a.m.: Race to Feed Our Veterans 5K at Fairmount Memorial Park, 508 N Government Way. It's a walk/run benefiting Meals on Wheels Spokane, and dogs are welcome (Meals on Wheels Spokane).
  • Sun, Nov 8: CV Craft Fair, final day at Central Valley High School, 821 S Sullivan Rd. Proceeds support the CVHS band and color guard. Check the organizer for hours (SpokaneToDo).
  • Tue, Nov 10, 6 p.m.: Spokane Valley City Council at City Hall, 10210 E Sprague Ave (City calendar · agendas & video).
  • Wed, Nov 11, 10 a.m.: Veterans Day Ceremony, Resource Fair & Food Distribution at Numerica Veterans Arena. A free drive-through food distribution for veterans and military families follows, while supplies last (Numerica Veterans Arena).
  • Wed, Nov 11, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.: Free Looff Carrousel rides for veterans and active military, plus one companion, at Riverfront Park (Riverfront Spokane).
  • Wed, Nov 11: Spokane County offices are closed for Veterans Day (Spokane County).

Sports

  • Sun, Nov 8, 2 p.m.: Gonzaga women vs UC Riverside at McCarthey Athletic Center (GoZags)
  • Fri, Nov 13, 6:05 p.m.: Spokane Chiefs vs Everett Silvertips at Numerica Veterans Arena. It's Native American Heritage Night (Numerica).
  • Sat, Nov 14, 12:30 p.m.: Gonzaga men vs LSU at Numerica Veterans Arena (GoZags)

Music, theater & movies

  • Sun, Nov 8: Spokane Symphony, "The Pastoral" (Sibelius and Beethoven), final performance, at The Fox (Fox Theater)
  • Mon, Nov 9, 7 p.m.: Ferris Wind Ensemble Veterans Concert, "Let Freedom Ring," at The Fox. It's free and open to the public (Fox Theater).
  • Thu, Nov 12: Young Artists Celebration Concert. The Spokane Symphony performs with youth orchestras and young artist winners at The Fox (Fox Theater).
  • Sat, Nov 14: "Clouds in My Coffee," the music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon, at The Fox (Fox Theater)
  • Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15: "The Music Man" at the First Interstate Center for the Arts, from Broadway in Spokane (Broadway Spokane)
  • Knitting Factory shows: Evan Honer (Mon, Nov 9), Nekrogoblikon (Tue, Nov 10), Joanne Shaw Taylor (Thu, Nov 12) and Foy Vance (Sat, Nov 14) (Knitting Factory)
  • Movies: Check Regal Spokane Valley showtimes (14760 E Indiana Ave). Regal's listing shows new titles starting Thu, Nov 12.

Markets & shopping

  • Sat, Nov 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.: Spokane Farmers' Market at 2nd & Chestnut in Coeur d'Alene Park, Browne's Addition. November Saturdays run Nov 7–21, and the Holiday Market is the Saturday before Thanksgiving (Spokane Farmers' Market).
  • Sat, Nov 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Fall First Look Bridal Show at CenterPlace Regional Event Center (City calendar)
  • Save the date: the Spokane Valley Winter Market is Sat, Dec 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at CenterPlace (City of Spokane Valley).

For Parents & Kids

  • Sun, Nov 8, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.: Disney On Ice "Jump In," final shows, at Numerica Veterans Arena. Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket (Numerica).
  • Tue, Nov 10, 9:30–10:30 a.m.: Family Play & Learn Storytime (ages 2–5) at Spokane Valley Library (SCLD)
  • Thu, Nov 12, 3:30–4:30 p.m.: STEAM-Themed Thursdays (ages 5+) at Spokane Valley Library. Kids 8 and under need an adult (SCLD).
  • Family movie: "The Cat in the Hat" is still on Regal Spokane Valley's schedule (showtimes).
  • First fish: Bear Lake (see #7) is reserved for young anglers. Kids under 16 don't need a license, according to WDFW.
  • Broadway for families: Broadway Spokane recommends "The Music Man" for ages 6 and up.

FAQ: Fishing near Spokane Valley in November

Is the Spokane River open for fishing in November?

Yes. From Nine Mile Dam to the Idaho line, the river is open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through March 15 under selective gear rules. You must release all fish except hatchery rainbow trout (limit 2). The Department of Health advises not eating fish caught between Upriver Dam and the Idaho border.

Is Liberty Lake open for fishing in November?

No. Liberty Lake's season runs March 1 through October 31, so it's closed until spring.

Which lakes near Spokane Valley are open year-round?

Newman Lake, Silver Lake and Eloika Lake are year-round waters in Spokane County. Bear Lake is also year-round, but only kids, seniors and anglers with a designated harvester companion card may fish there. Medical Lake and Amber Lake stay open through November 30.

Do kids need a fishing license in Washington?

WDFW says anglers 16 and older need a fishing license. Everyone, kids included, must carry a catch record card when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.

What is the Black Friday fishing lake near Spokane?

Hog Canyon Lake in Spokane County opens the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2026) and stays open through March 31. Anglers may keep 5 trout of any size per day.

Work with Noah & Jill

Jill Larsen and I work as a team at Spokane Best Home Living, powered by Epique Realty. We focus on Spokane Valley and help buyers and sellers across Spokane County. Whether you're hoping to be closer to the river or simply ready for your next chapter, here's where to start:

Buying

Selling

Talk with us: Book a free strategy call · (509) 903-5114 · team@spokanebesthomesearch.com

Tight lines and see you around the Valley,
Noah Ullah, Spokane Best Home Living

Fishing seasons, limits and gear rules come from WDFW and the Washington Administrative Code as of Nov 8, 2026. Event details come from the linked organizers. All of it can change, so check the current WDFW rules (or the Fish Washington app), conditions and tickets before you go.

Spokane Best Home Living, powered by Epique Realty, a subsidiary of Phoenix Realty LLC

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