Alan Liere's report on hunting and fishing for December 4, 2025

Fly Fishing Report

On December 3, anglers targeting trout on the Spokane River found activity, with fish feeding on blue-winged olives during the afternoon. Experts recommend using 6x tippet, long leaders, and moving quietly, as the trout are easily startled. Nymphing and streamer techniques are producing results, with rubber leg stones, hot bead nymphs, or patterns featuring bright spots performing best. Fish are spread throughout the river, not just near the shore, and softer currents are ideal for catching them.

Trout and Kokanee

Rainbow and brown trout are active at Rock Lake, with anglers successfully using Power Bait from the launch area, as well as small lures and spinners. Shad Raps, trolled or cast along cliff edges, are also proving effective. Lake Roosevelt has been producing trout in the 15-16 inch range, with the reservoir slowly dropping to 1,285 feet, while China Bend and Hawk Creek are just below at 1,280 feet. Fourth of July Lake required fishing away from typical shorelines due to low water. Shore fishing dominated at Hog Canyon, yielding trout mostly 14 inches and larger. Hatch and Williams lakes are expected to produce smaller trout, with Hatch receiving 600 one-pounders in October and Williams stocked with 1,500 quarter-pounders in April. Both lakes also contain larger carryover fish.

Steelhead and Salmon

The Clearwater, Snake, and Grande Ronde rivers continue to offer steelhead action. The Grande Ronde may begin icing over by the weekend. The most productive spots have been near the river mouths.

Perch

Moses Lake is offering good perch fishing, especially near the I-90 Bridge. Anglers should be cautious on the slippery rip rap banks and move around to locate larger fish, some reaching 15 inches.

Other Species

Razor clam digging has resumed at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks through Monday, December 8, with additional tentative dates from December 18-23 and December 31-January 6. Check local updates for beach openings. Recreational crab fishing is open daily through December 31 in Puget Sound and Hood Canal, with gear restrictions in place. December is also peak season for squid, best targeted at night during flood tide changes. Whitefish season opened on the Little Spokane River and tributaries, with fishing from Highway 291 upstream to Chain Lake. Single hooks, maximum size 14, and bait are allowed.

Channel Catfish

A recent report from Lake Spokane (Long Lake) noted a 20-inch channel catfish caught near Tum Tum while evening still-fishing with nightcrawlers. Bullheads are also active, many exceeding 12 inches.

Hunting

Pheasant hunting south of Spokane is producing good results for hunters using dogs in tall grass, though birds may flush close or far away. Duck hunting reports from Moses Lake and the Columbia River near Patterson are positive. Snow geese and Canada geese are abundant in harvested fields throughout the Columbia Basin.

Nonresident Hunting in Idaho

For 2026, out-of-state hunters seeking deer or elk tags in Idaho will need a nonresident hunting license, costing $185 and nonrefundable. Once licensed, hunters can apply for various tags, including deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, as well as returned or unsold tags.

Author Commentary: Current Fishing and Hunting Conditions in the Inland Northwest

The Spokane River continues to show active trout feeding, particularly on blue-winged olives in the afternoons. Anglers are advised to use long leaders with 6x tippet and maintain quiet movement to avoid spooking fish. Nymphing and streamer techniques, especially with rubber leg stones and bright bead patterns, remain most effective. Fish are widely distributed, favoring softer currents rather than shoreline areas.

Lake conditions vary, with Rock Lake producing rainbow and brown trout using Power Bait, small lures, and Shad Raps along cliffs. Lake Roosevelt reports trout in the 15-16 inch range, while Fourth of July Lake requires fishing away from shorelines due to low water. Hatch and Williams lakes are stocked with smaller trout but also contain larger carryover fish, providing options for anglers of all experience levels.

Steelhead fishing remains strong on the Clearwater, Snake, and Grande Ronde rivers, though icing may soon affect the Grande Ronde. Moses Lake offers productive perch fishing, with some fish reaching 15 inches. Lake Spokane reports active channel catfish and bullheads, with evening still-fishing yielding notable catches.

Hunting continues successfully south of Spokane for pheasants, while duck hunting on Moses Lake and the Columbia River remains positive. Snow geese and Canada geese are abundant in harvested fields across the Columbia Basin. Nonresident hunters in Idaho for 2026 will need a $185 nonrefundable license to apply for deer, elk, and other big game tags.

Sources:

• Alan Liere's hunting and fishing report for Dec. 4, 2025