Waitts Lake

Host:  Brian Soth

Check in with host at boat launch. Nonmember guests are required to sign waiver on site. 

Description: 470-acre Waitts Lake is in Stevens County just west of the small town of Valley.  The northern, eastern and southeastern shores of the lake are heavily developed, with many docks extending out into the lake. Boats with motors are allowed, so it pays to be watchful of wakes and speeding boats. There is no shore fishing other than at the boat ramp, so you’ll need a floating device of some kind. The boat ramp is fully developed although the approach to it is potholed. Much of the lake is 25’ deep or more, with shallower areas around the edges, so full sinking lines are recommended. Fish cruise the shallower areas in the morning so intermediate and floating lines will work in those areas. These shallower areas are quite weedy.

Recommended Flies The main species at Waitts are Rainbow trout, Brown trout (for which it is noted) and Largemouth Bass. Flies for the lake will include many of the usual Spokane area flies:
Woolly Buggers, Olive Willy, Dragonfly nymphs, Leeches, and Chironomids. Hatches of mayflies or caddis flies seem to be infrequent on this lake. If fishing for bass in the shallower areas of the lake, weedless flies would be a good idea.

From Spokane: Take Highway 395 north past Deer Park and Loon Lake. Roughly 10 miles north of the Loon Lake intersection (or 4 miles south of Chewelah) take a left (west) on Highway 231. Follow Highway 231 3.4 miles south to the town of Valley and then take a right on Waitts Lake Road. After about three miles or so there’s a sign for “public fishing” to the left. Take a left turn up the hill. Wind around the southeastern side of the lake .7 miles until you see another “public fishing” sign on the right, which takes you to the boat ramp and parking area.

Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass required. State parks restroom is onsite at teh launch ramp area.

Food: This is considered a day outing so you are responsible for your own lunches and snacks. There is no water available at this so you should bring your own drinking water.

Suggestions: Depending on the season, the wind can kick up on Waitts pretty quickly and often by about 1 or 2 PM most boats have come off the water.