FISHING Is lake whitefish the next big thing in Eastern Washington angling? Fisherman-biologist Danny Garrett, here with one, thinks so. “These fish are one of the most underutilized fish and their abundance is a lot higher than many other fish species,” he says, plus they fight and taste great. (WDFW)
Sample The ‘Tip Of The Iceberg’ Lake whitefish are plentiful and fun to catch at Banks Lake in winter, and here’s how. By Mark Yuasa
M
ention lake whitefish to any local angler and you’ll likely get a “deer caught in the headlights” stare, but that is evolving with many fisherman starting to take notice of this abundant species in Eastern Washington waterways. “Lake whitefish go pretty much unnoticed in Eastern Washington by most anglers, but you’ll find a devoted group of folks who have
really good success at places like Banks Lake,” says Marc Petersen, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist. “Their biomass and abundance are much higher than other species, and that’s one reason why we promote their harvest.”
DURING THE WINTER, Banks Lake – a large, 27-mile-long reservoir that stretches along Highway 155 between Coulee City on the south end and Electric City on the north end – offers
about 91 miles of accessible shoreline, mainly on the eastern side, and excellent fishing opportunities. While winter is an ideal time to target lake whitefish, Petersen notes, you’ll still need to learn their seasonal habits and what to catch them on. For starters, areas where the fish tend to hang out differ by season. Common winter locations are the northernmost points of the lake across from North Dam Park and by the dike at the Coulee City Marina. nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2022
Northwest Sportsman 79