Back Lake in Whitman County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Back Lake in the Whitman County part of Washington. The ground around here is open valley. Surface area runs to about 5 acres — small enough to read in one session. The nearest town is Ritzville, 19 miles away. The big place round here is Spokane, 47 miles distant. More in the same country: Twin Lakes out at 1.1 miles, 1.8 miles away is Horseshoe Lake, Sims Lake out at 1.9 miles, 2.5 miles away is Adams Lake and Swanee Lake out at 2.6 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Back Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Whitman County include Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and Coho salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. On Back Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 70°F at the top of summer and 30°F at the bottom of winter. In milder years the surface never sets. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. At Back Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Twin Lakes is 1.1 miles distant. Treat Back Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.