Diamond Lake in Pend Oreille County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Pend Oreille County entry here is Diamond Lake, in Washington. It lies 2,336 feet above sea level. At 749 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. Some 6.5 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. It is among the larger waters listed here for Pend Oreille County. Newport sits 8.1 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Priest River is 14 miles away, with Deer Park at 18 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Diamond Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Pend Oreille County include rainbow trout, tench, cutthroat trout, pumpkinseed and brook trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Diamond Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 25°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. The season on Diamond Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Mallard Marsh is 1.9 miles distant. The position on Diamond Lake is worth confirming on the day.