Fishing at Hurley Lake, Lincoln County, Washington

• Overview

  Hurley Lake sits in Lincoln County, out in Washington. This is open valley ground. It covers about 18 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. The town to know is Davenport, 11 miles out. It is 44 miles to Spokane, the nearest city. Within a short drive: Rock Lake 5 miles, 5.5 miles away is Reed Lake, Dunning Lake 5.8 miles, 6 miles away is Whittaker Lake and Ice Lake 6 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Hurley Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Lincoln County include yellow perch, largemouth bass, walleye, black crappie and brown trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Hurley Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 69°F and January about 25°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan any trip to Hurley Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping flags this water as intermittent: it can be dry for part of the year, so check before travelling. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Rock Lake, 5 miles away. Check the position on Hurley Lake before loading the car.