Fishing at McDowell Lake, Spokane County, Washington

• Overview

  McDowell Lake belongs to Spokane County, Washington. The surroundings are open valley. Around 74 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Roughly 1.9 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. Nearest town is Cheney, 4.8 miles off. Medical Lake follows at 12 miles, then Fairchild Air Force Base at 14 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on McDowell Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name largemouth bass, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On McDowell Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 67°F, while December sits near 29°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Plan any trip to McDowell Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. West Blackhorse Lake at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. For McDowell Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.