Hatchery program changes lead to new fishing opportunity at Banks Lake
Thousands of hatchery steelhead were released into the reservoir, adding diversity to an already dynamic fishery.
As part of modifications to Mitchell Act and SAFE hatchery programs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is restructuring hatchery operations in southwest Washington to better support its goals of conserving wild fish while maintaining sustainable fishing opportunities. One of these changes includes the discontinuation of the Skamania Hatchery winter steelhead program on the Washougal River.
While WDFW plans to replace the segregated winter steelhead program — which uses hatchery steelhead as broodstock — with an integrated approach that relies on natural-origin (wild) adult steelhead for broodstock, the immediate priority was managing the 93,500 steelhead juveniles being reared at the hatchery. Because the program is ending, these fish must be released in bodies of water that don’t connect to the ocean, also known as non-anadromous waters.
To balance fishery management goals with angler interests, WDFW chose Banks Lake in central Washington as the most suitable release site for these juvenile steelhead, which were released in early December. This decision reflects WDFW’s commitment to both conservation and maintaining fishing opportunities where possible, even as adjustments to programs are underway.
Why Banks Lake?
WDFW evaluated several large lakes and reservoirs across the state for the release, including Riffe Lake, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir, and Rock Lake. Ultimately, WDFW selected Banks Lake, located in Grant County and part of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, as the best location due to its size, habitat suitability, and existing sport fishery.
- Size and habitat: Banks Lake, with more than 28,000 surface acres, offers plenty of space to support large fish plants. The reservoir’s size provides diverse habitats for the young steelhead to disperse into, and its cool water temperatures are ideal for sustaining them year-round. While steelhead are sea-going rainbow trout, when placed in lakes, they adapt similarly to stocked rainbow trout.
- Prey abundance: The lake’s rich ecosystem, filled with smaller fish and other aquatic organisms, offers a plentiful food supply. This abundance of prey is expected to help the young steelhead grow and thrive in their new environment.
- Sport fishery: Already a popular destination for anglers, Banks Lake boasts strong populations of walleye, bass, panfish, and lake whitefish. Introducing these hatchery steelhead will enhance the trout fishing experience, providing an exciting new opportunity for both local and visiting anglers.
History of success
Banks Lake has a history of supporting steelhead and salmon plants. In the early 2010s, WDFW released surplus salmon and steelhead into the reservoir, where they thrived, reaching sizes of more than 20 inches and weighing three to five pounds. These fish persisted in the lake for three to five years, providing recreational anglers with a unique fishing opportunity. Angler reports, creel surveys, and fish community studies all confirmed the success of those plants — a success WDFW expects to replicate with this latest release.
Meaningful release
For Banks Lake anglers, the arrival of these young steelhead adds diversity to an already dynamic fishery. The reservoir is known for its quality walleye, bass, and panfish populations, but the planting of hatchery steelhead offers a unique opportunity for those looking to target a trout species more often associated with river environments.
Because these fish originated from anadromous steelhead, many anglers may find this particularly appealing, knowing that they’re fishing for a species with a migratory heritage, popular for their size and fighting spirit. For WDFW, this release also represents a commitment to maximizing the use of hatchery fish in a way that aligns with recreational goals while supporting conservation efforts in critical river systems.
The lake’s abundant prey base is expected to support the steelhead’s growth, helping them thrive and ultimately enhance the Banks Lake sport fishery. As they grow larger, these steelhead could also emerge as top predators to help shape prey populations and contribute to the overall ecology of the lake.
What’s next for Skamania Hatchery steelhead?
The transition from the segregated winter steelhead program to an integrated approach will result in a gap year for winter steelhead releases into the Washougal River. This temporary pause is a necessary step to ensure that future hatchery efforts align with conservation goals and support the health of wild steelhead populations.
Other hatchery programs at the Skamania Hatchery, including the summer steelhead program, will remain unchanged during this transition. More information about changes to WDFW hatchery programs in southwest Washington is available on our website.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
