News Release

Fishing Resumes at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Date: May 4, 2020
Contact: Denise Bausch, 509-754-7830

COULEE DAM, Wash. – Beginning May 5, 2020, fishing will resume in Washington and within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in coordination with Governor Inslee’s amendment of the Stay at Home—Stay Healthy proclamation. Boat launches are open as water levels allow. Minimum boat launch elevations and the current lake level may be found on our website (https://www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/boating.htm). Docks at Kettle Falls, Seven Bays, and Spring Canyon boat launches will also be available by May 5, 2020. Other boat launch docks may become available as the lake level rises. The Spring Canyon boat launch and docks will be closed May 11-21 for paving.

Services at Lake Roosevelt are still limited due to COVID-19 health concerns. Fish cleaning stations will remain closed until further notice. Please take fish home to clean and dispose of properly. As a reminder, Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.14(a)(7) prohibits disposing of fish remains on land or in waters within 200 feet of boat docks or swimming beaches, or within developed areas. Leaving fish remains on the shoreline attracts wildlife, including bear and cougar, putting other visitors in danger.

The following services and operations will also remain closed until further notice:

• All campgrounds and toilets.
• Fish cleaning stations.
• Water services.
• Trash collection. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
• The Fort Spokane Visitor Center.
• All public and education programs are canceled.

Please remember that starting May 1, 2020, the NPS will require all boaters complete the aquatic invasive species (AIS) quagga/zebra mussel-free self-certification form. Forms are available at each boat launch and on our website at: https://www.nps.gov/laro/learn/nature/upload/Zebra-and-Quagga-mussel-certification-reduced-508.pdf. Together, we can prevent the spread of AIS. Clean, drain, and dry all your water gear!

The NPS encourages people who choose to visit during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. During this time, the State of Washington encourages everyone to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from other people, recreate locally with your family group, and stay home if you are sick. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with www.nps.gov/laro for specific details about park operations.