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Trout Stocked for Washington Fishing Season

For Washington anglers, spring has nothing to do with the equinox or cherry blossoms - it's all about the first day of the lowland lakes fishing season. The starting gun for the six-month lowland lakes fishing season fires on April 25 when hundreds of thousands of Washington anglers start going after catchable trout - mostly rainbows - and kokanee salmon.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery crews have been stocking fish by the millions in lowland lakes, including 14 lakes in Spokane County alone. About 160,000 fish are jumbo trout which can weigh upwards of 11 pounds.

Jim Unsworth, director of the agency, said there are still lots of trout left over from last year which have now grown to catchable size.

Those who want to wet a line on opening day must have state fishing licenses. The cost varies widely. Resident adults - that is, people age 16 to 69 - pay $29.50. Fifteen year-olds pay $8, and seniors - those 70 and older - pay $7.50.

Kids under age 15 don't need a license.

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