Clear Lake Opening Day

Attention anglers and outdoor enthusiasts! Clear Lake invites you to kick off the fishing season with one of the most anticipated outdoor traditions of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman chasing the big one or simply enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, Clear Lake Opening Day offers something for everyone.

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Date: April 25, 2026
(Clear Lake season runs April 25 through Labor Day, September 7)

2026 Seasonal Hours of Operation

Opening Day Hours Only
April 25 | 6am – 6pm

Spring Season Hours
April 26 – May 21
Thursday – Monday | 8am – 6pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Summer Hours
May 22 – September 7
Open 7 days a week | 8am – 8pm

Who Can Attend:
The Clear Lake Recreation Area is open to off-duty Fairchild Air Force Base personnel including:
* Active Duty
* Retired Military
* National Guard
* Reservists
* DoD Civilian Employees
* Family members with base access

Valid ID required.

Location: 14824 S. Clear Lake Rd.
Cheney, WA 99004 (just minutes from Spokane, off Exit 264)

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Reservations:
Reservations for the 2026 season open April 1 from 8am–4pm.

Call 509-299-5129 to reserve:
* RV Sites
* Cabins
* Tent Sites
* Yurt
* Picnic Areas

Clear Lake also offers boat rentals including:
* 20 ft Pontoon
* 20 ft Deck Boat
* 19 ft Princecraft

A $50 deposit is required for reserved boats. Reserving ahead allows you to avoid launch-day lines and sleep in.

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Opening Night Campers: April 24

Overnight campers may check in 8am–4pm or arrange an after-hours check-in with staff.
(Limited services available that day. Reservation required.)

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Opening Day Fishing Derby:

Join the excitement of the Opening Day Fish Derby, beginning at midnight April 25 and running until noon.

Gates open at midnight to allow dock fishermen and early boat launches.

Participation is free. Simply bring any size fish to the weigh station located on the north side of the Clear Lake Lodge between 6am–12pm.

Divisions include:
* 0–10 Child
* 11–17 Youth
* 18+ Adult

Multiple prizes will be awarded in each division for the largest fish.

Winners will be announced around 12:15pm after all fish have been measured and recorded.

Anglers are encouraged to bring all fish to the weigh station regardless of size for Washington Fish & Wildlife tracking purposes.

A valid fishing license is required.

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Opening Day Boat Special:
Opening Day features half-price rentals on all large boats from 6am–5pm.

Available boats include:
* Pontoons
* Deck Boats
* Ski Boats

Boat rentals are first-come, first-served, unless you reserve one of the three reservable boats ahead of time.

(All other equipment rents at the normal rate.)

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Food: (Opening Day Only)
Start the morning with a hearty breakfast at the snack bar.

Breakfast Menu | 6–10am
Drinks included with all breakfast options.
1. Bacon, eggs, and toast
2. Two pancakes with bacon and eggs
3. Two pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, served with bacon
4. Pancake-wrapped sausage with toast
5. Assorted cereal or oatmeal with toast

Regular snack bar menu available 10am–5pm.

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Plan Your Opening Day:
Don’t miss this annual tradition at Clear Lake. Spend the day fishing, enjoying breakfast, exploring the lake, and making memories with family and friends.

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Contact

For event questions or reservations call:
Clear Lake: 509-299-5129

Outdoor Recreation may also assist with basic information:
509-247-5920

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Additional Youth Fishing Event

If your kids enjoy fishing, they may also be interested in the Kids Fishing Event hosted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) at Clear Lake.
* May 9 at Clear Lake
* Ages 5–14
* $10 per child
* Includes T-shirt and other gear
* 3-fish trout limit

Registration is handled directly through WDFW and must be submitted by mail.

Registration deadline: April 24 (limit 950 participants)

For details and the registration form, visit: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/contests/youth