SPOKANE – Deer Lake in southeast Washington is closing early this year, starting September 2, due to a failing drain culvert, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said in a release .

The lake, located off the Tucannon River on the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area, typically closes on November 30.

WDFW said the lake will be drained to access and replace the culvert and valve gate. The lake is expected to be refilled in February and stocked with fish for the March 1, 2026, fishing opener.

“We recognize that many people enjoy fishing this lake and appreciate everyone’s understanding about the closure,” said W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area manager Kari Dingman. “Fortunately, we will already have a construction crew onsite repairing a hole in the dam around Spring Lake. The hope is that bo

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