Fishing in Whatcom County
Many area residents enjoy fishing and Whatcom County has several good places to go. The WDFW stocks several of the lakes with fish, mostly catchable rainbow trout and kokanee fry. Below we have listed some of the popular fishing areas in and around Bellingham.
Fishing License - According to the 2008/2009 Sport Fishing Pamphlet, everyone 15 years of age and older must have a fishing license and the license must be on the person while fishing. A fishing license is not required for juveniles 14 years and younger, but a catch record card is required for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead and halibut. Fishing licenses are not required for common carp, crawfish, or smelt.
For more information on Sport Fishing Regulations and to get your license online, go to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Fishing Hotline: 360.902.2500
WDFW Fish Program: 360.902.2700
All the WDFW public access areas require a Vehicle Use Permit
Bellingham Fishing Areas
Lake Padden - (Photo Right) Lake Padden Park is located in Bellingham and is easy to get to. It has a boat launch, two docks and plenty of shoreline. No gas motors are allowed on the lake. The lake is stocked and has primarily rainbow trout, kokanee and cutthroat trout. Lake Padden is usually crowded on opening day and the season runs from the last Saturday in April to October 31.
Lake Whatcom - Lake Whatcom's north end is located in Bellingham and it is the largest lake in the county. The lake has a paved boat launch in Bloedel Donovan Park at the north end and a WDFW gravel boat ramp on the south end off South Bay Dr. This lake is stocked with kokanee and it also has smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch and limited native cutthroat trout. Be aware that the Dept. of Health has a health advisory warning about eating the smallmouth bass and perch from Lake Whatcom. In addition, the native cutthroat population is struggling and it is recommended they be released.
Derby Pond - Bellingham's Whatcom Falls Park has a small pond stocked with trout that is open to fishing for kids ages 14 and under (photo right). The pond is located on Whatcom Creek upstream from the large waterfall and can be reached by a short walk on the paved road that runs from both parking lots. Derby Pond has an annual fishing derby for kids each year in May.
Whatcom Creek - (Top photo) Whatcom Creek in downtown Bellingham often has runs of coho and/or pink salmon in late October or November. Fishing is allowed in the creek below the bridge at Maritime Heritage Park. Visitors to the park can watch the salmon jump up the fish ladder on their way up the creek or see them in the fish hatchery.
Lake Samish - Lake Samish is located next to I-5 about 5 miles south of Bellingham. Fish in this lake include kokanee, largemouth bass, perch, and cutthroat trout. Samish Park is located at the north end of the lake and it has a fishing dock and non-powered boat rentals in the summer. On the southeast end of the lake is a WDFW access area with a boat launch. Electric and small gas motors are allowed on this lake.
Toad Lake - Toad Lake (also known as Emerald Lake) is a popular fishing lake for many locals. The small, deep lake is nestled up on Squalicum Mountain near the northeast city limits of Bellingham and is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee fry. There is a WDFW access area with a gravel boat launch and a public floating dock. This is the only public access area on the lake and is located at the end of Toad Lake Rd. which can be reached via Academy Street off of North Shore Drive. No gas motors are allowed on the lake. (Photo right)
County Fishing Areas
Silver Lake - Sliver Lake Park is located in Maple Falls about 40 minutes east of Bellingham. Silver Lake is a 180 acre stocked lake and is a popular fishing spot as well as a premier camping park. The lake has lots of hatchery rainbow trout as well as some cutthroat trout and bass. The park has non-powered boats available to rent and a public boat launch. The lake has lots of shoreline access and a fishing bridge as well.
Lake Terrell - Lake Terrell is a shallow, 500-acre lake located between Ferndale and Birch Bay about 20 minutes north of Bellingham. The lake has several species of fish including largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and perch. It has a WDFW public boat launch and a dock.
Wiser Lake - This lake is located about 10 miles north of Bellingham near Lynden. Fish found in Wiser Lake include perch and pumpkinseed fish and can be fished year round. There is a public boat launch with a concrete ramp and gas powered boats are allowed during part of the year.
Cain Lake - Located in the quiet Glenhaven community near the south end of Lake Whatcom, Cain Lake is a nice place to fish. The lake is stocked and fish include hatchery rainbows, kokanee, largemouth bass and perch. Fishing season for Cain lake is from the last Saturday in April to October 31. A WDFW gravel public boat launch is located at the south end of the lake provides access for small boats.
Created on 04/26/2006 03:44 PM by bellinghamteam
Updated on 05/06/2008 06:18 PM by bellinghamteam
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