Fishing Lake Whatcom
AKA: Whatcom Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Whatcom, WA
Kokanee Salmon Fishing
Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Washington, Lake Whatcom delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Whatcom, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Cutthroat Trout Fishing
The ideal approach to catching cutthroat is fly fishing, and the key is to match the hatch. Catching cutthroat trout in Lake Whatcom with lures or bait can also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons. This is a popular lake for ice fishing once the lake freezes to a safe condition. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. This year, fishing for cutthroat trout here has been fair to very good, year round depending on conditions. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Lake Whatcom. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges.
Lake Whatcom Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, cutthroat and kokanee at Lake Whatcom in Washington.
Located on the eastern outskirts of Bellingham, Lake Whatcom is a 4,900-acre lake in northwest Washington. It is 10 miles long with about 30 miles of shoreline. Several boat launch ramps server those who enjoy boating and/or fishing. Popular fish species found in Lake Whatcom include rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. There is no camping close by, but there is a marina, boat rentals and stores offering boating and fishing supplies.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Whatcom
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Whatcom Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Bloedel Boat Rentals
Rentals: Kayaks and canoes
360 398-5801
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Whatcom Southerly Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off S Bay Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Whatcom Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Electric Avenue, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Sudden Valley Marina
1 Marina Dr
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 746-7002
Fishing Guides On Lake Whatcom
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Washington fishing license.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No campgrounds and RV parks close by.
Lake Whatcom WA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Whatcom
Sudden Valley Marina
1 - 20 Marina Dr
Bellingham, WA 98229
360 734-6430
Fishing lakes in each state.
021825
Lake Whatcom in WA
WASHINGTON
Fishing for kokanee, bass and yellow perch in northwest WA.
