Deer Lake (Island County)

2023 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2023 Trout Derby page.

One mile west of Clinton on Whidbey Island. Trout fishing is good to very good for stocked Rainbow Trout and Coatsal Cutthroat Trout ranging from 13 to 15 inches. Quality-size Largemouth Bass are also present.

This lake is one of only two waters in Island County managed with a seasonal fishing closure. Spring catch rates for trout are highest early in the season and decline as fish are harvested and as warmer water temperatures force trout to seek areas of colder refuge. Fall is often overlooked by anglers, but can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

Deer Lake has a WDFW access on the northeast corner of the lake with a gravel boat ramp and parking area.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Lake developed, access at WDFW boat ramp.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Island
Acreage: 81.70 ac.
Elevation: 356 ft.
Center: 47.974244, -122.384032
Open in Google Maps

View larger map

Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: DEER LK (ISLA)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 13, 2022	Rainbow	1,900	2.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2022	Rainbow	50	0.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 12, 2022	Rainbow	5,712	2.1	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2021	Rainbow	2,948	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2021	Rainbow	4,883	2.1	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 27, 2020	Rainbow	4,080	2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 27, 2020	Rainbow	3,980	2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2019	Rainbow	1,438	2.3	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 9, 2019	Rainbow	6,507	2.5	WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 18, 2018	Rainbow	2,225	2.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Coastal cutthroat trout (resident)

Fishing is best for Coastal Cutthroat in the spring and fall. There is a summer lull as fish move offshore into deeper waters to escape the summer heat in July and August. Catch is lowest in the late-winter while adults are spawning in tributary streams.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Photos

WDFW