Lake Erie

2023 Trout Derby

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This lake is three miles south of Anacortes, just west of Heart Lake Road and north of Rosario Road. Most anglers visit Erie to catch abundant stocked Rainbow Trout, but residen Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch can also be caught.

This lake is one of only four waters in Skagit 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, can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

It has a WDFW access with boat launch and toilet on the west side and a resort at the south end.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW access only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Skagit
Acreage: 114.20 ac.
Elevation: 110 ft.
Center: 48.452709, -122.640714
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: LK ERIE (SKAG)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 17, 2023	Rainbow	1,625	2.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2023	Rainbow	11,275	2.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	50	0.5	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	4,664	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	7,821	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2021	Rainbow	9,372	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2021	Rainbow	3,740	2.2	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
May 4, 2020	Rainbow	5,523	2.1	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 28, 2020	Rainbow	6,279	2.1	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 16, 2019	Rainbow	14,148	2.2	MARBLEMOUNT 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.

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.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.