Lake Howard

Nine miles northwest of Marysville, Lake Howard is a good lake for boat-bound anglers to catch abundant stocked Rainbow Trout.  Resident Coastal Cutthoat Trout and Largemouth Bass are also present.

This lake is one of only twelve waters in Snohomish 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.

There is a WDFW access with toilet on the northwest shore.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW boat ramp only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Snohomish
Acreage: 26.20 ac.
Elevation: 242 ft.
Center: 48.157036, -122.326473
Open in Google Maps

Find lowland lakes

View larger map

Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: LK HOWARD (SNOH)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 23, 2015 Rainbow 3,863 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2014 Rainbow 505 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 22, 2014 Rainbow 3,513 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2013 Rainbow 506 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 22, 2013 Rainbow 3,600 2.3 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 25, 2012 Rainbow 3,551 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 20, 2012 Rainbow 502 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Mar 23, 2011 Rainbow 2,050 2 WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 7, 2010 Rainbow 2,117 1.7 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Mar 1, 2008 Rainbow 2,249 1.54 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

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.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Lake Howard
Photo by WDFW