Lake McMurray

2024 Trout Derby lake

Starting soon! For more information about how the trout derby works, important dates, and prizes, visit the 2024 Trout Derby page.

Nine miles northwest of Arlington, just east of the SR-9/SR-534 junction. Fishing opportunities include stocked Rainbow Trout and resident Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and the occasional Black Crappie.

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.

Parking is limited. A WDFW access at the south end has a boat launch and toilet.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW access

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Skagit
Acreage: 155.40 ac.
Elevation: 230 ft.
Center: 48.314316, -122.22616
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: LK MCMURRAY (SKAG)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 16, 2018	Rainbow	10,246	2.5	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 16, 2018	Rainbow	2,154	2.5	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2017	Rainbow	1,000	1.5	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2017	Rainbow	1,900	2.2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2017	Rainbow	10,862	2.2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2016	Rainbow	1,000	2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 14, 2016	Rainbow	2,000	2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2016	Rainbow	1,000	2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2016	Rainbow	5,202	2	MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
Apr 12, 2016	Rainbow	2,000	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.

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.

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.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.