Lake Padden

Located in Bellingham in Lake Padden Park , this lake has some of the best shore access in western Washington and is a wonderful place to bring the kids for safe shoreline fishing. Fishing opportunities include stocked Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee and resident Largemouth Bass.

This lake is one of only four waters in Whatcom 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 boat launch, but gasoline motors are not allowed.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good
Completely surrounded by a public park. Multiple shoreline access points.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 147.70 ac.
Elevation: 450 ft.
Center: 48.702903, -122.453363
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Fishing resources

Fishing prospects calendar
Rainbow trout
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Excellent fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Excellent fishing - All month
  • June: Excellent fishing - All month
  • July: Good fishing - All month
  • August: Fair fishing - All month
  • September: Fair fishing - All month
  • October: Good fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity
Kokanee
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Fair fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Fair fishing - All month
  • June: Fair fishing - All month
  • July: Fair fishing - All month
  • August: Fair fishing - All month
  • September: Fair fishing - All month
  • October: Fair fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity
Coastal cutthroat trout (resident)
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Fair fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Fair fishing - All month
  • June: Fair fishing - All month
  • July: Fair fishing - All month
  • August: Fair fishing - All month
  • September: Fair fishing - All month
  • October: Fair fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity

Photos
Lake Padden
WDFW