Lake Whatcom

Located just east of Bellingham. Fishing opportunities include resident Kokanee, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Yellow Perch. Fishing for resident Coastal Cutthroat Trout is closed due to a decline in abundance caused by siltation from logging and urban activities in their spawning tributaries.

All tributaries and that portion of the lake between Electric Avenue Bridge and the outlet dam are closed to fishing at all times.

Boating access and other amenities are available at Bloedel Donovan Park (City of Bellingham) and a WDFW access site.

Two-pole fishing is NOT allowed

Shoreline access: Good
WDFW access only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 4923.60 ac.
Elevation: 312 ft.
Center: 48.740296, -122.346516
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Fishing resources

Fishing prospects calendar
Largemouth bass
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Fair fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Good fishing - All month
  • June: Good fishing - All month
  • July: Good fishing - All month
  • August: Good fishing - All month
  • September: Good fishing - All month
  • October: Fair fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity
Smallmouth bass
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Good fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Good fishing - All month
  • June: Good fishing - All month
  • July: Good fishing - All month
  • August: Good fishing - All month
  • September: Good fishing - All month
  • October: Fair fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity
Yellow perch
  • January: No Opportunity
  • February: No Opportunity
  • March: No Opportunity
  • April: Good fishing - Second half of month
  • May: Good fishing - All month
  • June: Good fishing - All month
  • July: Good fishing - All month
  • August: Good fishing - All month
  • September: Good fishing - All month
  • October: Fair 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: Good fishing - All month
  • June: Good fishing - All month
  • July: Good fishing - All month
  • August: Good fishing - All month
  • September: Fair fishing - All month
  • October: Poor fishing - All month
  • November: No Opportunity
  • December: No Opportunity