Ross Lake

This large Skagit River reservoir is 9.5 miles northeast of Newhalem. Open to fishing from July 1 to October 31. Fishing is mainly for large native rainbow trout. Special catch and size restrictions are in effect, plus selective gear rules (except that outboard motors are permitted). Check the regulations pamphlet for details. The lake is closed to the taking of bull trout / Dolly Varden.

There is a public access and boat launch at the north end accessible through British Columbia, and a trail/boat access resort on the south end, plus several boat-access camping sites along the east shore.

Two-pole fishing is NOT allowed

Special fishing restrictions:

Selective gear rules in effect

Shoreline access: Good - Undeveloped shoreline with trails.

Species you might catch

Rainbow trout

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 11493.40 ac.
Elevation: 1519 ft.
Center: 48.949476, -121.079427
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

10 most recent catchable (3 fish per pound or larger) fish plants in this lake
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility

Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in this or other bodies of water. To view or download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on the Washington State Open Data Portal

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.