Squalicum Lake

Located 6.5 miles northeast of Bellingham, 0.25 miles south of highway SR-542. Fishing opportunities include resident Cutthroat Trout and stocked Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout.

This lake is fly-fishing only and all motors are prohibited. The lake can be accessed by walking less than 0.5 miles from the WDFW parking area.

Two-pole fishing is NOT allowed

Special fishing restrictions:

  • Fly fishing only for this lake

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW access only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 31.20 ac.
Elevation: 483 ft.
Center: 48.797505, -122.350141
Open in Google Maps

Find lowland lakes

View larger map

Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: SQUALICUM LK (WHAT)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
May 2, 2023 Rainbow 1,500 2.9 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
May 2, 2023 Rainbow 100 0.8 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Jul 6, 2022 Rainbow 650 1.8 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
May 1, 2020 Rainbow 1,196 2.2 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
May 9, 2019 Rainbow 1,510 2 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
May 9, 2018 Rainbow 1,000 2 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
May 18, 2016 Rainbow 668 1.5 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
May 3, 2016 Rainbow 123 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 29, 2016 Rainbow 510 1.5 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 28, 2015 Rainbow 150 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
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

Photos
Squalicum Lake
Photo by WDFW