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
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: SQUALICUM LK (WHAT)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
May 22, 2014 Rainbow 178 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 28, 2013 Rainbow 178 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
Apr 24, 2012 Rainbow 178 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 4, 2011 Rainbow 162 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 14, 2010 Rainbow 162 0.7 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 1, 2009 Rainbow 162 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 5, 2008 Rainbow 121 0.67 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 21, 2007 Rainbow 233 0.66 NISQUALLY TROUT FARM
May 15, 2006 Rainbow 193 0.666 TROUT LODGE COMMERCIAL
May 16, 2005 Rainbow 197 0.59 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