Toad Lake

Five miles northeast of Bellingham. Fishing opportunities include stocked Rainbow Trout and resident Kokanee and 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 WDFW access with a toilet and a boat launch on the west end of the lake.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline and small pier at WDFW access

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 28.50 ac.
Elevation: 720 ft.
Center: 48.791216, -122.39504
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: TOAD LK (WHAT)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 9, 2024 Rainbow 5,220 2.9 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2023 Rainbow 5,200 2.9 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2022 Rainbow 5,208 2 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2021 Rainbow 4,140 2.3 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 30, 2020 Rainbow 3,580 2.2 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2019 Rainbow 5,000 1.9 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 10, 2019 Rainbow 1,150 2.3 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 9, 2018 Rainbow 2,500 2 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 6, 2018 Rainbow 2,500 2 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 4, 2017 Rainbow 1,410 1.6 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
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

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Toad Lake
Photo by WDFW