Hayes

This lake is accessed via the road to the Mt Baker Ski area. It is commonly referred to being one of the Chain Lakes. It is a fairly easy hike to the lake with grand views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker along the trail although since this area tends to hold snow, it may not open until late August or September. This lake has a history of Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Eastern Brook Trout, so you might catch some of each species. All of the lakes that you pass on the way to this one have interesting fishing as well.

Getting here:

Drive highway 542 to the Mt Baker Ski area and continue past it to Artist Point, which is the end of the road. The trail heads west from the parking area. In a short distance there is a junction. The right trail goes up to the top of Table Mountain with even more spectacular views. You want the trail that goes to the left and transverses around the south side of Table Mountain. At about 1 mile from the parking lot there is another junction. Goes right here up and over a little pass then drop down the other side to a tarn and Mazama Lake. Hike past these two little lakes 1/4 mile to Iceberg Lake and to another junction. Go left at this junction 1/4 mile more to Hayes Lake. Total distance is 2.25 miles with 325 feet of elevation gain and 600 feet of loss.

Species you might catch

Rainbow trout

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 12.40 ac.
Elevation: 4782 ft.
TRS: T39R08E SEC23
Center: 48.857338, -121.721621
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Fishing resources

Fish stocking info

Release Location: HAYES LK (WHAT)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Sep 24, 2007	Rainbow	1,000	400	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Sep 9, 2003	Rainbow	1,300	368	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Aug 15, 2002	Rainbow	1,300	720	ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Oct 6, 1998	Rainbow	1,275	255	ARLINGTON HATCHERY

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.