Heart Lake

Two miles south of Anacortes, along the west side of Heart Lake Road. Most anglers visit Heart in pursuit of abundant stocked Rainbow Trout, but resident Largemouth Bass can also be caught.

This lake is one of only four waters in Skagit 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, can be an ideal time as fish that have been growing all summer become more active around the lake with cooler temperatures.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW access only

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Skagit
Acreage: 63.60 ac.
Elevation: 338 ft.
Center: 48.47604, -122.630665
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: HEART LK (SKAG) T35
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 15, 2004 Rainbow 4,920 1.59 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 15, 2004 Rainbow 612 1.55 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Jun 6, 2003 Rainbow 2,000 1.25 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2003 Rainbow 2,891 1.5 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2003 Rainbow 3,068 1.5 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 10, 2003 Rainbow 3,042 1.5 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
May 30, 2002 Rainbow 1,840 1.1 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2002 Rainbow 4,134 1.4 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 19, 2002 Rainbow 1,558 1.6 BELLINGHAM HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2002 Rainbow 4,018 1.6 BELLINGHAM 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