Lake Goss

Expect fair-to-good fishing for stocked Rainbow Trout and Coastal Cutthroat Trout.

This lake is one of only two waters in Island 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.

The WDFW access on the east end of the lake consists of a sand/gravel boat ramp and parking area.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - WDFW access ramp only.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Island
Acreage: 53.50 ac.
Elevation: 138 ft.
Center: 48.03673, -122.479688
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: LK GOSS (ISLA)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 13, 2015 Rainbow 4,212 2.6 WHITEHORSE POND
Apr 14, 2014 Rainbow 4,244 2.3 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 22, 2013 Rainbow 5,026 2.3 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Apr 17, 2012 Rainbow 6,038 2.5 ARLINGTON HATCHERY
Mar 16, 2011 Rainbow 2,000 2 WHITEHORSE POND
Mar 17, 2010 Rainbow 2,500 2 WHITEHORSE POND
Mar 30, 2009 Rainbow 3,013 2.3 WHITEHORSE POND
Mar 17, 2008 Rainbow 1,995 2.1 WHITEHORSE POND
Mar 26, 2007 Rainbow 2,016 2.1 WHITEHORSE POND
Mar 28, 2006 Rainbow 2,002 2.2 WHITEHORSE POND
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
Lake Goss
Photo by WDFW