Silver Lake (Whatcom County)

Along the route to Mount Baker, Silver Lake is 30 miles from Bellingham and is an excellent opportunity to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city. 

The lake is one of only four Whatcom County waters managed with a seasonal fishing closure.  Fishing is good from the opener in late-April until late-October when it closes for stocked Rainbow Trout and Coastal Cutthroat Trout. 

The fishery is easily accessible via public boat launches at the WDFW access and Silver Lake Park (Whatcom County Parks).  Overnight stays (tent and cabins) and boat rental facilities are also available at the park.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline access at public park

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Whatcom
Acreage: 157.30 ac.
Elevation: 766 ft.
Center: 48.978457, -122.069853
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: SILVER LK (WHAT) 01
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 5, 2001 Rainbow 3,600 1.4 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2001 Rainbow 13,400 1.4 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 2, 2001 Rainbow 17,000 1.35 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Mar 29, 2000 Rainbow 18,000 1.6 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 6, 1999 Rainbow 17,000 1.6 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 2, 1998 Rainbow 9,509 1.7 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 1, 1998 Rainbow 4,020 1.7 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Mar 23, 1998 Rainbow 1,980 1.7 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Mar 18, 1998 Rainbow 2,000 1.7 KENDALL CR HATCHERY
Apr 4, 1997 Rainbow 2,008 2 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

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