Fishing in North Cascades National Park

PLACES TO FISH
DIABLO AND GORGE LAKES
These lakes are formed by two dams and are easily accessibly by Highway 20. Glacial runoff gives these lakes their distinct emerald color and the lakes are easily explored by boat. Try the east end of Gorge Lake, near the intersection to the town of Diablo or spend the weekend at Colonial Creek Campground. A boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and fully-accessible fishing deck makes this campground a perfect place for a family of anglers.

STEHEKIN RIVER
The Stehekin River runs from the heart of the North Cascades to the head of Lake Chelan and is fed year-round by glaciers. Visitors can access the river by taking the new shuttle busses along the Stehekin Road and by a number of trails. Try casting a rod from your campsite at Harlequin Campground or the scenic Buckner Hole where the river bends near the Buckner Orchard. Rainbow and native Cutthroat Trout are popular fish species in the Stehekin River.

ROSS LAKE
This 22-mile long lake is actually a large reservoir created by Ross Dam, built in 1949. Because only one road accesses the lake, at Hozomeen, this lake is relatively free of large boat traffic and is a favorite among backpackers. Anglers can enjoy the lake from trails, campsites and for those with watercrafts, a number of small islands. Rainbow and Bull Trout are among the most common species found in Ross Lake. Try fishing at Hozomeen or May Creek.

MOUNTAIN LAKES
Historically, the mountain lakes of North Cascades National Park Complex were naturally free of fish due to the steep and rugged nature of the glacially carved valleys and abundant waterfalls. The park currently has 62 lakes containing introduced fish and is actively restoring 26 lakes to their natural habitats. Given the challenge of removing non-native fish from many large mountain lakes, there will still remain numerous fishing opportunities for anglers in the far foreseeable future. Here are some recommended lakes for those seeking the challenge fishing in high mountain lakes:

WEST SIDE
LOWER THORTON Cutthroat
MONOGRAM Cutthroat

East Side
McALESTER Cutthroat
RAINBOW Rainbow

TYPES OF FISH
RAINBOW TROUT
DESCRIPTION: Body is variable and may be silvery in lakes and reservoirs. It has a red to pink streak on its side and irregular spotting. There are no teeth on the back of
the tongue.
WHERE: Throughout North Cascades in lakes, rivers, and streams. The most accessible locations are in Ross, Diablo, and Gorge lakes.

CUTTHROAT TROUT
DESCRIPTION: Westslope and coastal cutthroat trout are the native sub-species within North Cascades. There is a unique isolated population in the Stehekin River
watershed which is a relic from the last ice age. These fish are distinguished most easily by the distinctive red slash on the lower jaw.
WHERE: Throughout North Cascades in lakes, rivers, and streams.

BULL TROUT
DESCRIPTION: This fish is olive green to brown above and on the sides with no wormlike markings. There are cream or crimson spots. The tail is slightly forked.
Dolly Varden are a sea-run version, more silvery in color.
WHERE: Throughout the North Cascades in rivers and streams, as well as Ross, Diablo, and Gorge lakes.

EASTERN BROOK TROUT
DESCRIPTION: Native to the northeast of North America, these fish were introduced and persist in 4 of North Cascades lakes and 2 reservoirs. Key identifying feature of
this species is their unique wavy pale markings on their back and dorsal fin.
WHERE: Hozomeen, Sourdough, Ross, and Diablo lakes.

Jay Bryce is a community manger at iFished.com (http://www.ifished.com/). iFished.com has fishing and local information for over 40,000 lakes and fishing areas in the United States. Information includes current weather and forecasts, best times fishing charts, maps, local businesses and more. iFished.com also has a large library of how to fishing videos, fishing articles and current fishing reports to help you catch more fish.