Fishing Clear Lake in Skagit County, Washington

• Overview

  In Washington, Clear Lake belongs to Skagit County. The sea is 12 miles distant. It measures about 222 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. It is among the larger waters listed here for Skagit County. For a base, Clear Lake sits 0.5 miles out. Sedro-Woolley is 3 miles away, with Big Lake at 4 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Clear Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Skagit County cover Coho salmon, Chum salmon, pink salmon, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Clear Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 63°F and January at 38°F. Cold never closes this one. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Clear Lake more years than not. Fish feed harder before a change in weather than after it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Launch at Clear Lake Boat Launch, half a mile from the water. Clear Lake Boat Launch holds the nearest mapped parking, half a mile out. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Mud Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. For Clear Lake in particular, ask before you travel.