Fishing at Copper Lake, Whatcom County, Washington

• Overview

  Washington holds Copper Lake, in Whatcom County. It stands 5,233 feet above sea level. About 13 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It sits higher than most water we list in Washington. The nearest place of any size is Eastern Hillsides, 23 miles away. Ryder Lake is 23 miles away, with Popkum at 24 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Copper Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Whatcom County records list sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, white sturgeon and Chum salmon among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Copper Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 55°F in August and bottom out at 23°F in December. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Look for the thaw near late April; the fishing lifts straight after. From about late April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Copper Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is camping recorded roughly half a mile off. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Egg Lake, 2 miles out. Where Copper Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.