Hayes Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Whatcom County, Washington, this is Hayes Lake. The setting is farm and woodlot. At roughly 13 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. You are 18 miles from Cultus Lake. Further out sit Ryder Lake (18 miles) and Promontory (20 miles). No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple. The character changes with the season more than with the year.

• Where to Fish on Hayes Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Survey and observation records for Whatcom County include sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, white sturgeon and Chum salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Read Hayes Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 57°F in August and bottom out at 26°F in December. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Hayes Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. A camping area sits within 160 yards of here. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Arbuthnet Lake at 0.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Hayes Lake if anything is unclear.