Fishing at Sourdough Lake, Whatcom County, Washington

• Overview

  In Washington, Sourdough Lake belongs to Whatcom County. The setting is lake country bush. Around 27 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Darrington lies 41 miles from the water. The big place round here is Chilliwack, 47 miles distant. Water in the same corner: Jeanita Lake (1.2 miles), Diablo Lake 4.2 miles away, Gorge Lake (4.2 miles), Thunder Lake 4.3 miles away and Skymo Lake (5.4 miles). There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Sourdough Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Whatcom County include sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and white sturgeon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Work Sourdough Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 24°F in December to roughly 58°F in August. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Sourdough Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Jeanita Lake, 1.2 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position on Sourdough Lake before loading the car.