Fishing at White Rock Lakes, Chelan County, Washington

• Overview

  White Rock Lakes lies within the bounds of Chelan County, Washington. The surface lies 6,243 feet up. About 22 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Washington listings. Darrington lies 26 miles from the water. It is 58 miles to Everett, the nearest city. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on White Rock Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Chelan County records list cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of White Rock Lakes decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 53°F in August and bottom out at 19°F in December. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid May. In an average year the thaw lands around mid May and the freeze near mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. At White Rock Lakes the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, South Cascade Lake at 2.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at White Rock Lakes are worth checking on the day.