Fishing at Wiley Lake, Whatcom County, Washington

• Overview

  Wiley Lake is set in Whatcom County, Washington. Elevation runs to 6,654 feet. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Compared with other Washington water on our list, it sits high. Eastern Hillsides lies 31 miles from the water. Popkum is 31 miles away, with Ryder Lake at 31 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Wiley Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Public occurrence data for Whatcom County names sockeye salmon, Coho salmon and white sturgeon. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Wiley Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 22°F in December to roughly 55°F in August. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. The open-water window runs from around late April to about mid November in an average year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Wiley Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Eiley Lake is 0.6 miles distant. For Wiley Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.