Fishing is popular in many lakes and rivers of the North Cascades.

North Cascades National Park Service Complex has many options for the aspiring or experienced angler. Fish abound in dozens of lake and rivers in the park. The Skagit River, one of Washington's major watersheds, is home to seven species of anadromous fish (five salmon species, steelhead, and cutthroat trout) and freshwater trout and char.

North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area allow fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulate fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources.

For more information on how fishing regulations work in national parks, go to the NPS Fish and Fishing website.

Common fish species in the park complex:

• Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lakes: Rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, cutthroat trout

• Skagit River: Steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, golden trout, eastern brook trout

• Lake Chelan: Burbot (fresh-water cod), golden trout, lake trout, west slope cutthroat trout, kokanee (land-locked salmon), largemouth bass, smallmouth bass

• Stehekin River: Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee (land-locked salmon)

Licenses

Visitors fishing within North Cascades National Park Service Complex must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Washington.

Fishing licenses are not sold at any visitor or information station in the park complex, and you must obtain a license before visiting. Visit Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for information on Washington state fishing licenses. 

Fishing Regulations

Except as provided below, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Washington (36CFR2.3). For state fishing regulations go to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

The fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and are addressed by NPS regulations governing “wild life” (36CFR2.2).

These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

The following are prohibited:

• Fishing in fresh waters in any manner other than by hook and line, with the rod or line being closely attended.
• Possessing or using as bait for fishing in freshwaters, live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe, except in designated waters.
• Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken.
• Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law.
• Fishing by the use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity.
• Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands.
• Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit: Provided, that at the time of catching the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.

• Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas.

• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. This includes the discarding and/or dumping of bait and bait buckets.

• The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights.
   

The following regulations apply only within North Cascades National Park Service Complex:

• The use of nonpreserved fish eggs is permitted, as per 36 CFR 7.66.

• Ruby Creek is closed to fishing from “No Fishing” markers on Ross Lake upstream to the headwaters.

• Big Beaver is closed to fishing from “No Fishing” markers on Ross Lake upstream 1/4 mile.

• Fishing is allowed in or from the following otherwise prohibited areas:

  • Motor road bridges: Stehekin Valley motor road bridges unless posted signs prohibit such activity.

  • Public boat dock: Fishing is permitted unless posted signs prohibit such activity