Tucked into the Anacortes Forest Lands in the heart of Fidalgo Island, Whistle Lake is a hike-in only destination that trades crowds for quiet woods and calm water. While most visitors head to Deception Pass or the area’s stocked lakes, Seattle Fishing Company’s guide makes the case for this hidden gem.
Getting there is easy: a flat, well-kept trail leads about two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead to the water, and a loop around the entire lake totals just over three and a half miles. That makes it a manageable outing for anglers of nearly any fitness level. It’s a great way to combine a hike with a day of fishing.
The lake hasn’t been stocked with Rainbow Trout in over a decade, but it supports a naturally reproducing population of wild Coastal Cutthroat, typically 8 to 14 inches. The guide suggests spinners and spoons from shore or a dodger-and-lure trolling setup. Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch are also on the menu, with brushy shorelines, woody cover and late-summer weed beds offering prime bass habitat. Soft plastics like Senkos and Hula Grubs are recommended for working that structure.
Read the full post here: Hiking and Fishing at Whistle Lake near Anacortes
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