Burlington/Mt. Vernon Area Lakes

[Marc Martyn]

I may be heading over to the west side for about 4 days this next week and would like to do some fishing in the Burlington area. I would like to keep it within an hours drive from Burlington. Will be taking my 8' pontoon boat.

Any suggestions on any lakes in the area that would be good for pontoon fishing for either trout or bass? The Anacortes area would be o.k. also.

May be fishing on Saturday, but if the crowds are too large, then Friday.

I want to avoid jet skis and skiers if possible. Just a relaxing day on the water. Suggestions?

[The Quadfather]

Marc,

Check out Pass lake. It's a fly only lake, so you will feel right at home. It is pretty well known by all the West side fly guys.

[The Quadfather]

Actually, go to washingtonflyfishing.com You prob. are already a member...? Once logged in, do a search in the "Stillwater" forum for Pass lake. I just did.... there are 50 threads on the lake. Now they won't all be current, but you will get an idea of what goes on there. Also, for current fly choices you can call a fly shop in the N. end of Seattle, called The Avid Angler. Ask them what flies are current at Pass.

[Marc Martyn]

I was wondering about that. Years ago I was over in that area and passed a lake that was fly fishing only. That must have been the one I saw. Thanks, I'll read the reports.

Any more to think about?

[curado]

try cranberry it is close too pass lake

[Marc Martyn]

Actually, go to washingtonflyfishing.com You prob. are already a member...? Once logged in, do a search in the "Stillwater" forum for Pass lake. I just did.... there are 50 threads on the lake. Now they won't all be current, but you will get an idea of what goes on there. Also, for current fly choices you can call a fly shop in the N. end of Seattle, called The Avid Angler. Ask them what flies are current at Pass.

Man.......you got to love WL.com. Ask and ye shall receive:thumright

I am a member of that "other site". I'll check it out. Thanks, Chris.

Anyone know anything about Cain Lake?

[Bodofish]

Heart lake, Erie.......... Many many to choose from. Get out the Gazzettier and pick a few lakes and check them out on this site. =)

[Dave]

Hi Marc,

I agree with the guys. Both Pass and Cranberry lakes are very nice (clean water & not surrounded by houses) and maybe 30 to 40 minutes drive from Burlington at the most. One other suggestion is Lake 16 which is also close, not very big, and not a bunch of houses around it. If you want some pics of these lakes, just PM me your email address Marc and I can send them to you. I would usually also suggest Heart Lake in Anacortes but the water there has been reported as infected so I won't suggest it this year. Hopefully it will clear up for next season. Good luck Marc. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Dave

[Bscman]

+1 for Pass Lake and/or Cranberry Lake.

Pass is about 25minutes from Burlington, give or take a few.
Cranberry is just across the deception pass bridge, so just a few minutes more.

Both are closed to gas engines (no motors of any sort on pass).
If you're interested in keeping the fish, you'll want to go to Cranberry lake.

There is usually at least 1 or 2 people fishing pass lake at any given day, but you won't often feel "crowded" this time of year. Cranberry lake will have a lot of shorebound fisherman on weekends, with many pedal boats and canoes on the weekend.
These are definitely your best options.

The only other lake I will suggest if you're looking to get away from other boats, and have some relatively peaceful time on the water would be Little Cranberry lake in Anacortes. It's a bit more difficult to find (look for Georgia Street on your way to the ferry terminal). Again, it's a no gas motor lake. It is fairly small and shallow, with a "primitive" boat launch. Warmwater fish of every species...many smaller, but lots of them...and a small population of trout.
Suprisingly, it's very secluded and quite beautiful for being within city limits...it is a suprisingly calm place!

[Rollin with Rolland]

Just an idea Marc..

If you head about 30 minutes east of Burlington on Hwy 20 to Baker Lake Rd and about another 15-20 min. up baker lake road there are a couple small lakes. One being Grandy (ok) and the other being VOGLER. Vogler is a small fly fishing only lake (C&R also). Now, I'll premise this with the fact that I have only been there once, had no boat, and got skunked from shore, but may be an option. I'm not real familiar with the lake, but it intrigued me enough to check it out once. Small, quite, less pressure, just don't know what kind of fish it holds!! Otherwise, Pass is pretty nice.

Just a thought.

[Marc Martyn]

Thanks, guys. It is all good information. Looking forward to spending some time in that area.

[Bscman]

Vogler is on private land, so ask permission first.

IIRC, some trips were planted earlier this year. Without a tube, the fishing isn't the greatest...but from what I hear can be very good at times.

My last trip to grandy I noticed a LOT of weeds/pads covering much of the lake...but you definitely won't run into any powerboats!

Another one worth checking out would be Summer Lake up Lake Cavanaugh Rd...it's right off the shoulder of the road, and is very much ignored. There isn't much of a boat launch, more of a stumble through some soggy marsh to the water's edge...Someone laid a few boards down to help out...
The water is stained, but the fishing is good. Perch, crappie, bass, some cutts..
You'll have the lake to yourself, and it is an interesting and peaceful lake with a floating island of large trees and brush that drifts around the lake with the wind.

[Marc Martyn]

I'm thinking of trying Pass first.

McMurray looks good also. Seems to have a good mix of Rainbows and Bass. Comments on the lake stated that there is a speed limit on the lake.
Sixteen is also one I'll try since it is close to McMurray.