North Cascades National Park: Fishing

North Cascades

Fishing

General Archaeological records prove humans have been fishing in the Cascade Mountains for at least 8,000 years. The rivers, streams, ponds, and alpine lakes of North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas provide opportunities to fish in the spectacular and unspoiled environment of the Cascades.
Native Rainbow, Cutthroat and Eastern Brook trout are the most commonly caught fish in Ross Lake. A Washington State fishing license is required for the Ross Lake fishing season of July 1 - October 31. A limit of three Rainbow trout at least 13" applies. Closed waters on Ross Lake include all of Ruby Creek, 1/4 mile upstream from closed markers at the mouth of Big Beaver, and one mile up stream on all other tributaries.

Regulations Fishing regulations have been adopted to help protect and restore nature aquatic habitats and the abundance and distribution of fish species. Special regulations limiting the use of bait have been adopted throughout the park and recreation areas. Studies show that up to half the fish caught using bait don't survive the hook-removal and handling. Certain waters are closed to fishing to protect critical spawning habitat. Please remember that fish are an integral part of the natural ecosystem of the park. Enjoy your fishing experience in the pristine waters of the North Cascades and help to maintain a healthy and wild fish population for this and future generations.

A valid Washington State Fishing License is required. It must be in your possession and displayed upon request of a ranger or wildlife officer.
All Washington Game Fish regulations, seasons, and catch limits apply.
The use of baitfish, amphibians, and non preserved fish eggs is prohibited. Many lakes and streams have special regulations that prohibit any bait.
You are limited to one line, with up to three hooks, under your immediate control.
It is unlawful to feed or chum with any substance to attract sportfish.
Fish may be gutted in the field, but throughout transport must be left intact so that size and species can be determined.
It is illegal to dispose of fish remains within 200 feet of docks or campsites. Please puncture the bladder and dispose of remains in deep or swift current.

Special Regulations
Statewide Regulations

Bull Trout Bull trout have disappeared from most of their former range. Their numbers have dwindled to the point where they are in danger of extinction. This trout has been red-tagged a species of concern by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and has been declared a threatened species by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in part of its range and proposed threatened in the remainder. Restrictive fishing regulations are in effect in most places for bull trout to help restore a wild and healthy population. These regulations also apply to Dolly Varden trout, because they are difficult to distinguish from bull trout.

"Low-Impact" Fishing Techniques Switch to catch and release fishing. Any fish you release is one more to spawn and one more for other anglers to enjoy.
Fish with artificial lures or flies. Fish swallow them less deeply and are more likely to survive after being released.
Many anglers use barbless hooks. Barbless hooks hold quite well, snag the bottom less often and allow fish to be released without being handled. Consider replacing treble hooks on lures with a single hook.
Hold the fish gently. Leave the fish in the water while removing the hook and handle as little as possible. Don't squeeze the fish, touch the gills or hold it by the gill covers. If you can't easily remove a hook, cut the leader. The hook will dissolve.
If the fish is exhausted, hold it upright in the swimming position in the water and move water through its gills by gently moving the fish back and forth though the water until it regains its equilibrium.

http://www.nps.gov/noca/fishing.htm
Last Updated: April 27, 2005

*General*	Archaeological records prove humans have been fishing in the Cascade Mountains for at least 8,000 years. The rivers, streams, ponds, and alpine lakes of North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas provide opportunities to fish in the spectacular and unspoiled environment of the Cascades. Native Rainbow, Cutthroat and Eastern Brook trout are the most commonly caught fish in Ross Lake. A Washington State fishing license is required for the Ross Lake fishing season of July 1 - October 31. A limit of three Rainbow trout at least 13" applies. Closed waters on Ross Lake include all of Ruby Creek, 1/4 mile upstream from closed markers at the mouth of Big Beaver, and one mile up stream on all other tributaries.
*Regulations*	Fishing regulations have been adopted to help protect and restore nature aquatic habitats and the abundance and distribution of fish species. Special regulations limiting the use of bait have been adopted throughout the park and recreation areas. Studies show that up to half the fish caught using bait don't survive the hook-removal and handling. Certain waters are closed to fishing to protect critical spawning habitat. Please remember that fish are an integral part of the natural ecosystem of the park. Enjoy your fishing experience in the pristine waters of the North Cascades and help to maintain a healthy and wild fish population for this and future generations. A valid Washington State Fishing License is required. It must be in your possession and displayed upon request of a ranger or wildlife officer. All Washington Game Fish regulations, seasons, and catch limits apply. The use of baitfish, amphibians, and non preserved fish eggs is prohibited. Many lakes and streams have special regulations that prohibit any bait. You are limited to one line, with up to three hooks, under your immediate control. It is unlawful to feed or chum with any substance to attract sportfish. Fish may be gutted in the field, but throughout transport must be left intact so that size and species can be determined. It is illegal to dispose of fish remains within 200 feet of docks or campsites. Please puncture the bladder and dispose of remains in deep or swift current. Special Regulations Statewide Regulations

*Bull Trout*	Bull trout have disappeared from most of their former range. Their numbers have dwindled to the point where they are in danger of extinction. This trout has been red-tagged a species of concern by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and has been declared a threatened species by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in part of its range and proposed threatened in the remainder. Restrictive fishing regulations are in effect in most places for bull trout to help restore a wild and healthy population. These regulations also apply to Dolly Varden trout, because they are difficult to distinguish from bull trout.
*"Low-Impact" Fishing Techniques*	Switch to catch and release fishing. Any fish you release is one more to spawn and one more for other anglers to enjoy. Fish with artificial lures or flies. Fish swallow them less deeply and are more likely to survive after being released. Many anglers use barbless hooks. Barbless hooks hold quite well, snag the bottom less often and allow fish to be released without being handled. Consider replacing treble hooks on lures with a single hook. Hold the fish gently. Leave the fish in the water while removing the hook and handle as little as possible. Don't squeeze the fish, touch the gills or hold it by the gill covers. If you can't easily remove a hook, cut the leader. The hook will dissolve. If the fish is exhausted, hold it upright in the swimming position in the water and move water through its gills by gently moving the fish back and forth though the water until it regains its equilibrium.