LAKES

Reservoir water levels fluctuate. Strong winds are common on all the lakes. Gorge and Diablo are open to fishing year-round with WA state fishing license. All WA state fishing regulations and license requirements apply. Backcountry permits are required year-round for all boat-in sites and may be obtained at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount

Lake Chelan

Current level
(1,100 feet = full pool)

Open to fishing north of Stehekin August 1 to March 31; south of Stehekin year-round. Washington State fishing license required. Dock Pass (fee) required between May 1 and October 31 for use of all docks including Forest Service facilities on the lake. Passenger ferry service between Chelan and Stehekin runs daily in summer, a few days weekly during winter months. Contact the Lake Chelan Boat Company for current schedules and rates or call (509) 682-4584 for more information.

Diablo Lake

Current level

Lake level can flucuate daily 1 to 5 feet.
(1205 feet = full pool).

In response to an advisory issued by Seattle City Light on July 12, 2008, the National Park Service is alerting potential visitors to Diablo Lake of a possible health concern.  Seattle City Light reported that cleanup is continuing through at least Wednesday, July 16, for oil residue from a leak at the Ross hydroelectric dam on June 18, 2008.  The oil from this leak contains low-level of PCBs.  While the risk is minimal, visitors to the area are advised to avoid contact with any oil sheen and the containment booms that are in place.  If a person or boat does come into contact with the oil, they are advised to wash themselves and their equipment with soap and water.  Skagit Tours will continue on an adjusted route.  Visitors planning to boat across Diablo Lake to access Ross Lake may do so, but are advised to monitor their boats for possible oil contact.  Seattle City Light has closed access to Diablo Lake at the Diablo Lake Boat House (Diablo Landing).  The company working on the spill cleanup has stationed self-serve clean up materials at the Diablo Lake Boat House, Colonial Creek Campground boat launch, and the Ross Lake boat access to assist with boat cleanup if necessary.  Open to fishing year round with Washington State fishing license. Boaters use caution in securing boats, as lake level can fluctuate several feet in a short time. Backcountry permit required for boat-in campsites. Tours of the lake are offered through Seattle City Light Skagit tours. Call (206) 684- 3030 for more information.

Gorge Lake

Current level

Lake level can fluctuate daily 1 to 3 feet.
(890 feet = full pool).

Open to fishing year round with Washington State fishing license. Water levels fluctuate.

Ross Lake

Current level

Usually at full pool between July 4 and Labor Day.(1602.5 feet = full pool)
 

See Ross Lake usage levels  chart to determine if specific boat launches and docks are usable at the current lake level. Boaters should be watchful for tree stumps below the water surface, especially when water visibility is poor. Any level below full pool has potential hazard. Fishing season open July 1 to October 31 and Washington State fishing license required. Licenses are not available at ranger stations but can be bought at Ross Lake Resort at the southern end of the lake. Backcountry permit required for boat-in campsites.

RIVERS

Skagit River

Present flow at Newhalem.

Within Ross Lake National Recreation Area: open to fishing June 1 to February 28. Washington State fishing license required.

Stehekin River

Present flow.

Open to fishing July 1 to October 31. Washington State fishing license required.