Baker Lake
Main Species: Rainbow trout, Kokanee, Cutthroat trout, Sockeye Salmon.
Size: Approx. 3,316 acres
Public Access: Yes. Resort, Campground. See map below.
Boat Launch: Yes, multiple launches.
Bathrooms: Yes.
Opening Date: Usually the last Saturday in April, but may vary. Sockeye salmon opening date dependent on run.
Closing date: Usually october 31st.
Special Info: Trout – Minimum size 6″, Max size 18″.
Closed waters 200′ radius around pump at south end of the lake.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm.
Baker Lake offers good trout fishing as well as landlocked salmon. There is a great Kokanee fishery which presents itself best to the boat angler. Camping is popular along Baker Lake so expect lots of campers during the summer months. Chumming is allowed on Baker lake and due to it’s size this can be a good technique to attract fish.
A new, or returning, fishery that has just re-opened for the past two years is the Sockeye salmon fishery. Starting in July of 2010 and 2011, sockeye salmon returns have been great enough to the Baker river, and subsequently Baker Lake, to allow a sport fishery opening on Baker lake for sockeye salmon. This is a highly popular destination, so expect crowded campgrounds, boat launches, and lots of boats on the water.
Popular techniques for catching Baker Lake sockeye salmon include trolling, both with the use of downriggers or without. The fish can usually be found from as deep as 70 feet up to the surface, with the depth often depending on light conditions and time of day.
Popular lures for catching Baker Lake sockeye are a bare red/pink hook or trimmed pink hootchie, trolling .6 – 1.0 mph, behind a chrome or pearl (0/0 to 0) dodger with a 8 – 14″ leader. Downrigger works best, 35 – 50 feet deep, otherwise a 6 or 8oz sinker 25 to 35 strips down (60-80 feet of line). Early morning and late evening are the most productive times.
Baker Lake is east on Highway 20 if coming from the west. Go left on Baker Lake Rd which will take you past the resorts, campgrounds, and boat launches.
Check wdfw regulations for catch limits and seasons. Read the special rules and advisories athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm.
If you have fished this lake and have some information to add please email us at admin@fishwhatcom.com.