Fishing season is back. Here are safe spots to fish with little ones in Whatcom County
Washington’s fishing season is open and as anglers rush to lakes this summer, Whatcom County has many safe spots to fish with children.
Fishing locations that include easy trails for little ones to walk along, restrooms and shoreline fishing are helpful and safer with children.
Whatcom County is full of many family-friendly lowland lakes, including Lake Whatcom, Ross Lake, Toad Lake and Lake Padden, that are perfect for fishing.
Here are a few of the best fishing spots you can take children along to:
Derby Pond in Whatcom Falls Park
Located in Bellingham at 1401 Electric Ave.
Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
No entry fee or Discover Pass required.
Derby Pond is a small pond stocked by the Whatcom Falls trout fish hatchery only for children 14 years and under. Whatcom Falls park also has bathrooms and gravel-lined trails that are easy for children to walk.
Read Emily P.'s review of Whatcom Falls Park on YelpRead Hope P.'s review of Whatcom Falls Park on Yelp
Squires Lake
Located in Bellingham at 170 Old Hwy 99 N.
Open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily.
No entry fee or Discover Pass required.
Squires Lake Park is an easy hiking spot, even with children, and it’s just a 0.3 mile walk to reach the lake. The park is located right off of Old Highway 99 and has public restrooms.
The website does not state what types of fish can be caught, but the lake was historically used by the Squires family as a private fish and fur farm.
“Shorty easy hike around a great little lake. Great for families, or pets. Parking lot is nice and safe, bathroom in lot,” Ward N. wrote in a review on TripAdvisor.
“Great hike for beginners, those with young kids, seniors, etc. Or if you’re just short on time. The whole loop can be done in an hour or so. Trail is wide and well maintained - may even be ok for strollers. Nice for a short after-work outing. Would like to try fishing the lake,” Jen M. wrote in a review on TripAdvisor.
Toad Lake
Located in Bellingham at 3998 Toad Lake Rd.
Does not list fishing access hours online.
No entry fee or Discover Pass required.
Toad Lake offers visitors rainbow trout, largemouth bass and resident kokanee fish in its 28-acre lake, and also has bathrooms available.
“Toad Lake, also called Emerald Lake, is a beautiful little lesser-known spot in Bellingham. It’s a great spot for fishing, picnics, walking, etc. It’s gorgeous in the spring and summer, but you can go all year-round. Perfect place to take kids on a warm day. Definitely recommend checking this spot out,” Keith Cook wrote in a review on Trip Advisor.
Read Hannah B.'s review of Toad Lake on Yelp
Lake Padden
Located in Bellingham at 4882 Samish Way.
Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
No entry fee or Discover Pass required.
Lake Padden is a great fishing spot for all ages as it offers shoreline fishing for coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee and largemouth bass fish.
The lake is surrounded by Lake Padden Park which includes restrooms, picnic shelters, pickleball and tennis courts, trails, a golf course and basketball courts.
Read Megan D.'s review of Lake Padden Park on Yelp
“Lake Padden Park is a great place for a family outing. It has a very nice Off Leash area for dogs, Separate one for small dogs. Safe swimming area, picnic area and easy access to relaxed fishing the kids love. Toss a bobber and worm and hook and the kids will be happy for hours. It has a great easy running/jogging /walking trail goring around the lake, not sure but must be a couple miles through mostly wooded area,” a user named tuppy2009 wrote in a review on Trip Advisor.
Lake Whatcom
Located in Bellingham at 3220 Northshore Rd.
Open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily.
No entry fee or Discover Pass required.
Lake Whatcom is located inside of Lake Whatcom Park and has calm shoreline areas for little ones to fish along the lake. The lake has fish including largemouth and smallmouth bass, kokanee, and yellow perch fish.
The park has parking areas a short distance from the lake and restrooms.
Read Mark C.'s review of Lake Whatcom on YelpRead Austin G.'s review of Lake Whatcom on Yelp
In Washington state, fishing licenses are not required for those 15 years old and younger, or for those fishing for crawfish, carp, bullfrogs or collecting shells, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Fishing licenses can be obtained online, by calling 360-902-2464 or by visiting an authorized license dealer in person.
Some parks and lakes also require valid Discover Passes to visit which can be purchased online.
Where is your favorite place to fish in Whatcom County? Let us know in the form below. If you are having trouble seeing or accessing the poll below, click on this link.
