Pass Lake
Fly fishing in Washington · Intermediate · Best seasons: Spring, Fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
About This Water
Whidbey Island fly fishing only lake. Quality rainbow and brown trout in scenic setting.
Fishing Recommendations
Pass Lake is widely considered the crown jewel of Washington’s fly fishing-only waters. Located within the Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island, it is a "quality water" destination that offers anglers the chance to land trophy-sized trout in a stunning, serene environment.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Pass Lake.
🎣 Location Overview
Pass Lake is a 97-acre, low-elevation lake that feels like a piece of the Rocky Mountains dropped onto the Washington coast. It is a highly productive, eutrophic lake, meaning it is rich in nutrients and supports a massive biomass of insects and crustaceans.
What makes it special is the Fly Fishing Only designation and a strict catch-and-release policy. This has allowed the Rainbow and Brown trout to grow to "football" proportions, with many fish exceeding 20 inches. The water is generally clear but has a distinct emerald tint due to the rich vegetation. The shoreline varies from steep, timbered cliffs on the south side to shallow, weedy flats on the north and west ends.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Rainbow Trout: These are the primary residents. They are hard-fighting, often aerial, and move in schools. During hatches, they cruise the shallow flats and weed edges.
- Brown Trout: The "ghosts" of Pass Lake. They are more secretive and often hold near the submerged logs and steep drop-offs on the south shore. Browns here are known to be piscivorous (fish-eating), often targeting smaller trout or sculpins.
- Behavior: In the spring, fish are found in the shallows (5–12 feet). As the water warms in summer, they retreat to the deeper "thermocline" areas. In the fall, they return to the shallows to feast before winter.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Optimal Seasons:
- Spring (March – June): This is the peak. The legendary chironomid hatches start in March and can be prolific through May.
- Fall (September – November): As water temperatures drop, fish become aggressive again. This is the best time to target large Browns with streamers.
- Best Times of Day:
- Spring: Mid-morning to late afternoon (when the water warms enough to trigger insect emergence).
- Fall: Early morning and the "golden hour" before sunset.
- Conditions: Overcast, "fishy" days are superior. A slight ripple on the water (the "Pass Lake Chop") is ideal as it masks your leader and boat shadow.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Chironomid Fishing (The Gold Standard)
This is the most effective way to fish Pass Lake.
- Flies: Chromies, Ice Man, Zebra Midges, and "Bloodworms" (Size 12–18).
- Technique: Use a long leader (15–20+ feet) under a slip-indicator. Suspend your fly 6 inches to 2 feet off the bottom. Patience is key—the take is often just a slight dip of the indicator.
Stripping Streamers & Leeches
- Flies: Balanced Leeches (Olive, Black/Red), Woolly Buggers, and Sculpin patterns.
- Technique: Use an intermediate or Type 3 sinking line. Cast toward the shore or weed edges and use a "strip-strip-pause" retrieve. Balanced leeches under an indicator are also deadly here.
Dry Fly Action
- Flies: Parachute Adams, Callibaetis Cripples, and Griffith's Gnats (Size 14–18). In late spring, look for Damsel Fly migrations—a blue Damsel pattern can lead to explosive surface takes.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Shelf" is Key: Find the areas where the bottom transitions from 10 feet to 20+ feet. Fish love to cruise these edges. Use a fish finder to locate the drop-offs.
- The South Wall: If the wind is blowing from the north, the south wall provides shelter. The deep water against the rocks is a prime hangout for the larger Brown trout.
- Stealth Matters: Because it is a "no-motor" lake (internal combustion), it is very quiet. Clanging an anchor or splashing oars will spook fish in the shallows. Float tubes and pontoon boats are the preferred craft for a stealthy approach.
- The "Pass Lake Twitch": When fishing under an indicator, occasionally give your line a tiny twitch. This "animates" the pupa and often triggers a strike from a trailing trout.
⚠️ Important Information
- Regulations: Fly Fishing Only. You cannot use scent, bait, or soft plastic lures. All hooks must be barbless.
- Catch & Release: This is a 100% catch-and-release lake. It is illegal to retain any fish.
- Motors: Internal combustion motors are prohibited. Electric trolling motors are allowed, but most anglers prefer rowing or paddling to maintain the quiet atmosphere.
- Permits: You will need a Washington State Fishing License and a Discover Pass for parking, as the lake is within a State Park.
- Safety: The wind can pick up quickly on Pass Lake. If you are in a float tube, keep an eye on the weather to ensure you don't get blown to the far end of the lake.
Guide’s Final Word: Pass Lake isn't always easy—it's a "thinking man's" lake. But if you put in the time to dial in your depth and match the hatch, you have a legitimate chance at a 5-pound trout on a 5-weight rod.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids Chironomidae | midge | April, May, September, October | All Day | #12-20 | Iceo-Pupa #14-18, Chironocone #12-16, Zebra Midge #16-20 |
| Callibaetis Callibaetis ferrugineus | mayfly | May, June, August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #12-16 | Parachute Adams #14-16, Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #12-16 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-12 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #10-12, Braided Butt Damsel #12 |
| Traveling Sedge Hesperophylax | caddis | August, September | Evening | #8-12 | Mikulak Sedge #8-10, Goddard Caddis #10-12 |
| Dragonfly Anisoptera | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #6-10 | Gomphus Nymph #6-10, Carey Special #8-10 |
| Water Boatmen Corixidae | terrestrial | September, October | Afternoon | #14-16 | Prince Nymph #14-16, Water Boatman #14-16 |
| Bloodworms Chironomus plumosus | midge | March, April | Morning/Afternoon | #12-16 | San Juan Worm #14, Frosty's Bloodworm #12-14 |
| Scuds Gammarus | terrestrial | April, May, October, November | All Day | #12-16 | Ray Charles #14-16, Olive Scud #12-16 |