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Washington · Fishing
North Bend sits at the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and the fishing here reflects that — you're not pulling up to a stocked pond off a highway.
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North Bend sits at the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and the fishing here reflects that — you're not pulling up to a stocked pond off a highway. The three lakes in the area, Upper Loch Katrine, Granite Lakes, and Mason Lake, are all lake fisheries reached on foot, which keeps pressure lower than you'd find at drive-up spots closer to Seattle. Mason Lake is the most accessible of the three and sees the most visitors, while Upper Loch Katrine and Granite Lakes sit higher and require more effort to reach. All three are set in forested mountain terrain typical of the central Cascades, and the fishing is generally for trout in cold, clear water. This is a good fit for anglers who don't mind pairing a hike with their fishing — bring a light pack rod or a backpacking rod setup that won't slow you down on the trail. The season here follows Washington's general lowland and mountain lake regulations, so checking the WDFW rules for the specific water body before you go is worth the five minutes it takes.
All three lakes — Upper Loch Katrine, Granite Lakes, and Mason Lake — are lake fisheries in the Cascades and are primarily trout water. Exact species and stocking status vary by lake and year, so check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations and stocking reports for current information before your trip.
Mason Lake is the most accessible of the three and is a reasonable day hike for most people. Upper Loch Katrine and Granite Lakes involve more elevation gain and trail distance, so plan accordingly and check current trail conditions through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before heading out.
Granite Lakes
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Elbow Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Mason Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Lower Tuscohatchie Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Crystal Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Carole Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Nordrum Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Horseshoe Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Upper Loch Katrine
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Snoqualmie Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Nimue Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
Snoqualmie Lake Potholes
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WA.
A light spinning rod or a packable fly rod works well here since you're hiking in. Small spinners, spoons, and dry flies or nymphs are standard choices for mountain lake trout. Bring a Washington fishing license and check whether a Discover Pass or National Forest recreation pass is required for the trailhead you're using.
Late spring through early fall is the primary window, with July through September offering the most reliable access once snow has cleared the trails. Early morning tends to be the most productive time of day on calm mountain lakes, before wind picks up and surface activity slows.
You need a valid Washington State fishing license for all three lakes. Trailhead parking may require a Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass depending on the access point — check the specific trailhead requirements on the WDFW or Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest websites before you go.
