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At 5,003 acres, it's the biggest and deepest of the natural lakes in the county. Whatcom is also the most troubled of area waters. Its once-vaunted native cutthroat continue to languish. And the famed kokanee could be in peril from Middle Fork diversion-delivered diseases in the future. And water quality arguably is getting worse. That said, enjoy trolling for kokanee or prospect casting in-shore for smallmouth bass. Heed warnings not to eat the smallies or perch. And, for their sake, release all cutthroat trout.
With it's native cutthroat population still facing an iffy future, and a continuing health warning about eating mercury contaminated smallmouth bass (and other fin-fishes and crawfish), Whatcom's kokanee will be the chief focus of the opening day faithful. This spring's chilly airs may put the silvers off until late May or June, but early fishers might try pulling gang trolls through Agate Bay or the western basin in search of the silver hordes. Angling methods designed to take the deep-dwelling cutthroat (down-riggers, big spoons, herring strip) are banned by regulation.
Season: fourth Saturday in April to Oct. 31.