General Fishing Information:
Mount Rainier National Park isn't known for its fishing. Although fish are not native to park lakes, some survive as a result of past fish stocking efforts. Because the fish are not native, there are no limits on the number of fish that can be taken from park lakes. Because native fish are found in park streams, please use barbless hooks and artificial lures and to release uninjured fish. For more information, email us or call (360)569-2211
Regulations:
Park fishing regulations for streams are generally in accordance with those of the surrounding area waters of the State of Washington. Park specific regulations and closures are included in the information below. Fishing for bull trout and Chinook Salmon, both federally listed threatened species, is prohibited in the park.
Boating:
Non-motorized boating is permitted on all lakes except Frozen Lake, Reflection Lakes, Ghost Lake, and Tipsoo Lake.
Closed Water:
Klickitat Creek above the White River entrance water supply intake
Ipsut Creek above the Ipsut Creek campground water supply intake
Laughingwater Creek above the Ohanapecosh water supply intake
Frozen Lake
Reflection Lakes
Shadow Lake
Tipsoo Lake
Fishing season:
Most lakes are ice-free only from mid-July through October. According to Washington state fishing regulations, lakes and ponds are open all year, while streams and beaver ponds are open late May or early June through late October. Check the Washington State Fishing Regulations for exact dates and more detailed information.
Limits in park lakes:
No limits
Limits in park streams:
Daily catch - Six pounds and one fish, not to exceed 12 fish.
Possession - 1 day's limit
Minimum size - none
License:
No license or permit required in the park.
Fly fishing:
The Ohanapecosh River and its tributaries are open to fly fishing only. The use of bait or other lures except artificial flies is not permitted.
Prohibited activities:
- Cleaning fish in park waters
- Possession or use of live or dead bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe
- chumming or placing any substance (fish eggs, food, drugs, etc.) in waters for the purpose of attracting or feeding fish
- fishing with nets, seines, traps, drugs or explosives, or any means other than hook and line with the rod or line being closely attended
- digging for bait
- placing refuse of any kind in any park waters
Overnight Fishing Trips:
Anglers making overnight trips into the backcountry must have a wilderness camping permit. These permits can be obtained at any Ranger Station.
Updated 2009 trail maps and
descriptions of 50 park trails
Check list of fish:
Fish are not native to park lakes, but at least 27 lakes still contain reproducing populations of fish including eastern brook trout, rainbow and cutthroat stocks. A checklist of common Char, Salmon and Trout found in the Park include the following:.
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Chars
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Eastern Brook Trout
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Salvelinus fontinalis
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Dolly Varden
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Salvelinus malma
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Bull Trout
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Salvelinus confluentus
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Trout/Salmon
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Cutthroat Trout
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Oncorhynchus clarki
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Rainbow or Steelhead Trout
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Oncorhynchus mykiss
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Kokanee Salmon
(Mowich Lake only)
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Oncorhynchus nerka
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