Hayes Lake is a lake in Washington, near Whatcom County.
Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.
Hayes Lake in Whatcom County is a lake in Washington and covers about 12.4 acres.
The small size of Hayes Lake makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle.
Fish listed for Hayes Lake include Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
During an overcast morning near a shallow shelf where food is present, rainbow Trout have also been stocked here; that proves fish were released, but it does not promise that they are still common or easy to catch.
During a cool spring morning near scattered wood near firm bottom, start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it.
While using a first shoreline check near a clean gravel patch in clear water, early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again.
During a check of nearby water near a shaded bank with light wind, a light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control.
During a warm summer afternoon near a shaded bank near visible bait, record the wind, water color, depth of the first bite, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.