Pass Lake, tucked just north of Deception Pass on Washington’s Whidbey Island, is a fly fishing gem known for its trophy-sized rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. With barbless-only, fly-fishing-only regulations, it offers an unmatched catch-and-release experience for anglers seeking solitude, scenic beauty, and thrilling trout action.
It’s the lake that hooked me on fly fishing. When I was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, I spent countless hours here learning to tie flies and test them out. It’s where I caught my first trout on a fly I tied myself—and where I truly fell in love with the art of fly fishing.
In this post, I return to one of my favorite fisheries and enjoy the Pacific Northwest wildlife that makes Pass Lake such a magical place to cast a line.
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Why I Love Fly Fishing Pass Lake
Yes, the road that runs along the southern shore can be noisy. But honestly, the peace that comes with casting a fly into still water—and the chance of hooking into a feisty rainbow or brown trout—drowns out the traffic pretty quickly.
Pass Lake has long been known for its trophy trout, and it holds a special place in the hearts of fly fishers across the Pacific Northwest. For me, it’s home water.
Location and Lake Details
Pass Lake is located just north of the Deception Pass Bridge off Highway 20 near Rosario Road. There’s a graveled parking area and small boat launch, along with access to a 3.5-mile hiking loop into Deception Pass State Park.
- Size: 95 acres
- Main species: Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, Brown trout
- Boat launch: Yes (non-motorized only)
- Bathrooms: Yes
- Public access: Yes
- Season: Open year-round
- Rules: Fly fishing only, catch and release, barbless hooks required
- Discover Pass required: Buy your pass here
Tip: Be sure to bring your Discover Pass and read WDFW regulations before heading out.
My June 2020 Return to Pass Lake
It had been about 15 years since I last fished Pass Lake. During our return trip to Washington, Lisa and I were staying in La Conner, and I couldn’t resist the pull of this place. Rain was in the forecast, but the skies held off—turning it into a picture-perfect gray day for trout fishing.
I arrived at about 11:00 a.m., rigged up my Hobie Mirage Outback kayak, and was on the water within half an hour.
What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Chatting with another angler coming off the water, I learned he had a few takes on a burnt orange leech pattern. I tied on a burnt orange conehead woolly bugger and began trolling the middle of the lake—where I’ve had success in the past.
After an hour with no strikes, I switched things up.
Lesson learned: If you’re not getting hits at Pass Lake, change flies. The trout here can be picky, especially on overcast days.
I swapped to an olive woolly bugger, and within ten minutes I had my first strike—a strong 12-inch rainbow that gave a great fight. I lost him right at the boat while trying to film the action, but hey, it was still a blast.
Not long after, another fish hit hard and went deep. I suspect it was a decent brown trout—strong, fast, and smart. It made a charge at me and threw the hook.
The third fish of the day put on a show, leaping into the air with the woolly bugger in its jaw before spitting it right back at me.
Wildlife Encounters
In between missed hooksets, a family of otters played in the grassy northwest corner of the lake. I tried to sneak in for a photo but wasn’t fast enough—those little guys vanished before I could click the shutter.
Overhead, bald eagles soared and called out, a majestic reminder of how special this place really is.
Other Things to Do Near Pass Lake
Deception Pass State Park is right next door, offering hiking trails, photography opportunities, and sweeping coastal views. It’s a great place to take a break if the fishing slows down—or if your travel partner isn’t into fly fishing.
Final Thoughts
The only thing that could’ve made this day better was landing one of the three solid trout I hooked into. But honestly? The tug, the fight, the fly, the lake, the eagles, and the otters—that’s what makes days like this unforgettable.
And to wrap it all up, I left a few of my hand-tied flies at the Pass Lake Flybrary, hoping another angler might hook into something big with one of them.
Gear I Used
- Fly Rod & Reel Combo
- Fly Tying Kit – Everything I need to whip up a woolly bugger
- Woolly Bugger Patterns (Olive & Burnt Orange)
- Fly Fishing Net
Let’s Hear From You!
Have you fished Pass Lake recently? What flies have worked best for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.
And if you’re ever in the area, give this special lake a try. You just might catch the bug, too.
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