Fishing, paddling, rafting, and motorboating are popular activities on Lake Chelan; Gorge, Ross, and Diablo Lakes; and the Skagit and Stehekin rivers at the North Cascades National Park Complex in Washington State. And, if you feel like spending a night or two beneath the stars, there is even boat-in camping to accommodate that fishing/paddling plan.

Canoers on the glacially-fed waters of Diablo Lake, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park Complex / North Cascades Institute

Boating

You can rent boats and boating equipment from Ross Lake Resort, which also offers a water taxi service. You can also rent paddle craft at Stehekin on Lake Chelan.

Ramps and launches are available at Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lakes (at Hozomeen) as well as at Lake Chelan. The south end of Ross Lake does not have a boat launch, and there is no road there from State Route 20 (SR 20) either. Because of this, boats must be portaged between Diablo and Ross Lakes. You can read more information about this by clicking on the Boating link above.

The Skagit and Stehekin rivers are great for whitewater rafting during the summer. According to park staff:

The Skagit River is accessible via a boat launch near Goodell Creek Campground at mile post 119 on State Route 20 and the Copper Creek Take-Out near mile post 112. The approximately 9 miles of river between the two access points features class II to class III rapids with few options for taking out and portaging around the whitewater.

The Stehekin River is accessible via a boat launch at the Harlequin Campground.

Find local outfitters on the Guided Services page to help you plan your trip.

There are rules and regulations put in place by the park for your safety and to enhance your boating experience.

• Personal watercraft (jet skis, etc.) are not allowed in any part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
• Four stroke engines, direct injection two-stroke engines, or equivalent technology are required for motorboats on Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake. All engines must meet 2006 EPA clean engine requirements.
• Water sports that involve towing behind a boat, such as waterskiing or tubing, are prohibited in all parts of the park complex.
• Boating under the influence is illegal and not permitted. Operating a vessel while intoxicated is dangerous, and alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Always have a designated operator.

The waters of both lake and rivers throughout the park complex are cold! They may not reach higher than 50°F (10°C). If you fall in, hypothermia will be quick to follow and can be fatal. To prevent accidents, here are a few rules to which you should adhere.

• Wear a properly fitting life jacket - it can save your life!
• Know the weather forecast. Sudden gusty winds and swells are common in the afternoon but can occur at any time.
• Wear synthetic clothing appropriate for the conditions. Consider air AND water temperature.
• Have a plan for self-rescue if you fall in the water.

For lake and river conditions, including water level, flow, and fishing and other activities, click here.

For information about Ross Lake boating and camping, including food storage, camping, fires and safety, click here.

Fishing

Catch of the day, circa 1916, North Cascades National Park Complex / NPS-Mary Roberts Rinehart Album

If you feel like testing your angling skills, there are plenty of opportunities in the pristine waters of North Cascades National Park Complex. The Skagit River, one of Washington's major watersheds, is home to seven species of anadromous fish (five salmon species, steelhead, and cutthroat trout) and freshwater trout and char.

You will need a fishing license which you should obtain prior to visiting since no licenses are sold anywhere within the park complex. Visit Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for information on Washington state fishing licenses.

 According to park staff:

Except as provided below, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Washington. For state fishing regulations go to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

The fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and are addressed by NPS regulations governing “wild life” (36CFR2.2).

These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

The following are prohibited:

• Fishing in fresh waters in any manner other than by hook and line, with the rod or line being closely attended.
• Possessing or using as bait for fishing in freshwaters, live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs or fish roe, except in designated waters.
• Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken.
• Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law.
• Fishing by the use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity.
• Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands.
• Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit: Provided, that at the time of catching the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.
• Fishing from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas.
• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. This includes the discarding and/or dumping of bait and bait buckets.
• The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights.

The following regulations apply only within North Cascades National Park Service Complex:

• The use of nonpreserved fish eggs is permitted, as per 36 CFR 7.66.
• Ruby Creek is closed to fishing from “No Fishing” markers on Ross Lake upstream to the headwaters.
• Big Beaver is closed to fishing from “No Fishing” markers on Ross Lake upstream 1/4 mile.
• Fishing is allowed in or from the following otherwise prohibited areas:
• Motor road bridges
• Stehekin Valley motor road bridges unless posted signs prohibit such activity.
• Public boat dock
• Fishing is permitted unless posted signs prohibit such activity

Below are some of the more common fish species you may catch while fishing in the park’s rivers and lakes:

• Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lakes: Rainbow trout, eastern brook trout, cutthroat trout
• Skagit River: Steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, golden trout, eastern brook trout
• Lake Chelan: Burbot (fresh-water cod), golden trout, lake trout, west slope cutthroat trout, kokanee (land-locked salmon), largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
• Stehekin River: Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout

Aquatic Invasive Species

Quagga mussels on a boat propeller / NPS file

If you have boated in other national parks, you may have heard of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

According to park staff:

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals and pathogens that can significantly harm native aquatic ecosystems and negatively impact visitor use and enjoyment of waters in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (Ross, Diablo and Gorge lakes, Lake Chelan, the Stehekin, Skagit and Cascade rivers.) AIS such as quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnail and Eurasian watermilfoil can clog cooling systems on boats, ruin fisheries, foul hulls and equipment and adversely impact lakeshore recreation. These species can hitch rides on boats, trailers, fishing gear, waders and even seaplanes. 

Why Should We Be Concerned About AIS?

• Economic impacts to hydropower and water systems. Industrial biofouling of hydropower facilities, irrigation canals, and water pumps can occur when invasive species are present in an aquatic system.
• Recreation impacts to boating, angling, swimming and more. Docks, beaches and boats can become encrusted by invasive species.
• Ecological impacts to native fish, invertebrates, plants, waterfowl, and water quality; reduced production in the park. Invasive species can take over habitat from native species, reduce native populations and even spread toxic algal blooms. 

What Can You Do to Help Prevent AIS?

Currently North Cascades National Park Service Complex is free of AIS. We currently do not have quagga or zebra mussels or New Zealand mudsnails and need your help to keep it that way! You can help keep the park’s waters clean by following the steps below every time you leave a water body, even if accessing more remote locations and ‘creeking’ with kayaks or other hand-powered vessels.
Clean boat, trailer and equipment. Remove plants, mud and debris.
Drain water from bilge, ballast, livewell, motor and bait bucket.
Dry all equipment for 5 days before entering new water.
Never move plants or live animals away from a water body.

If your boat has been in waters with confirmed or suspected AIS (such as Lake Mead, Mohave or Powell) within the last 30 days contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife AIS hotline at 1-888-WDFW-AIS.