Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park Photo Gallery

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Mount Rainier National Park is not known for its fishing, so don't be too disappointed if you fail to catch a fish. Park waters are not stocked, but depend on natural reproduction to replenish populations. The park encourages anglers to use barbless hooks and artificial lures to avoid harming catch and release fish.

Fishing Season: Lakes and ponds open mid-April through late October. Rivers, streams, and beaver ponds open late May through late October. The park asks that you check the Washington State Fishing Regulations for exact dates and detailed information.

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.

The Fish: A few of the fish you might expect to find within the boundaries of Mt. Rainier National Park include Brook Trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.

License: No license or permit is required to fish within the park.

Limits and Possession: Daily catch limit six pounds, one fish (not to exceed 12 fish). Legal possession is one day's limit, and there is no minimum size requirement.

Prohibited Activities: Possession or use of live or dead fish bait, 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 the line being closely attended; digging for bait; placing refuse of any kind in park waters.

Boating: Non-motorized boating is permitted on all lakes except Frozen Lake, Reflection Lakes, Ghost Lake, and Tipsoo Lake. A life jacket is required for each person in the boat.

Overnight: Anglers making overnight trips into the backcountry must have a backcountry permit, which may be obtained at any ranger station.