Gamefish season extended

Gamefish season extended at Padden Lake (Whatcom County) and Steel Lake (King County)

Action: Extends open gamefish season to Jan. 5, 2020.

Effective date: Nov. 1, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020.

Species affected: All gamefish.

Location: Padden Lake (Whatcom Co.) and Steel Lake (King Co.).

Reason for action: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) stocked catchable-size rainbow trout in both lakes in late October and will again prior to Black Friday (Nov. 29). These fish and the extension of the fishing season will provide exciting fishing opportunities through the holidays for these lakes.

Additional information: Padden Lake and Steel Lake will be closed to fishing on Jan. 5, 2019. Both lakes will re-open to fishing on the fourth Saturday in April.

No internal combustion motors are allowed on Padden Lake and Steel Lake.

Anglers should also be aware that invasive New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) were recently discovered in Padden Lake. To prevent the spread of this prohibited species to other water bodies, WDFW urges anyone coming into contact with Lake Padden to inspect and follow the Clean/Drain/Dry strategy on all clothing, gear, and watercraft. For more details on the prevention methods, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive/prevention.