The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Ross Lake
Whatcom County, Washington · about 8,640 acres (13.5 sq mi)
39°F water, calm this morning.
About Ross Lake
Ross Lake spreads over about 8,640 acres in Whatcom County, Washington. Ross Dam holds it back on the Skagit River. Ross Lake has no anadromous fish runs because Ross Dam blocks salmon migration up the Skagit River.
From end to end it runs about 16.6 miles with roughly 45 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,550 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 540 ft. Darrington is about 41 miles southwest. The closest city is Bellingham, about 65 miles away.
- Size
- About 8,640 acres (13.5 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 540 ft
- Shoreline
- About 45 miles
- End to end
- About 16.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,550 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Ross Dam, Skagit River
- County
- Whatcom County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 2:45 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Ross Lake
Ross Lake holds trout. At 39°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:10 am · sunset 4:25 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Ross Lake
- Darringtonabout 41 mi southwest
- Peaceful Valleyabout 48 mi west
- Bellinghamnearest city, about 65 mi west
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Questions about Ross Lake
What fish are in Ross Lake?
Ross Lake holds trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Ross Lake?
About 540 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Ross Lake?
About 8,640 acres, with about 45 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Ross Lake?
Darrington is about 41 miles southwest; Peaceful Valley is about 48 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Ross Lake today?
The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Ross Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
