Printed on recycled paper with vegetable ink. April 2020

Written by Mount Rainier National Park Aquatics Program and 

Washington State Water Resources Division

Original design Yellowstone National Park

Illustrations p. 1, 9, 12, 13 © Angie Peace 

Photos p. 3, Steve Redman; p. 4, NPS historical photo; p. 5, 8, NPS / 

Anthony Anderson; p. 6, 7, 10, 11, NPS / Matt DeAngelo; p 14, NPS; 

p. 15, Brittany Burnett

National Park Service

Please see locally 

posted regulation 

changes and 

visit the park’s 

website for the 

most current 

regulations.

www.nps.

gov/mora/

planyourvisit/

fishing-andboating.htm 

Mount Rainier National Park

Fish Regulations 

Front cover illustrations top to bottom: bull trout, rainbow trout, 

coastal cutthroat trout, brook trout, kokanee salmon

More information on fishing in national parks and Mount Rainier’s fisheries:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fishing/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/fish.htm

https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/fishing-and-boating.htm

For more information about statewide fish advisories and healthy fish choices, visit 

the Washington State Department of Health at www.doh.wa.gov/fish.

Direct questions regarding this guide to:

Mount Rainier National Park Aquatics Program

Longmire, WA 98397, (360) 569-6752

Quick Trout Identification

Native Bull Trout vs. Non-native Brook Trout

Native Bull Trout

Non-native Brook Trout

No spotting 

on dorsal fin

Squared tail

Cream or 

yellow 

colored 

spots 

without 

halos

Black spotting 

on dorsal fin

Slightly 

forked 

tail

Yellow and 

red colored 

spots with 

blue halos
The National Park Service and Mount Rainier National Park 

are dedicated to the conservation of native fish species and 

healthy aquatic ecosystems while providing recreational 

opportunities for the public’s enjoyment. Fishing within Mount 

Rainier National Park is permitted when consistent with the 

conservation and restoration objectives established in the 

Fisheries Management Plan (FMP). The FMP provides a guide 

for the recovery of native fish and aquatic biota through the 

following actions: 

1. Restoring stream habitats and removing fish passage barriers;

2. Reducing the impact of non-native fishes on native biota; and 

3. Protecting existing populations of native fishes. 

By following the regulations, guidelines, and courtesies outlined 

in this brochure, anglers play a critical role in accomplishing the 

objectives of the FMP. These actions help to preserve our natural 

heritage and ensure the enjoyment of native fish species and 

healthy aquatic ecosystems by future generations. 

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

History of Fish Stocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Aquatic Invasive Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

General Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Fishing Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Native Salmonid Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Non-Native Salmonid Identification . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Monitoring Fish Populations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The Reason for

Fishing Regulations

Introduction

 3

 9 major watershed headwaters;

 470 mapped streams;

 382 lakes and ponds;

 8 documented native species;

 3 fish species listed as 

threatened under the 

Endangered Species Act–bull 

trout, Puget Sound steelhead, 

and Chinook salmon; 

 2 fish species listed as species 

of concern–coastal cutthroat 

trout and coho salmon.

Mount Rainier is the third highest 

and the most heavily glaciated peak 

in the contiguous United States, 

and its slopes feed the headwaters 

of nine major watersheds and 470 

mapped streams. The diverse 

topography of the park contains 

approximately 382 lakes and 

ponds. These aquatic ecosystems 

support a variety of fish, 

amphibian, and macro invertebrate 

communities. 

The park hosts at least eight native 

fish species (species that occur 

naturally within the park 

boundaries and have evolved 

alongside the dynamic physical and 

biological components of their 

unique environments). Native 

species play an integral role in 

maintaining the health and 

resilience of aquatic ecosystems. 

Native fishes within the park 

include both resident and 

migratory populations. Resident 

fish reside in park waters 

year-round while migratory species 

utilize park streams for spawning 

and rearing before migrating 

downstream to forage and mature. 

Three native fish species within the 

park are listed as threatened under 

the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - 

bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), 

Puget Sound steelhead trout 

(Oncorhynchus mykiss), and 

Chinook salmon (Onchorynchus 

tshawytscha) – and two species are 

listed as species of concern – 

coastal cutthroat trout 

(Onchorynchus clarkii clarkii) and 

coho salmon (Onchorynchus 

kisutch). Other native species found 

within the park include pink 

salmon (Onchorynchus gorbuscha), 

mountain whitefish (Prosopium 

williamsoni), and various sculpin 

species (Cottus spp).

Mount Rainier and its Native Fish

Mount Rainier reflected on Bench Lake.

Angler-Assisted Conservation 

Anglers play an important role in the conservation and recovery of 

native species and natural ecosystems. In many lakes and streams 

throughout Mount Rainier, anglers are essential for non-native 

species suppression. They assist in the suppression efforts by following 

the rules and regulations as established in this brochure.

Mount Rainier National Park has... 
4

A History of Fish Stocking

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are waterborne, non-native organisms that 

out-compete native organisms, introduce diseases or parasites, or adversely 

change the aquatic ecosystem. Humans unwittingly assist the spread of 

these organisms by transferring them from one body of water to another 

on footwear, waders, nets, watercraft, and other equipment. Some AIS 

concerns within the park include the following:

 Chytrid fungus (Chytridiomycosis) – Present in some locations within 

the park, is a fungus implicated in rapid declines of amphibian 

populations worldwide,

 Whirling disease – Not currently present in the park, is a parasitic 

infection that threatens native salmonid populations and park fisheries,

 Eurasian watermilfoil – Not currently present in the park but present 

throughout Washington state, forms thick submerged vegetative mats 

that choke out native 

aquatic fish and amphibians.

You can help prevent the 

spread of AIS by following these 

guidelines before fishing at 

Mount Rainier National Park:

 Remove ALL visible mud, 

plants, invertebrates, and 

fish from your watercraft, 

trailers, waders, boots, and 

gear.

 DO NOT dump any water 

from other sources into 

Mount Rainier Park waters.

 NEVER empty bait or 

release fish into a body 

of water unless they were 

caught in that body of water.

 Wash, disinfect, and dry 

EVERYTHING that comes 

into contact with water 

before entering any new 

water body.

 5

Like many national parks, the 

history of fisheries management at 

Mount Rainier National Park 

included stocking of non-native fish 

to enhance recreational fishing 

opportunities. Non-native fish 

include both species that are not 

naturally occurring within the 

watersheds as well as native species 

introduced into areas historically 

not occupied by that species. 

Between 1915 and 1972, over nine 

million fish were stocked into park 

waters, the majority of which were 

stocked in lakes that historically 

were fishless. Commonly stocked 

species include non-native 

westslope cutthroat trout 

(Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi), 

eastern brook trout (Salvelinus 

fontinalis), and kokanee salmon 

(Oncorhynchus nerka) as well as 

native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus 

mykiss). 

Though the last official fish stocking 

within the park occurred in 1972, 

the legacy of stocking continues 

through non-native fish presence 

and altered aquatic communities. 

Dozens of streams and 35 

historically fishless lakes within the 

park continue to support breeding 

populations of non-native fish. 

Non-native fish species compete for 

limited food and habitat resources, 

prey on native fish and amphibians, 

and degrade the genetics of native 

fish through hybridization. These 

interactions are a cause for declines 

in native aquatic species in the park. 

Of special concern, native 

threatened bull trout are susceptible 

to direct competition and 

hybridization with non-native 

eastern brook trout in streams 

throughout the park. Because of the 

threatened status of bull trout, the 

large amount of bull trout critical 

habitat within park boundaries and 

the extensive overlap between bull 

trout and brook trout habitat usage, 

the removal of non-native brook 

trout in sensitive areas is a priority 

for fisheries managers at Mount 

Rainier National Park. 

A pack team hauls fish to stock Sunrise Lake.

Aquatic Invasive Species

All gear, including waders, boots, nets, and 

angling equipment, should be scrubbed, 

disinfected, and dried.

More information on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species: 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/aquatic-invasive-species.htm

Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species to

 Preserve These Scenic and Protected Waterways!
To be followed while fishing 

anywhere within park boundaries:

 A state fishing license is 

not required; however, a 

Washington State catch record 

card is REQUIRED to fish for 

salmon and steelhead;

 Fishing is allowed from 1 hour 

before sunrise to 1 hour after 

sunset;

 Possession or use of live or 

dead bait fish, amphibians, 

non-preserved fish eggs, or roe 

is prohibited;

 Digging for bait is prohibited;

 Chumming is prohibited; and

 Fishing from a motor road 

bridge is prohibited.

6

General Regulations

Parkwide Fishing Regulations

Season 

Help Conserve Native Fish!

Catch and release all native fish and keep all non-native fish.

Non-native fish include any fish caught in a lake and any 

eastern brook trout or kokanee salmon caught within the park. 7

Waters Closed to Fishing

Retention

The following streams are closed to 

fishing to protect water supplies:

 Klickitat Creek above Sunrise 

Road;

 Laughingwater Creek above 

the Ohanapecosh water supply 

intake; and

 Edith Creek above the Paradise 

water supply.

This stream is closed to 

fishing to protect ESA 

threatened bull trout:

 Fryingpan Creek 

above the 

confluence with 

the White River.

Legal Gear

Fishing is defined as any activity using a rod or line for the purpose of 

attracting, catching, or possessing fish. There are three levels of regulations 

to be familiar with: parkwide, stream fishing, and lake fishing regulations.

Fishing at Mount Rainier National Park Streams at Mount Rainier National Park

A stream is defined as any body of moving water (such as a river or creek).

Method

Non-native brook trout are found in many of Mount Rainier’s lakes and streams.

Legal Gear

Retention

When retaining fish, the skin needs 

to remain intact for species 

identification. See stream 

regulations and lake regulations for 

area specific retention regulations. 

 Lead fishing tackle is prohibited 

because lead is highly 

poisonous to aquatic biota 

and humans with long lasting 

environmental consequences.

 Fishing by any method 

other than hook or line 

(i.e. chemicals, explosives, 

electricity) is prohibited.

 Artificial lures and flies only.

 Single-point barbless hooks 

only.

 Bait is prohibited, including any 

substance which attracts fish by 

scent or flavor.

 Fishing for any spawning fish is 

prohibited.

 Snagging or attempting to snag 

any fish is prohibited.

These retention regulations are to 

be followed for all park streams:

 Catch and release of all 

native fish species (see Native 

Salmonid Identification);

 Retention permitted for 

kokanee and brook trout. 

There are two fishing seasons 

within Mount Rainier National 

Park. The fishing season closes 

earlier in the year in watersheds 

with ESA listed species to protect 

them while they are spawning. 

 White, Huckleberry, West Fork, 

Carbon, and Mowich (see map) 

are open from the first Saturday 

in June until Labor Day.

 The Puyallup, Nisqually, 

Cowlitz, and Ohanapecosh 

watersheds are open from the 

first Saturday in June until 

October 31.

A morning on Fryingpan 

Creek, which is closed 

to fishing to protect 

threatened bull trout.
8

General Regulations continued

9

Closed Waters

A lake is defined as a standing body of water surrounded by land and 

distinct from its inlet or outlet streams. 

Lakes at Mount Rainier National Park

Fish handling – Native Fish

Fish Handling and Disposal – Non-Native Fish

The following are not required, but are suggested guidelines intended to 

promote native species conservation, responsible angling practices, and the 

protection of sensitive areas. 

Guidelines For Fishing At Mount Rainier National Park

The following lakes are closed to 

protect sensitive riparian vegetation: 

 Tipsoo Lake;

 Shadow Lake; and 

 Reflection Lake.

The following lake is closed to 

protect water supplies: 

 Frozen Lake

Retention 

There are no daily or annual catch 

limits for fish caught in lakes.

Method

 Fishing for spawning fish is 

permitted.

 Snagging fish is permitted.

 Avoid ‘playing’ fish to exhaustion and release quickly. 

 Land fish using a knotless or rubber fishing net.

 Use wet hands or gloves to gently handle fish.

 Keep the fish wet, calm and properly supported, never hold a fish by its gills.

 Remove the hook without injuring the fish. If the fish is hooked deeply, cut 

the line and leave the hook.

 Release fish unharmed and fully recovered into the water it was caught in.

Louise Lake

All lakes are open year-round 

except as listed below.

Legal Gear

 Use of multiple point hooks 

with barbs is allowed.

 Refer to Parkwide Fishing 

Regulations on page 6 for 

information on the use of bait.

Guidelines

ventral fin anal fin

adipose fin

pectoral fin

maxillary caudal fin

dorsal fin

 Non-native fish include any fish caught in a lake and any eastern brook 

trout or kokanee salmon caught within the park. Retention or humane 

euthanization of non-native fish is encouraged to reduce competition 

and likelihood of hybridization with native fish, as well as to restore 

ecosystems for other native aquatic species. Euthanize fish as humanely as 

possible (i.e. a blow to the head followed by pithing or decapitation)

 Dispose of fish and entrails into fast moving or deep water habitats where 

they were caught.

Key Features for Identifying Salmon and Trout
10

Map

Map of waters closed to fishing and major watersheds. 11
12

Native Salmonid Identification

Coastal Cutthroat Trout

(Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)

Description: 

Light body with dark spots, 

distinguished from 

rainbow trout by 

prominent orange to 

red slash under the jaw, 

and maxillary extending beyond the eye.

Distribution: Present in all park watersheds and many mountain lakes.

Non-spawning colors

13

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) 

(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Description: 

Light body with 

dark spots, 

distinguished from 

cutthroat trout by 

no orange to red 

slash under the jaw, and maxillary extending to middle of the eye.

Distribution: Present in all park watersheds and many mountain lakes. 

Steelhead (the migratory form of rainbow trout) may be encountered in the 

White, West Fork, Carbon, and Mowich watersheds.

Bull trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus)

Description: 

Dark body with light 

spots; white leading 

edges on fins; 

distinguished from 

brook trout by lack 

of pigmentation or 

spotting on dorsal fin.

Distribution: Often encountered in the White and Carbon river watersheds; 

possible encounters in Puyallup, West Fork, and Mowich watersheds.

Infrequently encountered native salmonids include Chinook salmon, 

coho salmon, pink salmon, and mountain whitefish.

Non-Native Salmonid Identification

Eastern Brook Trout 

(Salvelinus fontinalis)

Description:

Dark body with light spots; 

white leading edges on

fins; distinguished 

from bull trout by 

dark markings on 

dorsal fin and worm-like 

patterning along the back.

Distribution: Present in all park watersheds and many mountain lakes.

Distribution: Present in the Nisqually watershed and Mowich Lake and its 

tributaries.

Kokanee (Sockeye) Salmon 

(Oncorhynchus nerka)

Spawning colors.

Other potentially encountered non-native salmonids include westslope 

cutthroat trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, although distinguishing 

these species from native coastal cutthroat trout is difficult. Any suspected 

cutthroat caught in park streams should be treated as a native trout. 

Description:

Non-spawning colors greenish blue back with faint speckling and few if any 

spots; sides and belly silvery. Spawning colors back and sides red to dirty red 

gray, olive head, and may have dark spots on back and tail.
Frequently Asked Questions

15

Do I need a state fishing license 

in Mount Rainier National Park?

No, a state license is not required.

Why are barbless hooks 

required in park streams?

Barbless hooks reduce the 

likelihood of injury and the amount 

of time needed to handle a fish.

Past studies have found elevated levels of mercury exceeding health 

thresholds for fish, birds, and humans in some fish sampled from select lakes 

in Mount Rainier National Park. However, the majority of fish sampled in 

the park had concentrations below established human health thresholds. As 

of 2019, the Washington State Department of Health has not recommended 

a fish consumption advisory for Mount Rainier National Park. The 

possibility of catching highly contaminated fish in the park is likely low, but 

each person should make their own decision about eating fish that were 

caught in Mount Rainier National Park.

A Note on Mercury and Fish Consumption 

Redd Surveys

Biologists walk along streams 

identifying and counting bull trout 

and salmon nests (redds) to gauge 

the numbers of returning spawners. 

Snorkel Surveys

Biologists snorkel streams 

identifying species and counting 

number of individuals seen.

eDNA

Biologists collect and analyze water 

samples for the presence of 

environmental DNA (eDNA), or 

trace amounts of genetic material 

left behind by organisms. The data 

is used to determine the distribution 

of fish species within the park. 

Life History Studies

Biologists use a variety of methods 

to capture fish and implant passive 

integrated transponder (PIT) tags to 

track how fish move and utilize 

habitats both within and 

downstream of park boundaries

Genetic Research

Biologists collect and analyze fin 

tissue to determine population 

dynamics, genetic health and 

hybridization between native and 

nonnative species.

Citizen Science

Citizen anglers can help monitor 

fish populations by documenting 

and reporting their catch.

Monitoring Fish Populations

14 

Fish biologists within Mount Rainier have been studying native fish 

communities, the role they play in glacial watersheds, and their relationship 

to non-native species since 1999. Prior to this time, little was known about 

fish population dynamics and how these dynamics relate to overall 

watershed health. This monitoring helps biologists to understand trends in 

the park’s fish populations and informs management decisions for Mount 

Rainier’s fishes and aquatic ecosystems.

Biologists use electrofishing equipment to safely capture, measure, and tag fish.

How can I help the park’s 

fisheries?

 Learn to identify fish species;

 Retain or humanely euthanize 

all brook trout;

 Follow the regulations outlined 

in this pamphlet; and

 Take action to stop the spread 

of Aquatic Invasive Species.

How does fish DNA make it into 

the environment? 

As fish lose scales, defecate or 

decompose their DNA becomes 

part of their environment (the 

water). Biologist are then able to 

collect water samples and isolate 

target species DNA if it is present in 

the water sample.

Fishing on the shore of Mowich Lake.

Additional information on mercury in the national parks 

and effects on human health can be found at: 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/air/nature-toxics.htm