Decided to fish the lake before the 4th of July holiday arrived and was surprised upon reaching the lake. Posted in the parking lot was a "Discover Pass Sign".

Having heard that if you had a valid fishing license with a "Vehicle Access Pass" eliminated the need this year for a "Discover Pass", I felt that I was in compliance with the law, so I launched onto the lake.
After fishing for approx. 6 hours I returned to my vehicle to discover a ATTENTION NOTICE on my windshield, which had this notation checked. "A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife "vehicle access pass" is not valid in Wasshington State Parks. A DISCOVER PASS IS REQUIRED.
By the time I got home the state offices were closed.

Checking on the internet for a website for Discover Pass requirements/exceptions I thought I found the exception I was looking for and decided to call the Department of Fish and Wildlife to verify that this exception was in effect and eliminated my need for a Discover Pass purchase.
About 5 hours after I made the inital call I received a phone call back and I was told that Pass Lake is managed by the State Parks Department and hence the Discover Pass IS REQUIRED.
I indicated to the officer I was talking with that Pass Lake is listed in the game regulations booklet and was told that all lakes are listed in the regs booklets.
So a word of caution if your going to Pass lake, if your going to park in the parking lot, either have a day/yearly Discover Pass.

By the way, fishing that day was really interesting. I actually netted 3 fish that were between 14 to 17 inches in length and did have strikes from 6 other rainbows that shook the fly very near the boat.
Once again watch for those bald eagles.

The Quadfather

7/5/2011 8:38:00 PM

Sorry to hear about your paperwork misfortune. I hope to get up there soon, and I need to inquire as to just what this Discover Pass thing is all about. It pains me though when I read your verbatim discussion with the state official,dude. When he says that, "All lakes are in the regulations" He could not be MORE WRONG. Remember... the regs. only list lakes that have "Special Rules" That leaves out all the lakes that dont have special rules, not to mention, seriously... how can anybody ever say All the Lakes...? Alpine lakes,, ponds, reservoirs, backed up water behind a beaver dam, etc. etc. that stinks. Glad you caught some fish and thanks for the tip.

sparky1doug

7/7/2011 1:27:00 PM

What a great lake, did you see any german browns? I've had many wonderful days of fishing the Pass Lake waters, I hope double taxing by the State of Washington agencies means improved facilities at the launch.

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