Other fishing guides offer scant information on a large number of lakes, most of which their authors have never even been near. This book provides detailed information on the lake and surrounding area, as well as directions and fishing tips. All lakes included in this book have been personally visited, fished and photographed by the author. While the emphasis is on the fisherman's perspective, the detailed trail and camping information is equally applicable to those who only wish to hike and camp. The lakes selected for inclusion in this book are from Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties of northwest Washington. All but two lie at elevations above 2,500 feet, the definition of a high lake for western Washington. A few can be driven to, but most require some hiking. The lakes are found both in national forests and on private timberlands. Many are in wilderness areas. The author is a ten-time Washington State record holder, with certified weight records for five different species of fish. Catch data for several hundred lakes, dating back to 1981, has been provided to Washington State fish biologists. Born and raised in northwest Washington and part of a very outdoor oriented family, the author has spent his entire life exploring new places and looking for new waters to fish.