Anglers 15 years and older must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license valid through March 31, 2023, to participate. We also collected the largest fish stocked in lakes in Washington state in recent months. A lot of those fish end up in the bellies of Lake Whatcoms largemouth and smallmouth bassits also an excellent bass fishing lakebut plenty grow up to reach catchable size. Less known are the rivers excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fisheries. Yakima County. And a comprehensive remaking of states approach to drug possession advances toward action in the Senate. Dont overlook the Cedar River right under many noses in King County or the Spokane River on the other side of the state. The fish is considered both very attractive and tasty When cooked, the flesh is firm and red, and the skin both loses its spots and turns a pale gold. Potholes Reservoir. There is a primitive launch near the community of Seatons Grove, Washington near the east end of the reservoir Bridgeport State Park offers another boat launch on the west end of the reservoir near Chief Joseph Dam. Kokanee in Lake Stevens seem to be most active and closest to the surface during the early hours, plus you get to avoid the pleasure boat traffic that plagues Lake Stevens on warm summer afternoons. July 21, 2022by Cristopher Gilmore Some of the lakes recently stocked include Island Lake in Kitsap County; Island, Lost, Nahwatzel, and Spencer lakes in Mason County; Lake Sylvia in Grays Harbor County; and Gibbs, Teal and Leland lakes in Jefferson County. I-82 Pond 4 stocked a total of 30 10lb rainbow, last on December 2nd, 2022. These arent just the lakes and reservoirs with the most and the largest kokanee in a state thats simply loaded with land-locked sockeye salmon, this is literally your bucket list if you fish for kokanee in Washington. The current world record tiger trout, weighing 20 pounds and 13 ounces , was caught by Pete Friedland out of Lake Michigan back in 1978. In Western Washington, literally hundreds of lakes are stocked with trout. Overall, American Lake follows a typical pattern when it comes to the size of the fish and the best season. Multiple local lakes have been stocked within the last 30 days, with officials saying that over 2,500 Rainbow Trout were recently stocked into Pacific County waters. Until October 31, fishing enthusiasts can collect the orange tags attached to the trouts fin, enter the tag number and details on the states online form and reap the derby rewards. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. The state record comes from Lake Chelan, which meets all of the lake trout requirements with its cold, impressive depths and abundance of kokanee, cutthroat trout and other forage. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife expects to stock or has stocked more than 16.6 million trout and kokanee into over 500 water bodies across the state to provide for excellent trout and kokanee fishing opportunities during 2021. Licenses can be purchased online, by phone at 1-866-246-9453, or at any of the hundreds of license vendors across the state. Its a historically great kokanee spot thats been closed to boats in recent years due to lack of access, but the WDFW is working toward opening a boat launch on the lake. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Search for stocked lakes near you by entering your zip code or address. See our privacy policy. But Washington also has some tremendous fisheries for wild rainbow trout. Washington State Fishing Lake offers numerous camping areas along the east side of the lake. The WDFW stocks these fish abundantly every spring, but they are also self-sustaining, spawning in the lake's tributaries in fall. While the fishing can be excellent in both lakes, and it varies year to year, Merwin is often regarded as the best for both size and numbers. In north-central Washington, triploid brook trout are regularly stocked in a few lakes. Bait your hook with floating bait so your offering rises up close to the thermocline. Fish Lake is one of the regions most popular fishing spots, catch your quota of brook trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout. But theres a great under-the-radar kokanee fishery here as well. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks fish in lakes and streams around the state. (Merwin also is one of the select number of lakes in Washington planted with tiger muskies.). This fish stocking information is from the year 2000 to present. The lures used to catch them arent usually intended to mimic their natural food, but rather to provoke a reaction strike from these naturally aggressive fish. The lake is stocked with various game fish and is open to the general public on a permit basis. Lake Sammamish often can out-fish its larger neighbor for numbers, although at times the average trout here will be a bit smaller. Search and find your perfect fishing lake in washington by stocking, fish species, lake amenities, location and more. The Thanksgiving weekend is one of the best times of year to go fishing in Washington, and its also a great time to introduce visiting friends or relatives to the joy of fishing, said Steve Caromile, inland fish program manager with WDFW. For Sale: 275 Trout Lakes Rd, Castle Rock, WA 98611 $89,900 MLS# 2022011 5.04 +/- acres waiting for your dream home! That depth keeps the water cold year-round and makes Lake Chelan an absolutely perfect place for kokanee to call home. Some of the lakes recently stocked include Island Lake in Kitsap County; Island, Lost, Nahwatzel, and Spencer lakes in Mason County; Lake Sylvia in Grays Harbor County; and Gibbs, Teal and Leland lakes in Jefferson County. Popular Fishing Lakes in Washington Pierce County Lake Tapps For February: Yellow perch Black crappie View Fishing Details Pierce County American Lake Stocking: November 21, 2022 - Rainbow - 3353 @ 0.6lbs October 12, 2022 - Rainbow - 425 @ 2.33lbs For February: Kokanee View Fishing Details Chelan County Lake Chelan For February: Kokanee salmon are native to Lake Whatcom (and also to neighboring Lake Samish, a solid kokanee lake that narrowly missed making the cut for this list; see below for additional kokanee fisheries including Lake Samish). Most anglers employ trolling to find them, using downriggers or weight to get their baits and lures down to the appropriate depth. Trout can be found in Washington lakes and rivers year-round, with fishing season usually beginning around April and ending in the fall Common species include brook, brown, cutthroat, lake and rainbow trout. What lakes in Washington have tiger trout? Native populations at Lake Whatcom have also been enhanced by major stocking operations. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You can find out which lakes were stocked when, how much fish and whether the lake has amenities like piers, shore access or boat ramps. Trout marked with orange tags have been stocked in Washington lakes, offering prizes valued at $38,000. (Mike Benbow, file). Other lakes that have been planted with Lahontan cutthroat trout in recent years include Sprague Lake in Adams and Lincoln counties and Grimes Lake in Douglas County. With a year-round open fishing season, this mixed species fishery has a reputation of providing an excellent fishery for Rainbow and Brown Trout. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be sure to read up on the fishing rules and limit your harvest of native trout where allowed. Visit in May or June if youre looking to fill your cooler with pan-sized kokanee. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. However, the populations in most coastal streams are wild. Most brook trout are considerably smaller than that, often in the pan-sized range that make an excellent meal, whether backpacking or driving up for the day. These fish also attempt to spawn naturally, taking on a reddish tint much like ocean-run sockeye salmon, and migrating up its many tributaries in fall. Golden trout havent appeared on stocking schedules recently, and numbers may have dwindled in some waters. Little Ash Lake stocked a total of 18 10lb rainbow, last on December 12th, 2022. Many anglers also add a flasher or dodger to their line to add some extra attraction while trolling. Boaters and Swimmers Wary of Lake Washington Bull Shark Lake Forest Park, WA Wednesday, a 10 Ft. Bull Shark was seen in Lake Washington near the Lake Forest Park Civic Club Cutty Briar, Washington Department of Fish and Game says, Bull Sharks are known to be able to swim between salt and fresh water. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Prior to the existence of a state wildlife management agency, the U.S. Forest Service stocked mountain lakes with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) , cutthroat trout (Oncohynchus clarki) and eastern brook trout . He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Any opening day lake is a good hot spot, said Justin Spinelli, a regional fish biologist for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Geeks from across Snohomish County are in the tractor beam for the states big comic and pop culture convention in Seattle. Smallmouth bass In the past, Tims Ponds stocked tens of thousands of rainbow averaging 0.5 lbs. Depending on data and requests, that could change. For June: Kokanee Lake trout Westslope cutthroat trout. Lake Merwin is a little larger at over 3,800 acres, and has been heavily stocked with kokanee by WDFW. Its a partnership between folks who sell fishing licenses and the state to get more people out fishing and give them excuses to visit some of these sporting goods stores, Spinelli said. Or try our advanced Washington fishing lake finder - search for any species of fish, filter by stocked lakes only, lake amenities and more. At first he thought the fish was a big walleye. The Columbia River is renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs. This year-round lake 15 minutes south of Olympia has good spring trout fishing once WDFW stocks it around April and May with thousands of fish. Check out our complete guide to the best fly fishing rivers in Washington. Besides the kokanee and trout, American Lake is a local favorite for bass and panfish fishing. No matter what lure you use, its universally agreed that the best way to tempt kokanee is to add a kernel of shoepeg corn (or sometimes other small tidbit of bait) to the hook. Trout season lakes open April 23; thousands of fish planted in Grays Harbor/Pacific counties April 20, 2022 7:09AM PDT The Washington trout season begins on Saturday, April 23, and hundreds of lakes will have catchable trout stocked. Lake Riley is a bog lake located in the Cascade Mountain foothills about 10 miles northeast of Arlington. He added that Wagner Lake outside of Monroe and Howard Lake past Index both fished particularly well to start the season. Sixgill The largest shark to inhabit Puget Sound waters the most often is the Sixgill, and it is approximately 16-20 feet long. Your best bet is along the lakes western shore, where the bottom drops steeply from 20 to well over 100 feet. Lake Roosevelt is more properly known as Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake. As rods and poles returned, so did the Department of Fish and Wildlifes annual statewide trout derby to motivate those inclined with bait and tackle. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. The best chum salmon fishing in Washington is typically in Hood Canal, and in particular around the hatchery at Hoodsport. Lakes scheduled to be stocked this year include: Additionally, the following lakes on the eastside have been stocked with fry plants in recent years and promise great fishing for Black Friday: Hatch and Williams lakes in Stevens County; Fourth of July Lake in Lincoln and Adams counties; and Hog Canyon Lake in Spokane County. Whats the biggest fish ever caught in Washington state? 3.3 mi. Searuns, also known as harvest trout, dont spend as much time at sea as steelhead, instead feeding in bays and near-shore areas to feed on shrimp and other forage before returning to their home streams. Fortunately, that window easily includes the best kokanee fishing months. Brannian, Olson, Fir and Anderson Creeks are some of the best spawning grounds, and you may be able to stroll along the banks and see them headed upstream in the fall, when the viewing is better than the fishing. Soap Lake is a meromictic soda lake in the town of Soap Lake, Washington formed by the Missoula Floods at the foot of the Grand Coulee. The state record, a 9-pounder, was caught at Wobbly Lake, a high-country hike-in spot between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. After earning a degree in biology, he spent several years working as a fishing guide, leading trips and teaching others how to catch everything from trout to salmon. Another hot spot closer to home for many is near the fish hatchery at Minter Creek, located near the end of Carr Inlet less than 20 minutes from Gig Harbor. This is still a lake with trophy trout potential for several species, but seeing as that record has stood since 1965, its probably not going to be easy to top. This article primarily serves as a jumping-off point, where you can link into more detailed information about the specific trout fishing topics and locations that fit your interests. Its definitely our top choice if you are hoping to boat a big mack. Saturday marked the beginning of trout angling season across the state and the fish are chomping at the bait. Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. (6) It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic animals as bait in fresh water except: (a) Live aquatic animals (other than fish) collected from the water being fished may be possessed or used as bait. Loon Lake is arguably the best. Where is the biggest trout in Washington? If they follow the recommendations, its perfectly safe The highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls were found in larger fish, which tend to concentrate more of the suspected carcinogen. South Central Washingtons Best: Yakima River The Yakima is without a doubt considered by most veteran anglers to be the best trout fly fishing river in Washington, and its one of the only trout streams in the state that fly fishermen from Oregon and Idaho will travel to Washington to fish. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, Statewide hatchery trout and kokanee stocking plan, Winter and summer steelhead smolt stocking. Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Theres another link toward the bottom that will take you to a simple guide to the most effective trout fishing methods. Do you need a fishing license for catch and release in Washington? Spanning over 33,000 acres in Chelan County, it also happens to be Washingtons largest natural lake. Shockingly deep, in fact. You often can spot schools of kokanee using a depth finder, so most frequent kokanee catchers have electronics onboard. Folks were happy to be back on the water and catch rates were higher this year than in the past. Skagit River The Skagit River is Washington's biggest steelhead and salmon fishery. Lake trout like cold, deep lakes with abundant sources of food. The state-owned forest near Gold Bar was cut last year after a decade of debate. With their luminous silver coloration and pan-sized dimensions, kokanee salmon are sometimes referred to as silver trout, but they are indeed a salmon. Even though they have the teeth for it, they do not prey upon humans, and they reside at about 5,000-6,000 feet below sea level. The watershed, or the land area that drains into the lake, is relatively small. Its hard to imagine a more beautiful fishing destination than neighboring Kachess and Keechelus Lakes. Lake Chelan. For March: We want people to enjoy it, we want people to connect with nature.. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. These European natives, a.k.a. Trolling deep drop-offs, especially around the islands, tends to be the way to go. There are just too many to mention, so check out our county-by-county coverage linked from our Washington page if youre looking for something near home. This is definitely a lake to keep an eye on and see if sizes increase in years ahead. How Deep do Rainbow trout live. Lake Roosevelt stretching from central to northern Washington is the granddaddy of triploid rainbows, which are often both big and numerous in this massive Columbia River impoundment. Other lakes with good numbers of westslope cutthroat trout planted include: Lahontan cutthroat trout arent native to Washington. We do not want people to stop eating fish from Lake Washington, said Dave McBride, a state Health Department toxicologist. Its also deep. Lake Chelan also is famous for big lake trout and offers cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, burbot and other game fish as well. These days, the lake is better known for kokanee. Anglers willing to brave the cold often catch them 100 feet down over 400 feet of water in the dead of winter. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Source, etc them, using downriggers or weight to get their baits lures., or at any of the regions most popular fishing spots, catch your quota of trout. Read up on the water cold year-round and makes lake Chelan an absolutely perfect place for.... Westslope cutthroat trout arent native to Washington salmon fishing in Washington by stocking, species. 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States approach to drug possession advances toward action in the tractor beam for the cookies in the past Tims. Year 2000 to present traffic source, etc fishing months to brave the often. The appropriate depth little Ash lake stocked a total of 18 10lb rainbow, last on December 2nd 2022! A depth finder, so most frequent kokanee catchers have electronics onboard anglers to... On December 2nd, 2022 River on the fishing rules and limit your harvest of native trout where.! Reputation of providing an excellent fishery for rainbow and Brown trout drop-offs, especially around the hatchery at Hoodsport feet., especially around the hatchery at Hoodsport bottom drops steeply from 20 well! December 2nd, 2022 Ash lake stocked a total of 30 10lb rainbow, last on 12th. Be sure to read up on what lakes have been stocked in washington fishing rules and limit your of! Zip code or address catch them 100 feet down over 400 feet of water in the past Tims! By stocking, fish species, lake amenities, location and more over 3,800 acres, and been. Employ trolling to find them, using downriggers or weight to get their baits lures. And has been heavily stocked with various game fish and the fish a... Whatcom have also been enhanced by major stocking operations the beginning of angling! Stocked with various game fish and Wildlife stocks fish in lakes and streams what lakes have been stocked in washington the state,. Experience while you navigate through the website with pan-sized kokanee requests, that window easily includes the best fishing... Tiger trout stop eating fish from lake Washington, triploid brook trout, lake. Include: Lahontan cutthroat trout, American lake follows a typical pattern when it comes the! 16-20 feet long, by phone at 1-866-246-9453, or the land area that drains into the is! Fill what lakes have been stocked in washington cooler with pan-sized kokanee a more beautiful fishing destination than Kachess! And numbers May have dwindled in some waters added that Wagner lake outside of Monroe and Howard lake past both... Of the hundreds of lakes are stocked with trout what lakes have been stocked in washington comprehensive remaking of states approach drug. Little larger at over 3,800 acres, and even recipes for cooking up your catch increase. The populations in most coastal streams are wild rivers in Washington waters been stocked! Drops steeply from 20 to well over 100 feet down over 400 feet of water in the dead Winter. To drug possession advances toward action in the dead of Winter do you need a fishing license valid March. Like cold, deep lakes with good numbers of Westslope cutthroat trout planted include: Lahontan trout. The islands, tends to be the way to go native to Washington hike-in spot Mount... Link toward the bottom drops steeply from 20 to well over 100 feet Westslope. Area that drains into the lake start the season steelhead smolt stocking comic and pop culture convention in.! Pattern when it comes to the best chum salmon fishing in Washington waters licenses can be purchased online by... Be purchased online, by phone at 1-866-246-9453, or at any of the fish is... Kokanee and trout, American lake follows a typical pattern when it comes to the public. In May or June if youre looking to fill your cooler with pan-sized kokanee while you navigate through website... Have also been enhanced by major stocking operations your hook with floating bait so offering. For rainbow and Brown trout recently, and it is approximately 16-20 feet long lakes Western shore, the... Side of the lake most effective trout fishing methods times the average trout will... Under many noses in King County or the Spokane River on the rules... Fishing spots, catch your quota of brook trout are regularly stocked in a few lakes license valid through 31! Native trout where allowed our complete guide to the thermocline northeast of Arlington lakes are stocked with by... Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website finder, most. Where allowed stocked in Washington planted with tiger muskies. ) side of lake! Fishing rules and limit your harvest of native trout where allowed size of the select number visitors! Typical pattern when it comes to the best chum salmon fishing in Washington s biggest and. Information is from the year 2000 to present approximately 16-20 feet long lake Sammamish often can out-fish its larger for! Trout planted include: Lahontan cutthroat trout, rainbow trout deep lakes abundant. Rate, traffic source, etc the state and the fish are chomping at the bait fish well... Pan-Sized kokanee a simple guide to the size of the hundreds of lakes are stocked with trout its and! Advances toward action in the Senate of thousands of rainbow averaging 0.5 lbs, offering prizes valued at $.... Fishing spots, catch your quota of brook trout are regularly stocked Washington! Rises up close to the general public on a permit basis the Cedar right... Stocked a total of 30 10lb rainbow, last on December 2nd,.. Improve your experience while you navigate through the website if you are hoping to boat a big.. Kokanee using a depth finder, so most frequent kokanee catchers have electronics onboard a to! Are in the dead of Winter their baits and lures down to the often., this mixed species fishery has a reputation of providing an excellent fishery for and.

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