Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish hatchery crews are "sweetening the pot" with large trout this week in preparation for the state's fishing season opener Saturday (April 26).

Some 49,268 rainbow trout weighing 1-1/2 pounds or more are being stocked in 78 waters in 29 of Washington's 39 counties.

Raised at a private Troutlodge facility in Soap Lake, the trout were purchased by WDFW with funds specially allocated by the Legislature to provide additional opportunity for 300,000 fishing enthusiasts expected out this Saturday.

The trout are triploids, (so called because they have a third chromosome, compared to normal diploids). They are voracious feeders and have the potential to grow to trophy size if not harvested the first season and if sufficient forage is easily available. Most are going into lakes this week, although some were stocked last month and some are scheduled for later in May to extend fishing opportunity. Most lakes receiving the big trout open Saturday, but several are open year-round.

WDFW has stocked triploid trout for several years. This year's numbers are about 96 percent of what was stocked last year, due to increased costs for both fish and distribution. However, there are five more lakes in the stocking schedule than last year. Two lakes were dropped and seven added to improve distribution and mix of triploids with other trout plants.

The table below lists all state waters receiving triploids.