April 26 is the kickoff for WDFW's 10th annual statewide Trout Derby, which runs through Oct. 31 at more than 100 stocked lakes. This anniversary edition of the derby is our biggest yet, featuring more than 100 participating businesses that are offering over 1,100 prizes valued at more than $54,000!
The derby is open to anyone with a valid 2025 fishing license, though temporary licenses are not valid for game fish species from April 26 through May 3. There is no entry fee or registration required. You just catch a tagged trout anytime between April 26 and Oct. 31 and you win! Plus, children under 15 fish for free.
How it works:
- Fish a participating lake
Check the list of all 2025 Trout Derby lakes to find one near you. - Catch tagged trout
Winning derby trout will have an orange tag attached near their fin. Keep the tag! You will need it to claim your prize. - Fill out the prize claim form
Enter the tag number listed on the side of the derby tag, the lake you caught it in, the date it was caught, and your contact information. - Win big!
Take your tag to the business location you were provided and claim your derby prize! - Share your success!
Take a photo of yourself and your winning derby trout to share on social media. #watroutderby
The 2025 derby tags are orange and begin with the letter J.
Sponsors
Trophy Level
| Donor Name | Total Prize value |
|---|---|
| GIBBS FISHING | $5,250.00 |
| NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE | $2,760.00 |
| DICK NITE SPOONS | $2,135.00 |
| TROUT ROUTES | $2,000.00 |
| PAUTZKE BAIT | $1,908.00 |
| CABELA'S | $1,870.00 |
| SILVER LAKE RESORT | $1,832.00 |
| BEAU MAC | $1,700.00 |
| MACK'S LURES | $1,500.00 |
| VERLE'S LLC | $1,350.00 |
| THE DENNIS COMPANY | $1,390.00 |
| COASTAL FARM & RANCH CORP. | $1,300.00 |
| CB OUTFITTERS | $1,298.29 |
| FILSON | $1,250.00 |
| NORTHWEST FISHING | $1,150.00 |
| YAKIMA BAIT | $1,054.64 |
| ADDICTED FISHING | $1,000.00 |
| LEE FRANK MERCANTILE | $1,000.00 |
| OFFUT LAKE RESORT | $1,000.00 |
| OUTDOOR EMPORIUM | $1,000.00 |
| SEBO'S DO IT CENTER | $1,000.00 |
| WHISTLE WORKWEAR | $1,000.00 |
Keeper Level
| Donor Name | Total Prize value |
|---|---|
| WALMART | $940.00 |
| WOOLRIDGE BOATS | $928.00 |
| L&E BOTTLING | $850.00 |
| FUSION MARINE | $700.00 |
| IHEART RADIO | $600.00 |
| RV INN STYLE RESORTS (SILVER COVE RV RESORT) | $600.00 |
| RV INN STYLE RESORTS (HARMONY LAKESIDE RV RESORT) | $600.00 |
| TRIPLE D CORNER MARKET | $552.47 |
| BLUE ZOO AQUARIUM | $540.30 |
| BREWSTER MARKETPLACE | $500.00 |
| GET AIR TRAMPOLINE PARK | $500.00 |
| HOOKED ON TOYS | $500.00 |
| DRIFTERS FISHING GUIDE | $500.00 |
| WOODLAND ACE HARDWARE | $500.00 |
Tackle Level
| Donor Name | Total Prize value |
|---|---|
| SPORTCO | $430.00 |
| BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS | $400.00 |
| SAFEWAY | $375.00 |
| GRANITE LAKE PREMIER RV RESORT | $331.20 |
| FISH HUNT NORTHWEST | $320.00 |
| PORT LUDLOW MARINA | $300.00 |
| CAMANO ISLAND ACE HARDWARE | $300.00 |
| GREASE MONKEY | $300.00 |
| KAPTEIN'S ACE HARDWARE | $300.00 |
| MIGHTY AUTO PARTS | $300.00 |
| BUCK ELECTRIC | $250.00 |
| BUD'S LUMBER & ELECTRIC | $250.00 |
| MINERAL LAKE MARKET | $250.00 |
| COLOCKUM RIDGE GOLF COURSE QUINCY | $250.00 |
| COUNTRY LANE CAMPGROUND | $250.00 |
| SCHURMANS TRUE VALUE INC | $250.00 |
| COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR | $250.00 |
| MILLER'S RENT ALL | $250.00 |
| RV INN STYLE RESORTS (CAMP KALAMA RV RESORT) | $250.00 |
| RV INN STYLE RESORTS (TOUTLE RIVER RV RESORT) | $250.00 |
| RV INN STYLE RESORTS (DICKY'S RV RESORT) | $250.00 |
| YEAGER'S SPORTING GOODS | $250.00 |
Cast Level
| Donor Name | Total Prize value |
|---|---|
| CAPITAL CITY GOLF COURSE | $240.00 |
| THE MAN CAVE OUTFITTERS | $225.00 |
| ALL-SEASONS SPORTS & HARDWARE | $200.00 |
| SPECTACLE LAKE RESORT | $200.00 |
| ARROW LUMBER & HARDWARE LLC | $200.00 |
| NORTH BEND ACE HARDWARE | $200.00 |
| THE AVID ANGLER | $190.00 |
| COLUMBIA PARK GOLF TRI-PLEX | $180.00 |
| THE NEW MAR DON RESORT | $170.00 |
| FLIGHT 509 | $160.00 |
| THE LAST RESORT | $128.00 |
| ACE HARDWARE OF ANACORTES | $125.00 |
| NILE GOLF COURSE | $125.00 |
| MINERAL LAKE LIONS | $100.00 |
| SWAINS INC | $100.00 |
| SWANSON'S FOOD | $100.00 |
| VILLAGE SUPPLY INC | $100.00 |
| BLAINE ACE HARDWARE | $100.00 |
| FERNDALE ACE HARDWARE | $100.00 |
| PAGLIACCI PIZZA | $100.00 |
| WORK-SPORTS & OUTDOORS | $100.00 |
| BEECHER'S CHEESE | $100.00 |
Catch and Release Level
| Donor Name | Total Prize value |
|---|---|
| CRUMBL COOKIES CLARKSTON | $75.00 |
| NW VALLEY MARKET | $75.00 |
| YOKE'S FRESH MARKET | $75.00 |
| CUTTER'S POINT COFFEE | $60.00 |
| LOON LAKE VIDEO & PIZZA | $50.00 |
| JOHNSON'S SMOKEHOUSE | $50.00 |
| OAK HARBOR HARDWARE | $50.00 |
| DINGLES OF DAYTON TRUE VALUE | $42.00 |
| RITE IN THE RAIN | $38.85 |
| PAPE MACHINERY | $25.50 |
| CROSSETS FOOD MARKET | $25.00 |
| CRUMBL COOKIES SPOKANE | $25.00 |
| TRAILHEAD AT LIBERTY LAKE | $25.00 |
| MOUNTAINEERS BOOKS | $25.00 |
Important information
The fine print:
There is no entrance fee or extra cost to participate in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) statewide Trout Derby. To participate in the lowland lakes opener and the Trout Derby, anglers must have a 2025 Get Outdoors package, annual freshwater, annual Fish WA, annual combination, or temporary combination license. Anglers should note that one- to three-day temporary combination licenses are not valid for the first eight days of the lowland opener; except for active-duty military personnel serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces. Licenses can be purchased online; by telephone at 360-902-2464; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state.
The law does not require children 14 years of age or under to obtain a fishing license. However, they must actively participate and be able to demonstrate the ability to handle the gear by themselves. They must also follow the same rules, regulations, and daily limits as adults. Adults may provide assistance but are not required to hold a license if they will not be fishing/harvesting themselves, and children must be present and take part in the entire process.
WDFW employees and their immediate family member(s) are prohibited from participating in the statewide Trout Derby. However, WDFW employees and immediate family member(s) may fish on their personal time in stocked lakes that contain prize fish. WDFW employees and their immediate family member(s) are NOT eligible to claim any derby prize(s).