Wapato Lake

2024 Trout Derby

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About 2 miles north of Manson, just north of Dry and Roses Lakes.

Late spring plants of fingerling Rainbow Trout and Kokanee typically provide good to excellent fishing the following spring for fish in the 12 to 16 inch range. Catchable sized Rainbow Trout are typically stocked as well just before the lake opens.

A good number of Largemouth Bass in the 12 to 15 inch range are present and can provide good fishing during the spring and summer months. Good numbers of large Yellow Perch (up to 13 inches), Bluegill and Black Crappie are also present.

There is a public access area with parking, boat launch and dock at the east end of the lake. Private campgrounds are located at both ends of the lake.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Bad - Public shore access is very limited due to the majority of the lake being bordered by private property

Shore access is available at private resorts located on the east and west ends of the lake.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Chelan
Acreage: 195.20 ac.
Elevation: 1232 ft.
Center: 47.91805, -120.16372
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants

Release Location: WAPATO LK (CHEL)
Stock Date	Species	Number Released	Number of Fish Per Pound	Facility
Apr 24, 2024	Rainbow	21	0.5	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 8, 2024	Rainbow	280	0.5	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 8, 2024	Rainbow	2,000	2.2	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Oct 23, 2023	Rainbow	5,000	2.7	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 13, 2023	Rainbow	18	1	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2023	Rainbow	282	1	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 11, 2023	Rainbow	2,000	2.5	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Oct 10, 2022	Rainbow	5,000	2.5	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	2,000	1.6	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY
Apr 18, 2022	Rainbow	283	1	CHELAN PUD HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Kokanee

The Kokanee fishery typically lasts from April-October before the adults leave the lake to spawn in tributaries starting in late-October and early-November. Fishing is best in the spring before they move into deeper water to avoid warming water temperatures, but they can be targeted throughout the summer in deeper offshore areas near the thermocline. There may be a slight uptick in some waters in the fall as adults return to shallower water and move near shore towards spawning tributaries.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Bluegill

Bluegill can be caught year-round, but fishing is best in the warm months of Summer. Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking during the spawn in early-Summer. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season in which to catch Bluegill, but persistent anglers can find them in schools of like-sized fish offshore.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.