Wapato Lake

Wapato Lake is open to juveniles only (under 15 years old) and is open all year to fishing. While listed in Fishing in Washington sport fish regulations pamphlet, be sure to check with Tacoma Metro Parks  as they regulate access to this urban lake, due to water quality issues. The lake is typically stocked with rainbow trout prior to Tacoma School Districts spring break and summer vacation.

 

Two-pole fishing is NOT allowed

Special fishing restrictions:

  • Open for juvenile anglers, senior anglers and anglers with a disability who possess a designated harvester companion card only.

Shoreline access: Good - Good shoreline access

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Pierce
Acreage: 26.50 ac.
Elevation: 323 ft.
Center: 47.195726, -122.456792
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: WAPATO LK (PIER)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
May 5, 1999 Rainbow 6 0.5 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Oct 2, 1997 Rainbow 200 0.2 LAKEWOOD HATCHERY
Jun 22, 1996 Rainbow 900 3 PUYALLUP HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

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.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year