Fall trout fishing stays hot even as weather cools

OLYMPIA – Summer may be over, but there are still plenty of reasons to get outside as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is stocking lakes around the state with thousands of catchable-size trout this November.

“Fall trout fishing is a great way to get out with your family during the holiday season even as the days get shorter and temperatures drop,” said Steve Caromile, inland fish program manager with WDFW. “We’re thankful to be able to offer fishing opportunity year-round through our trout stocking and hatchery programs.”

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Photo by Andy Walgamott

Some of the lakes planned for stocking in November include:

• Tye, Silver, and Ballinger lakes in Snohomish County
• Green and Beaver lakes in King County
• Klineline Pond in Clark County
• Kress Lake in Cowlitz County
• Roses Lake in Chelan County
• Rowland Lake in Klickitat County
• Fort Borst Park Pond and South Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County
• Spencer Lake in Mason County
• American and Tanwax lakes in Pierce County
• Campbell Lake in Skagit County
• Black, Long, Offut, and Ward lakes in Thurston County

These lakes join dozens of others around the state already stocked in October with tens of thousands of trout. A number of other lakes stocked this year also open for winter fishing beginning on Black Friday, Nov. 27.

In past years, WDFW has encouraged anglers to hit the water as an alternative to standing in long lines on Black Friday, and while lakes are being stocked as usual, many other lakes still boast excellent trout fishing as a result of stocking earlier in the year. WDFW encourages anglers to recreate responsibly amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Washington by following social distancing guidelines and spreading out their visits to avoid overcrowding at popular lakes.

“The holiday season is more than just Black Friday, and all these fish won’t be caught in one day,” Caromile said. “Anglers should have a plan B if their preferred destination appears too busy, or be prepared to come back another time. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy while still getting to catch some trout.”

For up-to-date stocking information this fall, anglers should follow the department's weekly catchable trout stocking report, where they can find reports on stocking that have taken place within the last 30 days and throughout the year. Be sure to check the 2020-21 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet before heading out to make sure your preferred lake is open and for any additional regulations.

Anglers 15 years and older must have a current Washington freshwater fishing license valid through March 31, 2021 to participate.

Licenses can be purchased by telephone at 1-866-246-9453, online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, or at hundreds of license vendors across the state. Visit the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/dealers to find a license vendor near you.

WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.