Thousands of jumbo trout planted in lakes in Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap counties

OLYMPIA - Jumbo rainbow trout are being planted in lakes in Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap counties to boost fishing opportunities this fall and winter, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

WDFW hatchery crews are planting a total of 12,500 rainbow trout - each weighing nearly one pound - into Gibbs and Teal lakes in Jefferson County; Island, Kokanee, Lost, Nahwatzel, Spencer and Trails End lakes in Mason County; and Kitsap Lake in Kitsap County.

Crews are expected to finish stocking the lakes with jumbo trout later this week, said Mark Downen, WDFW's area fish biologist. The trout were raised at WDFW's Eells Springs Hatchery near Shelton.

"The lakes that are being stocked are open year-round and provide anglers a great fall and winter trout fishing opportunity," said Downen. "Some of the jumbo rainbow trout will continue to grow and be available to anglers next spring as well."

Information on when and where fish are stocked in area lakes is available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/plants/weekly/ and complete fishing regulations can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

All anglers 15 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license. Licenses can be purchased on the Internet (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), by telephone (1-866-246-9453), or at hundreds of license dealers across the state (listed on the WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/).