American Lake Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, American Lake was last stocked June 22, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. American Lake has 369 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 14,068,910 fish stocked over that period.
When American Lake is stocked
American Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 101 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for American Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into American Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since American Lake was last stocked June 22, 2026, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Washington freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Washington license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Washington fish & wildlife agency.Official Washington regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in American Lake:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Kokanee Profile Tips
Usually caught by trolling small lures or bait behind flashers at depth; a major fall spectacle when spawning runs turn red in tributary streams.
Recommended Tackle for American Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near American Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Louise
2 miPierce County · 1 species · 69 records
Last stocked June 2026
Chambers Creek
5 miPierce County · 4 species · 459 records
Last stocked May 2026
Steilacoom Lake
3 miPierce County · 3 species · 94 records
Last stocked April 2026
Carter Lake
2 miPierce County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked May 2024
Sequalitchew
5 miPierce County · 2 species · 11 records
Last stocked May 2019
Murray Creek
1 miPierce County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked May 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,929 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Kokanee | 91,419 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Kokanee | 65,667 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2026 | Kokanee | 101,946 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2026 | Kokanee | 49,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,124 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | Kokanee | 99,999 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2026 | Kokanee | 81,985 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 4,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 23, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,004 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 26, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,222 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,507 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2025 | Kokanee | 34,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 2025 | Kokanee | 8,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2025 | Kokanee | 13,658 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2025 | Kokanee | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,476 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Kokanee | 35,026 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Kokanee | 47,911 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Kokanee | 34,542 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2025 | Kokanee | 63,236 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,519 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,772 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,140 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2025 | Kokanee | 89,033 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2025 | Kokanee | 110,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2025 | Kokanee | 70,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 5,044 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,206 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2024 | Kokanee | 26,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 2024 | Kokanee | 4,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2024 | Kokanee | 39,890 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 26, 2024 | Kokanee | 110 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Kokanee | 28,676 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Kokanee | 71,550 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,038 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Kokanee | 71,187 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2024 | Kokanee | 74,932 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2024 | Kokanee | 120,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2024 | Kokanee | 60,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 5,181 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,470 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 20, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 2023 | Kokanee | 68,474 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2023 | Kokanee | 16,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 369 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was American Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, American Lake was last stocked June 22, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in American Lake?
American Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is American Lake stocked?
American Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is American Lake stocked?
American Lake has been stocked about 12 times a year — 369 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in American Lake?
About 14,068,910 fish have been stocked in American Lake across 369 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish American Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Washington freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Washington fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in American Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in American Lake typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.