Anderson Lake Fish Stocking
Whatcom County, Washington · 1997–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Anderson Lake was last stocked August 21, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Anderson Lake has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2025, with about 3,530 fish stocked over that period.
When Anderson Lake is stocked
Anderson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 6 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Anderson Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Whatcom County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Anderson 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 Anderson Lake was last stocked August 21, 2025, 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 Anderson 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.
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Anderson 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Anderson Lake, freshest activity first.
Lake Fazon
10 miWhatcom County · 5 species · 76 records
Last stocked June 2026
Nooksack Middle Fork
10 miWhatcom County · 3 species · 26 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cornell Creek
12 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kendall Creek
6 miWhatcom County · 4 species · 300 records
Last stocked May 2026
Anderson Lake
0 miWhatcom County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2025
Anderson Lake
0 miWhatcom County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 27, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 13, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Anderson Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Anderson Lake was last stocked August 21, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Anderson Lake?
Anderson Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Anderson Lake stocked?
Anderson Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Anderson Lake stocked?
Anderson Lake is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Anderson Lake?
About 3,530 fish have been stocked in Anderson Lake across 14 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Anderson 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 Anderson Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Anderson 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.