Bear Lake Fish Stocking
Skagit County, Washington · 1997–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bear Lake was last stocked August 2, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Bear Lake has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2025, with about 1,710 fish stocked over that period.
When Bear Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bear Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Skagit County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bear 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 Bear Lake was last stocked August 2, 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 Bear 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.
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 Bear 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 Bear Lake, freshest activity first.
Cyclone Lake
5 miSkagit County · 2 species · 9 records
Last stocked October 2025
Basin Lake
1 miSkagit County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2025
La Rush Lake
1 miSkagit County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked August 2025
Skaro Lake
4 miSkagit County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2022
Foss Lake
4 miSkagit County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked August 2020
Neori Lake
4 miSkagit County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2016
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 7, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 130 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 18, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Bear Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bear Lake was last stocked August 2, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Bear Lake stocked?
Bear Lake is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bear Lake?
About 1,710 fish have been stocked in Bear Lake across 11 recorded events since 1997, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bear 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 Bear Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bear 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.