Bill Lake Fish Stocking
Lewis County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bill Lake was last stocked July 11, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Bill Lake has 18 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 3,752 fish stocked over that period.
When Bill Lake is stocked
Bill Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bill Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Lewis County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bill 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 Bill Lake was last stocked July 11, 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 Bill 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Bill 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 Bill Lake, freshest activity first.
Cramer Lake
3 miYakima County · 1 species · 33 records
Last stocked June 2026
Art Lake
2 miYakima County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked September 2025
Jess Lake
1 miLewis County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Pipe Lake
1 miLewis County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Beusch Lake
2 miLewis County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Dumbbell Lake
2 miLewis County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 5, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 10 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 208 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 208 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 12, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 210 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 216 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Bill Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bill Lake was last stocked July 11, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bill Lake?
Bill Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bill Lake stocked?
Bill Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Bill Lake stocked?
Bill Lake is stocked intermittently — 18 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Bill Lake?
About 3,752 fish have been stocked in Bill Lake across 18 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bill 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 Bill Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bill 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.