Black Lake Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 1996–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Black Lake was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Brown Trout. Black Lake has 113 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2026, with about 279,804 fish stocked over that period.
When Black Lake is stocked
Black Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 61 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Black Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Chelan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Black 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 Black Lake was last stocked May 5, 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 Black 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
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 Black 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.
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 Black Lake, freshest activity first.
Chukar Lake
3 miGrant County · 1 species · 31 records
Last stocked May 2026
Widgeon Lake
4 miGrant County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked May 2026
Blythe Lake
3 miGrant County · 1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2026
Corral Lake
4 miGrant County · 1 species · 44 records
Last stocked April 2026
Long Lake
4 miGrant County · 1 species · 36 records
Last stocked November 2025
Halfmoon Lake
3 miPend Oreille County · 2 species · 29 records
Last stocked October 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2025 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2024 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 126 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2023 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2022 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2022 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2020 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2020 | Brown Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2019 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2019 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Brook Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Brown Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 891 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,320 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,860 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2015 | Brown Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2015 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 6,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 4,831 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2014 | Brown Trout | 8,998 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,720 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 4,250 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 113 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Black Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Black Lake was last stocked May 5, 2026 with Brown Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Black Lake?
Black Lake is stocked with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Brook Trout, Golden Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Black Lake stocked?
Black Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Black Lake stocked?
Black Lake has been stocked about 4 times a year — 113 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Black Lake?
About 279,804 fish have been stocked in Black Lake across 113 recorded events since 1996, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Black 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 Black Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Black 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.