Bob Lake Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 2002–2025 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bob Lake was last stocked August 29, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Bob Lake has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 2002–2025, with about 750 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bob 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 Bob 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 Bob Lake was last stocked August 29, 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 Bob 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.
Golden Trout Profile Tips
A bucket-list fish for many western anglers, often requiring a backcountry hike to reach stocked alpine lakes.
Recommended Tackle for Bob 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 Bob Lake, freshest activity first.
Horseshoe Lake
8 miChelan County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Cradle Lake
7 miChelan County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2023
Spirit Lake
9 miChelan County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked October 2021
Lake Brigham
5 miChelan County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked October 2020
Lake Alice
4 miChelan County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2017
Caroline Lake
5 miChelan County · 1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2016
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 2002 | Golden Trout | 450 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Bob Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bob Lake was last stocked August 29, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bob Lake?
Bob Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Golden Trout.
How often is Bob Lake stocked?
Bob Lake is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 2002 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bob Lake?
About 750 fish have been stocked in Bob Lake across 3 recorded events since 2002, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bob 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 Bob Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bob 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.