Bonney Lake Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bonney Lake was last stocked March 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Bonney Lake has 59 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 50,180 fish stocked over that period.
When Bonney Lake is stocked
Bonney Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March — 30 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bonney Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Pierce County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bonney 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 Bonney Lake was last stocked March 10, 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 Bonney 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.
Recommended Tackle for Bonney 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 Bonney Lake, freshest activity first.
Big Soos Creek
8 miKing County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Bradley Lake
5 miPierce County · 3 species · 180 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Tapps
2 miPierce County · 3 species · 41 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wilkeson Creek
6 miPierce County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked June 2026
Voight Creek
7 miPierce County · 4 species · 313 records
Last stocked June 2026
Fivemile Lake
7 miKing County · 2 species · 44 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 10, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,170 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 351 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 382 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 360 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 30, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 348 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 11, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 102 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 975 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 12, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 24, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 332 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| December 3, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 20, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 680 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,530 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 185 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 14, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 18, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 11, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| March 5, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 59 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bonney Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Bonney Lake was last stocked March 10, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bonney Lake?
Bonney Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bonney Lake stocked?
Bonney Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in March.
How often is Bonney Lake stocked?
Bonney Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 59 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Bonney Lake?
About 50,180 fish have been stocked in Bonney Lake across 59 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bonney 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 Bonney Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bonney 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.