Carney Lake Fish Stocking
Pierce County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Carney Lake was last stocked June 2, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Carney Lake has 86 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 359,811 fish stocked over that period.
When Carney Lake is stocked
Carney Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 45 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Carney 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 Carney 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 Carney Lake was last stocked June 2, 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 Carney 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Carney 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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Carney Lake, freshest activity first.
Devereaux Lake
4 miMason County · 3 species · 153 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mill Pond
5 miPacific County · 1 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mill Pond
5 miKing County · 1 species · 58 records
Last stocked April 2026
Horseshoe Lake
5 miKitsap County · 2 species · 79 records
Last stocked April 2026
Sweetwater Cr15.0504
4 miKitsap County · 1 species · 39 records
Last stocked April 2026
Wye Lake
2 miKitsap County · 2 species · 82 records
Last stocked March 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,810 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,157 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,083 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,002 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,025 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 684 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,314 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,009 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2018 | Brown Trout | 1,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2017 | Brown Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,071 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 70 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 2016 | Brown Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,544 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 108 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,178 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 132 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| November 7, 2014 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,616 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 2,152 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 23, 2013 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 22, 2012 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 840 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 3,075 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2011 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 2010 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 2009 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,326 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,188 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 86 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Carney Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Carney Lake was last stocked June 2, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Carney Lake?
Carney Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Coho Salmon.
What time of year is Carney Lake stocked?
Carney Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Carney Lake stocked?
Carney Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 86 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Carney Lake?
About 359,811 fish have been stocked in Carney Lake across 86 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Carney 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 Carney Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Carney 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.